Installed Short Ram Air Intake - Now loss of acceleration and cuts out

Warfrogs · 2 Weeks Ago

Hi, first post and I wish it was a happier one.

Just bought a 2002 Civic EX Coupe (Automatic) and have been LOVING it. On my previous car I had installed a short ram air intake and enjoyed the increased gas mileage and power I got from it so since I was at 60k miles and needed to change out the air filter anyways, I decided to do it on the civic as well. Everything wasn't perfect, but when I ran to the auto parts store to get the last of what I needed, it ran fine. Got home, attached a new hose and an elbow, and now it loses all power and nearly cuts out when I give it any gas, followed by a high pitch whine and a hissing sound like air either escaping or being pulled in when I shut it off.

Before I say everything I did, let me say the short list of what I think the problem might have come from. I think it's either the sensor that sits inside of the intake, or else the hose that ran from the intake to the engine. My reasons are as follows.

As I went along with my e-bay intake, I ran into a few problems. The hose that was attached to the engine from the original intake didn't fit as the place that it fit on was smaller than the original hose. I used a bit of the included hose from the filter and fit it inside of the new vacuum hose which was the same size as the original hose and made it fit. I didn't think that the small amount of air loss would be a big deal, but it's a possibility, and if so, is there anything I can do to fix this short of putting the original intake back in?

Now here's what I'm worried about... I'm pretty sure it's just a temperature sensor, but if not, I'm in it deep. As I was pulling out the original box, I didn't see that sensor and it yanked the wires out from the module itself. I disassembled it as best I could and put a bit of wire in. I think that the wires are loose and are falling out, and I'm worried that that is the root of my problems and I don't know the part number, name, or cost. Furthermore, I found that the wires didn't reach to the place that the sensor had to go in on the new intake so I got a bit of wire of the same gauge and spliced them together (not ideal, but only temporary).

If need be, I can hop in my car and record the sound and everything, but I can't even generate enough power to get it up my driveway and into my garage. Any advice is VERY appreciated.

EDIT: Sorry, but I just realized this sounds a lot like a vacuum leak. Would I be right in thinking that?

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unTuned · 2 Weeks Ago

first thing is first. when you installed your new intake, did you let the car idle on its own and relearn the new settings? youre supposed to do this with an intake/header/exhaust install. disconnect the battery for 10-15 minutes so the ecu resets, reconnect and turn the car on. when you turn the car on dont touch any pedals or anything. just turn it on and get out and leave it for 10-15 minutes to relearn all the new levels.

that hissing sound is nothing, its just a nice 'feature' you get with the intake. since it is carrying a lot more 'open' airflow compared to the stock airbox, its continuously sucking air in, and when you shut the car off, the air being sucked is suddenly cut off and thats the hiss sound. thats normal for a sri.

as for the little hose going from the engine to the intake, that should be fixed asap, but that wont be your problem either. thats the breather hose and once i had one that was too short and it would slip off now and then, but my car still drove fine even when it had slipped off. it just helps vent bad gases in the engine. i just went into the part store and got a hose that i kind of had to force in place, but it fit fine and any hose will work. theres not really any heat exposed to it so you dont need a super high tech hose. any rubber/silicone hose will fit. i used one that normally is used for a radiator.

there are a few things that could be the problem. after i read the stuff about you basically breaking and fixing the sensor, i would say that is possibly the problem. they can be fragile sometimes, and i would call the dealership and see what a replacement sensor costs. if its cheap i would pick one up and try that out and see what happens. if its expensive, i would remove my aftermarket intake, and reinstall the stock intake with the same sensor to see if you have the same problem. at least that way youll know its a good chance the sensor is toast. then you have a good reason to go buy it.

if you can though a pic of your engine bay with the current setup would help. it might be something i just see right away.

turbo zombie · 2 Weeks Ago

look on estore.honda.com. once you go through a couple of steps you can look at all the parts you want. i looked at the air intake section for your car, the only thing i see is 011, "sensor assy., air temperature." that runs about $35. the problem might be the wiring though, since you said it pulled out of the connector. if it pulled out of the harness connector and not the sensor, i think your best bet would be to try and go to a junkyard and get the harness connector, and splice that in.