CEL after KN drop in air filter

CamaroGen6 · 11-11-2019, 06:23 AM

Had an oil change done last Saturday (11/02) by Chevy. The following day I installed the KN drop in air filter. Not the typhoon Cai; it's the cheaper KN filter that goes inside the stock housing. On Wednesday (11/05) I get a check engine light for code P0020 - "B" Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 2). Took it back to Chevy on Friday (11/08) but the code had cleared by itself. While they were able to see the code in the history, they "didn't find anything to be done" so they sent me away after clearing the code histories. I thought we were good then the code returned yesterday.

I haven't done a diagnostic check to see what the code is this time, but I suspect it's the same one. Car is running fine, and I think I notice a very slight increase in throttle response but that may just be placebo effect.

Has anyone else gotten a cel after installing a KN filter? Should I keep driving it in hopes that the computer will just learn to accept the slight increase in air flow (if that's the cause.) I threw the old filter as it was too dirty to keep. I'm still in warranty btw, I'm at 28k miles.

cellsafemode · 11-11-2019, 08:52 AM

the drop in filter will not cause a CEL. Period.

you either have something that is coincidental or you failed to either re-install the airbox or something else was disconnected/jostled so that it is not making good contact or is now loose.

SJFGTO · 11-11-2019, 01:05 PM

There should be no correlation between that code and a filter. Unless the air box was not reattached properly or the filter had too much oil, which could I suppose throw a MAF code, I think it is a coincidence.

HCI2000SS · 11-11-2019, 01:11 PM

Put a K&N filter in mine and had no CEL or anything

LARRY01Z28 · 11-11-2019, 01:12 PM

like the above two people said nothing should do that unless oil from the k & n got on the maf.

wookwook · 11-12-2019, 06:37 PM

""I threw the old filter as it was too dirty to keep. I'm still in warranty btw, I'm at 28k miles.""

I say its not related, just coincident. no one's reported cam sensor cel on an air filter replacement afaik. Your gonna go through filters presumably and its not a risky replacement. Get a code reader system. If its intermittent but repeating thats proof enough, have it fixed by the dealer, that part is pretty cheap for them to replace.

11-11-2019, 06:23 AM	#1
CamaroGen6 Drives: 2020 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Dallas Posts: 54	CEL after KN drop in air filter Had an oil change done last Saturday (11/02) by Chevy. The following day I installed the KN drop in air filter. Not the typhoon Cai; it's the cheaper KN filter that goes inside the stock housing. On Wednesday (11/05) I get a check engine light for code P0020 - "B" Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 2). Took it back to Chevy on Friday (11/08) but the code had cleared by itself. While they were able to see the code in the history, they "didn't find anything to be done" so they sent me away after clearing the code histories. I thought we were good then the code returned yesterday. I haven't done a diagnostic check to see what the code is this time, but I suspect it's the same one. Car is running fine, and I think I notice a very slight increase in throttle response but that may just be placebo effect. Has anyone else gotten a cel after installing a KN filter? Should I keep driving it in hopes that the computer will just learn to accept the slight increase in air flow (if that's the cause.) I threw the old filter as it was too dirty to keep. I'm still in warranty btw, I'm at 28k miles. __________________ 2020 Camaro 2SS

11-11-2019, 01:05 PM	#3
SJFGTO Oh Oh it's Friday Night! Drives: 2018 ZL1 1LE Nightfall Gray Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Walton Woods Posts: 1,061	There should be no correlation between that code and a filter. Unless the air box was not reattached properly or the filter had too much oil, which could I suppose throw a MAF code, I think it is a coincidence. __________________ 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE NFG; ARH 2” headers, catless mids, ARH full exhaust, Lingenfelter 18% lower pulley, ATI Harmonic Balancer, Roto-fab CAI, EE-catch can, TM ported TB, NX Lid, BMR strut tower brace. Aeroforce dual pod interceptor gauges. Tuned by Vengeance Racing!!! 644 HP @ 6250 rpm / 689 trq @ 3660 rpm Four that wanna own me Two that wanna stone me One says she's a friend of mine...

11-11-2019, 08:52 AM	#2
cellsafemode Drives: 2016 Camaro 1LT Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: California Posts: 3,491	the drop in filter will not cause a CEL. Period. you either have something that is coincidental or you failed to either re-install the airbox or something else was disconnected/jostled so that it is not making good contact or is now loose.

11-11-2019, 01:11 PM	#4
HCI2000SS Drives: 2018 Camaro V6/RS Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: MI Posts: 1,596	Put a K&N filter in mine and had no CEL or anything

11-11-2019, 01:12 PM	#5
LARRY01Z28 Drives: 2001Camaro Z28 Join Date: May 2009 Location: eubank KY Posts: 250	like the above two people said nothing should do that unless oil from the k & n got on the maf.

11-12-2019, 06:37 PM	#6
wookwook Drives: 18 Camaro LS M6 Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: NH Posts: 698	""I threw the old filter as it was too dirty to keep. I'm still in warranty btw, I'm at 28k miles."" I say its not related, just coincident. no one's reported cam sensor cel on an air filter replacement afaik. Your gonna go through filters presumably and its not a risky replacement. Get a code reader system. If its intermittent but repeating thats proof enough, have it fixed by the dealer, that part is pretty cheap for them to replace.

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