K&N air filter problem

I have a 2002 Tacoma pre-runner 4x4 V6. Bought it used in 08, it came with a cone shaped K&N air filter. Every few months my check engine light comes on and code reads " to lean, bank 1" or something similar to that. I wash the filter, but don't oil it, and I clear the code with my code reader, " cheaper Black & Decker reader. It clears and then comes back a few months later. Any take on these filters, and should I revert back to the stock system that was on it when previous owner purchased it? How much would that cost? Thanks.

 

this might help
http://www.obd-codes.com/p0171

 

Thanks, but I think I'm leaning more towards the air filter. I've read pros and cons of the K&N's. Hopefully that's the only problem.

 

for the K/N filter to work right it needs to be oiled. You also might need to clean the MAF sensor, since that could have some dirt buildup on it now. I had one for 8 years, and to be honest the oil type filter is not worth the trouble. Their are good high flow filter on the market now that don't require oil, now not sure if they make them in the cone shape, I am sure they do, but you are not doing yourself any favors or your engine any favors by not oiling the filter.

 

Thanks again, I think I'll look for a replacement for the cone filter, maybe they make some kind of sleeve that would fit over the cone. I know I'm not doing myself any favors by not oiling the filter, I should have said I have not oiled it lately, ( since last washing). Thanks again.

 

like my fipk/#3004 K&N element.

lifetime warranty it has.
I had a 12 year old element that had
a little dry rot occurring.
receipt not needed...
emailed a picture of mine...
had a new one at muh door in a few days.

Your issue is not with the K&N... but something else
(unless installed improperly)

my fipk has been working well for many years use.
has never caused a code or cel

 

The code is always the same, and after I clean the filter and clear the code it won't show up again until the filter needs cleaning again, so that would lead me to believe it is the filter getting dirty and causing the "to lean- bank 1" code to come up. It's the same code every time, and will not come up for several months after cleaning, so if it was some other issue it would, I believe, show up again sooner than it has been. Thanks for the input, any info on the subject is a good thing.

 

lean bank one means its two cylinders (as its three coils, each powering two cylinders), where as the filter provides air to the entire engine, banks 1, 2, and 3. all your doing with an extremely clean filter, even if it is choking is providing more air. making up some of the problem.

id provide us an actual code....

First, Id change the spark plug wires (extreme heat and cold can damage them faster then the spark plugs themselves.

Then check the spark plugs themselves, yes the two back ones can be a bear, but when was the last time youve done it?

Then a coil for bank one. autozone rebuilt ones have done just fine for me.

all this is after cleaning the maf, but the maf is a seperate code from the lean bank one.


The filter does not have a sensor, like i stated, cleaning the filter is providing more air simply overcorrecting the issue at hand.

 

Well that just tells me that I don't know shit about those codes. Very interesting, I will change out the plug wires and the plugs because honestly I have'nt changed them and don't know if the previous owner did either. Thanks for the info. This is what makes these forums indispensible. Thanks man.

 

Nada problem. post up the codes, get a ultragauge during the next group buy, even goes as far as to show how much air the maf sensor is getting.

 

I read with this code you just need a new MAF.

http://www.yotatech.com/f2/p0171-code-its-not-maf-80418/

 

have you tried cleaning the maf? replacing can be an option. i did mine. vatozone.

 

I've always used Isopropyl alcohol and a Q tip.
been doing that for 13 years... no issue
^ always in the cupboard next to the medical supplies

or maybe I'm just too cheap to spend
money on a spray product that's not necessary.

just need to be cautious not the crack or break
the glass sensor element.

if yer ham or monkey fisted... get the spray

 

Amen. The TRD filter is no better. I got rid of mine, cleaned my MAF after several CEL problems (P0171), switched to paper and never looked back.

I would use dedicated MAF sensor cleaner though.

 

So ironically after telling yoy how to fix it my truck went to shit today. Rough idle and just bogs when i accelerate. i had if floored just to get to 30. Its not even drivable. Im gonna get a new MAF and see what happens.

Anyone know of a place online i can order one? Imma call the salavge yard tommorow and if n luck i need to order one.

 

Could be a clogged catalytic converter as well.

 

I just spent 90 bucks on a maf and its not the problem... now idk what to do...

Can the cat cause a sudden problem like this?

 

maf sensors are one of the few things id say aftermarket are ok. go vatozone, cant beat the warranty and price, as for napa better quality, less warranty.

before you start throwing codes at it, use a code reader.

rockauto, autozone, numerous toyota oem dealers, ebay, Amazon, all places to buy car parts. oreily and napa im sure also ship.

clogged cats dont just happen suddently, they build up.

 

I went to o reillys and bought a cardone maf for 80 bucks and its still broken...

 

the new maf sensor is broken? return it.

the problem persists? guess that wasnt the problem/the whole problem.