So I just added long tube headers and an x-pipe to my 96 Cobra two weeks ago. Today my check engine light came on for no apparent reason (I wasn't driving it hard or anything). Does this have something to do with the changed airflow, and if I get a tuner/chip that will fix it? Or is this unusual?

 

Go to Advance Auto and get the code read.

 

First things first...check your gas cap to make sure it is on correctly!

You have a catted x pipe so you shouldn't need mils or a programmer to turn off your rear o2's. I would get the code before I made assumptions though.

 

thanks guys, will do

 

it could be that his o2 sensors arent reading correctly....my CEL came on all the time when i had my catted x pipe. then it would just go off when ever.

 

X2. I always ended up just clearing it since mine was for O2s though I had a catted pipe and it would only come one once in a while. But, you should get the code read or buy a reader (bought one at Sears for $80) to be sure what it is.

 

If you are going to spend $80 on a code reader you should just invest in a diablo or sct tuner. You can find them for around $200 on the forums. I got mine from Mobil 1 World Ford Challenge for $260 new. That way you can gain a few hp from the tuner and turn off the rear o2s so you no longer get cels.

BTW Mystic...did you find out what the code was yet?

 

Well i unplugged my battery for 10 minutes and hooked it back up. I've been drivin for about 3 days and the cel hasn't come on again. I may have been running lean/rich briefly for whatever reason and the code didn't clear itself. I ordered the sct livewire tuner the other day, so if the cel comes on again I'll be able to get that code. We'll see what happens.

 

I can't tell you how handy my Xcal 3 has been for the 02. When my speedo went out I got a CEL and I figured it was but it turned out to be the VSS. A couple of weeks ago I got an 02 CEL and cleared it. Hasn't come back since.

 

Just because you have cats doesn't mean it won't trigger the o2 sensors. You went from 4 cats to 2. Think about it