air intake

[cthebeach]

My son just installed an air intake system ( it's his first project) and now the car won't start. Any ideas what might be the problem? I think he is checking the fuses now. Thanks!

[parolof]

what's the symphoms, does it crank over, etc. etc.

[blkongry]

Just changing out the air box to a CAI should affect anything in regards to starting the car. That is unless, during the process, something arc'd and shorted. Does he remember bumping anything? Snagging a wire?

[cthebeach]

Apparently he also tried to change out a chip and accidently cut a line on the computer board. We had an electronics shop try to repair it , but that did not work. So, we ordered a new computer board and that will arrive tomorrow. He says he can install it, but I'm concerned about this being fairly technical stuff and he's only 17 and doesn't have much of a hands on background...just reading up. Do you think we should have the car towed to a mechanic to install the computer? Thanks for your comments!

[blkongry]

No, I switched out the chip in my DME and had no problems. I'm guessing if he changed out the chip, then he knows how to remove the DME (aka ECU, or the car's computer). It's behind the rubber flap under the hood up on the firewall by the glovebox. You can remove the entire DME unit from the car from one major wiring cluster pin... it's just a snap and pull system. Once you have the DME out, you can work on it at a work bench, or if you don't have experience with it, you can send it out to an electronics shop and have them do the work. No need to tow the whole car to a mechanic. Here are some pics of what to expect to help you along the way... http://www.zync.com/chip/ It also may be that the new chip isn't compatible with your DME. Have you tried installing the old chip and see if it starts with the repaired wire/trace that was damaged?

[cthebeach]

He did try to reinstall the old chip, but the car still would not turn over. Hopefully, the new DME will solve the problem. Thanks for all of your help!