Installed a CAI a few weeks ago, sounds great but now when I go to start-up the car (cold AND warm) it has a bad lag like it's struggling to catch. Almost like the battery is weak. My new(?) Exide battery is only 10 months old. When I was doing the install I took an overnight break with the battery disconnected and needed to jump-start the car after CAI install the next day---could that have weakened a relatively new battery enough to cause weak start-ups?

 

I Installed the AEM around thanksgiving and I have the same issue, but it started well before i put on the intake, so I wouldn't contribute it to the CAI. Just my experience.

 

Mine definitely started after the install. Was perfect before.

 

did you reset the PCM with a scanner so it could learn the new part?

 

If you had to jump start the car your battery has discharged somehow . There is no way it should have done that just from being disconected though .
Recharge & test your battery.

 

Did you find a way to plug the nipple behind the throttle body? Maybe that's it. When I had the AEM, I had to figure my own way to plug it. RB send a small red cap with their intake.

 

Yes, I used rubber compund to plug the hole. In fact, I got a CEL light right after install. I took it into the Mazda dealer to get the recall done and they reset the light but after a day it was back on. I'm convinced it all has to do with this CAI.

 

When you went to mazda did you get the new starter that was on recall? I had same problem until I got my starter replaced now she fires up fast!

 

Trainoffools, You never mentioned what brand CAI you installed. Did your CAI come with screens?

 

read the title, it's an AEM the screen doesn't affect startup nor does the CAI itself, you have some other issue such as an unplugged vacuum port, connector not fully engaged, need to clear PCM, original style starter (pre-recall), etc.

it would help to know what the CEL is, it's also not clear if it's cranking slow (which would be totally electrical system) or it cranks fine but takes a long time to actually start running, you need to be more specific if you want good help