computer and new air filter

[Backtracker]

Will a new air filter make a difference on how the computer works?? And how will it affect idle and gas mileage?? This is only my second Tracker ,so be patient with my silly questions,thanks. John

[leeschaumberg]

Let me guess what year tracker you got - - - - 91 5 speed eh?
The air filter should be replaced when ever it is dirty! Your problem is most likely due to an ECU that is bad. Search on the net for a rebuilt one. They are 70-200 dollars.

[Backtracker]

Originally Posted by leeschaumberg

Let me guess what year tracker you got - - - - 91 5 speed eh?
The air filter should be replaced when ever it is dirty! Your problem is most likely due to an ECU that is bad. Search on the net for a rebuilt one. They are 70-200 dollars.

Will the computer respond to a clean air filter and adjust air/fuel mix automatically??

[leeschaumberg]

The ECU/ECM or the computer as you call it controls many things including the air fuel ratio of the engine. A dirty air filter just makes the ECU lean out the engine some more. When a clean one is installed the ECU will richen the engine back up. So if the (ECU-Computer) is working properly the condition of the air cleaner means nothing.

[jtgh]

filter will only drop wide open throttle performace, do to loss of air flow but will clog even fast and the AFR will be AOK, if ECU and sensors are good. ( This all happens due to the MAP sensor.)

if you are having drive ability problems , post them
post what car does good and bad , both.
Test the CEL lamp; 3 tests to see if ECU is not totally bad.
CLICK >>> ECU

cars can start and run with a bad ECU, its a feature, called Limphome. every car has it, and to different degress.
EMS cars only. 88 to present , mostly.

most people just start with a tune up.
then look for CEL glowing while running.
and then go from there.....

cheers

[Backtracker]

Originally Posted by jtgh

filter will only drop wide open throttle performace, do to loss of air flow but will clog even fast and the AFR will be AOK, if ECU and sensors are good. ( This all happens due to the MAP sensor.)

if you are having drive ability problems , post them
post what car does good and bad , both.
Test the CEL lamp; 3 tests to see if ECU is not totally bad.
CLICK >>> ECU

cars can start and run with a bad ECU, its a feature, called Limphome. every car has it, and to different degress.
EMS cars only. 88 to present , mostly.

most people just start with a tune up.
then look for CEL glowing while running.
and then go from there.....

cheers

Thanks for the info,I'm not having any drive issues but merely asking if the filter makes a difference in gas mileage and if computer compensates air /fuel mix because of less constriction of air filter.

[jtgh]

yes, if ECU is working and the sensor are working, the system compensates near perfectly. (tuned BTW for smog and not MPG)
8 valve car uses MAP
16 valve car use MAF
Both cars measure Air, directly or indirectly, and then match the air
to fuel injection perfectly ( it works hard to try)

if it wasnt for the need of CATCON it would even be more efficient.

cheers.

[jtgh]

here is a prius engine (food for thought)

Toyota NZ engine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

it runs at 22:1 air to fuel and doesnt the gas sucking CATcon we enjoy. but it is very expensive.(that cat)

enjoy