Problems with CAI installation: sluggishness, rough idle
 

My son and I installed a cold air intake system made up of part bought at Advance Auto Parts into his 2004 Mazda3 today (automatic transmission). Basically, we removed the top of the stock airbox, air filter and black rubber hose/resonator box. We connected a 3" wide and 6" long tube to the throttle body using a rubber sleeve and clamp, and installed the MAF and the tube that runs to the crankcase. At the other end of the tube, we connected a cone filter.

Unfortunately, the car accelerated sluggishly, with dips in acceleration. When stopped at red lights in gear, the idle revs would drop down and the car would stall.

Hoping that resetting the ECU might help, we disconnected the negative terminal on the battery, pumped the brakes and let the car sit for 10 minutes. However, after reconnecting the battery and driving around, it was a little better but still exhibiting the same sluggishness and hesitation in acceleration.

We re-installed the stock parts and the car was running fine, as before. Can anyone offer any advice on what went wrong with the CAI install? We've installed similar systems in other (olders) cars and haven't had this kind of problem.

are you sure you checked for leaks, and made sure everything was connected?

ebay has cai's for under 100$, mainly because theres nothing to them. just buy a better filter when the poop one they give you is done.