Air intake system: common defects and their signs

1. Breakdown of electronic control system sensors
   • Failures in engine work.
   • Activation of “Check engine” signal.
   • Jerks of the car while accelerating.
   • Troubled engine start.
2. Elements soiling
   • Loss of engine power.
   • Appearance of black smoke from the exhaust pipe.
   • Increased fuel consumption.
3. Damage, wear-out of turbocharger intake hose, air intake hose and system sealing elements
   • Sudden engine stop.
   • Foreign sound at engine operation.
   • Unstable engine rpms.

How to repair or replace air intake system?

When fault signs of the car air intake system appear, you should visit a service station to determine the defective element and replace it. The system is inspected for leaks by performing a pressurization test of the air intake lines using a smoke generator.

System repair includes replacement of elements that caused its unserviceability. Complexity of replacement depends on the car model and location of a defective component. In order to replace an air filter which is usually located between the engine and the radiator grille, you need to unscrew fasteners of its housing, remove the broken component and install a new one. To replace elements of a throttle unit you need to disconnect air-conducting hoses and pipes, coolant hose, disconnect wiring of the idle air control valve and perform replacement according to the defect. The procedure of intake manifold replacement is more complicated, it is necessary to demount the engine cover and the fuel rail.

Replacement of the air intake system elements require special skills and tools, thus such a work should be entrusted to service station specialists.