Experiencing problems installing a cold air intake on your new 2022 Honda Ridgeline? You’re not alone. Like many auto enthusiasts, I recently upgraded my ride, trading in my reliable 2017 Ridgeline RTL-T for a brand-new 2022 RTL model. Eager to enhance performance, I attempted to install the AEM #21-795C Cold Air Intake, a modification that had worked flawlessly on my previous 2017 truck for years. Initially, the installation seemed successful. For the first few hours, my 2022 Ridgeline ran perfectly with the AEM intake, exhibiting the expected responsiveness and improved airflow. I meticulously followed AEM’s installation guide, ensuring proper battery disconnection and all steps were correctly executed, just as I had done with my 2017 model.
However, after a few days of normal operation, my 2022 Ridgeline started displaying warning lights. The dreaded “Emissions System Problem” and “AWD System Problem” messages appeared on the dashboard, accompanied by an illuminated check engine light. Concerned, especially with the vehicle being under warranty and only having 1,200 miles on the odometer, I immediately took my 2022 Ridgeline to the local Honda dealership for a professional diagnosis.
The Honda certified technician conducted a thorough examination and confirmed live Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): P0171 (Fuel System Bank 1 Too Lean) and P0174 (Fuel System Bank 2 Too Lean). These codes indicated a lean fuel condition in both engine banks. Despite these lean codes, the technician meticulously checked critical engine components, including the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor, fuel flow and pressure, and even the ethanol content in the fuel. All these tests came back within normal operating parameters, suggesting these components were functioning correctly.
Ultimately, the Honda technician pinpointed the installed AEM 21-795C Cold Air Induction as the culprit. It turned out that despite working perfectly on my older 2017 Ridgeline, this aftermarket intake was causing issues on the 2022 model. To verify this diagnosis, the dealer reinstalled the original OEM air box. Immediately after reverting to the stock intake system, the engine readings returned to normal, and the error codes disappeared.
Seeking further clarification, I contacted AEM Tech Support to inquire about the compatibility of the 21-795C intake with the 2022 Honda Ridgeline. Unfortunately, their response was less than helpful. AEM stated they had not specifically tested their Cold Air Intakes on the 2022 Honda 3.5L V6 engine and could offer no further information or support regarding this application. This lack of support leaves 2022 Ridgeline owners in a precarious position when considering aftermarket air intake modifications.
In contrast, experimenting further with intake options, I also had a new K&N drop-in air filter readily available. I installed the K&N filter into the OEM air box, and to date, I have experienced no error codes or issues. This suggests that while a full cold air intake system might be problematic, a less drastic modification like a drop-in filter is likely compatible.
The bottom line for 2022 Honda Ridgeline owners is this: Honda appears to have made changes to the Engine Control Module (ECM) parameters in the 2022 models compared to previous years. This change has seemingly impacted the compatibility of aftermarket cold air intakes, like the AEM 21-795C, which functioned without issue on older Ridgeline models. If you are a 2022 Ridgeline owner and have successfully installed and used a cold air intake system without triggering ECM codes, please share your experience! Your insights could be invaluable to the Ridgeline community as we navigate the nuances of modifying these newer models.
