So about a week ago i threw a check engine light that coded for lean at idle (diagnostic tool from auto place) so now im trying to figure out what is wrong.

To begin with i have a mazda 6, the 2.3 duratec i4 focus engine.
Only mod is an AEM short ram intake.

the filter on the intake is a little dirty so i brushed it off a little today and then ran an errand, check engine light still on.

I thought it might have to do with the filter because maybe at idle speed there isnt enough air getting to the engine because of a dirty filter. I have yet to change the filter because I want to get some help, other ideas about why i threw this CEL.

please help
thanks
bloodredsoccer

 

Did it occur randomly? Who would have thought that brushing off your filter would not solve it?!

How many miles are on the car? What is the actual code? I've heard of the Mazdas throwing a "bank" lean at idle code when the O2 fails.

 

edit it did occur randomly
i thought that brushing it off couldnt hurt, i recently hit 80k i dont know the actual code though

 

Take your intake off and clean your throttle body. Start there.

 

What was the code number?

 

Check for vaccum leaks...

 

<waits>

 

I reset the ECU about 40 miles ago and the CEL is gone...
at idle it is a little bumpy and it stalled on me once sitting in traffic.

Now i want to know: was this a noob thing to do?

criticism can be constructive
flames are appreciated too

 

just what i was going to get at... the O2