I just had my Magnaflow 16614 SIDO exhaust installed yesterday (love it!), but I just realized the muffler shop didn't disconnect my battery like the instructions said.

Is this a big deal? I never got a check engine light or anything. Should I do this now, a day later?

(Another special thanks to Troyer - I now have the full Stage 1 kit installed!)

 

It's not a big deal. The computer will eventually learn the characteristics of the new exhaust as you drive. Disconnecting the battery forces it to relearn it immediately as opposed to over time. Disconnecting also is a safety measure in case of accidently damaging live wires.

I'm waiting on my 16614 to come in. How do you like yours? Did you have any problems with the installation?

 

I don’t think it is absolutely necessary to disconnect the battery. The PCM’s adaptive strategy will adjust to the new cat back.

 

I DID have install issues - even after waiting for the updated 16614. I was all happy that I was going to get to install my first exhaust system, bought some ramps and was all set.

Then I read some other posts (see here ) about issues with the install when you have the OEM hitch (which I do). Because it looked like there might be some welding needed, i just took it to the muffler shop yesterday and had the guy there do it. He ended up cutting the factory hangers off the tailpipes (both sides) and welding his own on to the bottom of the frame. I'm glad I didn't start this in my driveway.

So, I'm disappointed with what it took to install - thought it would be much easier - but I absolutely LOVE the final result! The sound is sweet, sweet music! The perfect tone - not too quiet, not too loud. Overall, I'm very pleased!

 

I just installed my magnaflow SISO about an hr ago.... so far I absolutely love it!!!

 

Hi jdmclemore,

Disconnecting the battery is strictly optional for a cat-back exhaust - many people clear the PCM to clear out the adaptive strategy adjustments and let it begin the learning process from scratch with *any* new performance part installed. But in the case of a cat-back exhaust system, that really isn't required - the PCM is still going to do any "learning" it needs to over time, it's simply a matter of how long it takes - if you disconnect the battery, it does it a little bit quicker just from clearing out all the *previous* adaptive strategy adjustments.

Overall, a cat-back exhaust system just is not a big enough change to cause a real need for alterations to PCM strategy - when the engine breathes more air, the MAS (mass air sensor) picks that up, so the PCM knows how much air the engine is using as long as the MAS transfer function is close.

Exhaust system manufacturers (generally speaking) and some other manufacturers don't know much about PCM's in many cases, so many of them will simply say to disconnect the battery and clear the PCM & allow relearn to begin again from scratch after installing their new part.

So it's up to you - do it if you want, or don't, you won't notice any difference either way.

Good luck!