“Active Air Box” Message — Troubleshooting & Solutions

If a customer reports seeing an “Active Air Box” message, note that this is not a Check Engine Light (CEL). The alert simply indicates that the Active Air Box mechanism is not operating correctly.

Affected Part Numbers: 75-5068, 75-5068D


Possible Causes

  1. Air box not installed correctly — swing gate may contact the filter.
  2. Swing gate missing or not installed on the motor shaft.
  3. Swing gate arm incorrectly positioned on the motor shaft.
  4. Swing gate manually rotated, stripping the arm.
  5. Swing gate arm removed after installation, causing damage.

Cause #1: Air Box Not Installed Correctly

Check Fitment: Ensure the air box sits flush and that the pegs on the bottom fit securely into the battery tray holes.

Active Air Box installation alignment Battery tray peg alignment

Confirm Filter Clearance: There should be a visible gap between the swing arm dam and the filter bottom.

Filter clearance check

Drive 30–50 miles: If properly installed, the message should clear automatically within this distance. If not, proceed to the next step.


Cause #2: Swing Gate Not Installed

Check Swing Gate Arm Installation: The swing gate arm must always be installed, even if the dam is not in use. Warning: Never operate the vehicle without the swing gate arm — doing so will trigger a permanent “Active Air” error requiring an S&B reset.

Swing gate arm installation


Cause #3: Swing Gate Installed Incorrectly

Verify Alignment: Make sure the flat side of the swing gate arm matches the flat side of the motor’s metal shaft.

Swing gate arm alignment


Cause #4: Swing Gate Manually Rotated (Stripped)

Test for Damage: Gently attempt to rotate the installed swing gate arm. It should not move freely. If it spins loosely, the arm is stripped. Contact S&B Filters to order replacement part AI1622-00.

Important: Do not manually rotate the motor shaft — it only moves when powered, and forcing it will cause damage.


Cause #5: Swing Gate Removed After Installation

Inspect for Damage: If the arm was removed after installation, it may have stripped the shaft. Test as described above. If it spins freely, replace with part AI1622-00.

Stripped swing gate arm


How to Reset the Active Air Motor

  1. Remove the S&B air box.
  2. Remove the swing gate motor.
  3. Place the motor into the factory air box.
  4. Connect the harness (you don’t need to reinstall the box — just set it in the engine bay).
  5. Push the start button without pressing the brake — this powers the system without starting the engine.
  6. Within 10–30 seconds, the swing gate motor should beep, confirming the reset. If not, contact S&B Support.
  7. Reinstall the motor onto the S&B air box and reinstall in the vehicle.

Active Air motor reset procedure Active Air system motor reinstallation