2000 Boxster MAF 125.01 - how to check if DME updated

[Fyeganeh]

My first post -

I have a 2.7L 2000 Boxster built in 1999. In 2004 my CEL went on and I took it to a dealership and they replaced the MAF with the 125.01 part number. The CEL went on within 3 months and they replaced it again with a 125.01. Since then no more MAF problems.

I was reading through 986forum and found out the the early 2000 cars should have the 124.00 MAF or need their DME updated if they have a 125.01 installed. My receipt from the dealership did not mention that an update to the DME was done. Based on the info from the Porsche Tech note on VINs that need the 124.00, I believe mine should have had the 124.00. My VIN is 985YU622841

So my question is how can I find out if the DME has been updated to the proper version? The dealership went out of business... I have noticed a lag when I press the gas after being steady at around 3000 rpm and thought this may due to the wrong MAF.

I do have the novice durametric software and it says I have DME 7.2, type ID DME control unit 986US04, data version 0041570264503413.

Thanks for any help!
Fred

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Fyeganeh

My first post -

I have a 2.7L 2000 Boxster built in 1999. In 2004 my CEL went on and I took it to a dealership and they replaced the MAF with the 125.01 part number. The CEL went on within 3 months and they replaced it again with a 125.01. Since then no more MAF problems.

I was reading through 986forum and found out the the early 2000 cars should have the 124.00 MAF or need their DME updated if they have a 125.01 installed. My receipt from the dealership did not mention that an update to the DME was done. Based on the info from the Porsche Tech note on VINs that need the 124.00, I believe mine should have had the 124.00. My VIN is 985YU622841

So my question is how can I find out if the DME has been updated to the proper version? The dealership went out of business... I have noticed a lag when I press the gas after being steady at around 3000 rpm and thought this may due to the wrong MAF.

I do have the novice durametric software and it says I have DME 7.2, type ID DME control unit 986US04, data version 0041570264503413.

Thanks for any help!
Fred

The easiest way is how the car is running; if they didn't update the software, and use the newer MAF, it would not run very well.

[Fyeganeh]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

The easiest way is how the car is running; if they didn't update the software, and use the newer MAF, it would not run very well.

Thanks for the reply. It doesn't run bad, but I'm not sure that it runs as well as it could.

The reason for saying that is that last fall, I had a lot of work done on the car to replace the IMSB, clutch, RMS, AOS, 2 chains, chain tensioners, and chain wear pads - all preventive maintenance. When I got it back, the car initially was running with a noticeable increase in power. But after a while that extra power is no longer there. My understanding is that everything got reset with the battery disconnect and the car DME had to relearn the settings.

Also I notice a lag in response when I hit the gas when I'm driving at a steady about 3200-3600 rpm.

Both of these could just be the way a Boxster is supposed to handle, but I don't know whether it is related to an incorrect MAF being installed.

So how bad would it run with the wrong MAF? Would it stall, put up a CEL, or other noticeable symptoms, or it would just be less power and less responsiveness?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Fyeganeh

Thanks for the reply. It doesn't run bad, but I'm not sure that it runs as well as it could.

The reason for saying that is that last fall, I had a lot of work done on the car to replace the IMSB, clutch, RMS, AOS, 2 chains, chain tensioners, and chain wear pads - all preventive maintenance. When I got it back, the car initially was running with a noticeable increase in power. But after a while that extra power is no longer there. My understanding is that everything got reset with the battery disconnect and the car DME had to relearn the settings.

Also I notice a lag in response when I hit the gas when I'm driving at a steady about 3200-3600 rpm.

Both of these could just be the way a Boxster is supposed to handle, but I don't know whether it is related to an incorrect MAF being installed.

So how bad would it run with the wrong MAF? Would it stall, put up a CEL, or other noticeable symptoms, or it would just be less power and less responsiveness?

With the incorrect MAF flash, the car would idle poorly, stumble, and be unresponsive.

[Fyeganeh]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

With the incorrect MAF flash, the car would idle poorly, stumble, and be unresponsive.

Well I don't think it idles poorly or stumbles, but its responsiveness I guess could be better.

My hope was that someone would know a resource that would have the updated DME software version number. My understanding is that my version of the software is 004157026450 with update 3413 from the Durametric reading. I guess only Porsche has the actual version numbers and would know whether mine has been updated properly.

I'm thinking of buying a used MAF with part number 996.606.124.00 and putting it in and seeing whether it runs any better than the 125.01 that I have in now.

[BIGJake111]

Bought a 124 part today for my 2000S with the last 4 in the vin being 0827, im hoping I got the right part.

[Fyeganeh]

Originally Posted by BIGJake111

Bought a 124 part today for my 2000S with the last 4 in the vin being 0827, im hoping I got the right part.

Here is the pelican parts link for installing and picking the right part:
Pelican Technical Article: Troubleshooting and Replacing the Boxster Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF) - 986 / 987

[j.fro]

I've had MAF issues that could be 124/125.01/ECU related. My car was running with the 125.01 after the change and "update" (shop didn't get it right). During a Dyno test I discovered it was running lean. Chased the lean condition for years, and when I went back to a 124 the lean condition was resolved and the car ran much better.
Use your Durametric to check your pre-cat O2 sensor voltages. They should average 0.45, going up and down a bit. If they sit at 0.1 or less, you're lean.

[Fyeganeh]

Originally Posted by j.fro

I've had MAF issues that could be 124/125.01/ECU related. My car was running with the 125.01 after the change and "update" (shop didn't get it right). During a Dyno test I discovered it was running lean. Chased the lean condition for years, and when I went back to a 124 the lean condition was resolved and the car ran much better.
Use your Durametric to check your pre-cat O2 sensor voltages. They should average 0.45, going up and down a bit. If they sit at 0.1 or less, you're lean.

I tried it and got a sigmoid curve that probably averages around 0.45. Is this what it is supposed to look like?

[j.fro]

Yup, that looks good.