CEL/Maf Cured
 

After a month of obsessing over a CEL (code P0102), yesterday the problem was finally remedied . Having ruled out any broken wires or ground problems, to include cleaning the existing sensor, I decided to install a new one. Here's the kicker ! At the urging of the retailer (whom, incidentally, is an authorized Bosch dealer), I decided to opt for their aftermarket clone (by the way it's not a refurbished or remanufactured part) over the oem replacement . Let me pause for a moment and say that I'm not someone who is inclined to skimp on anything when it comes to doing things right with the Dangermobile . However, given the fact that a MAF sensor is nothing more than a 10 cent piece of plastic with a glorified paperclip and piece of film - coupled with the knowledgeable and professional demeanor of the seller, I decided to give their aftermarket sensor a try. Besides, it came with a one year warranty, and if for some reason I was dissatisfied with the way it performed I could return it . So, after installing the part and subsequently clearing the code, I took the Dangermobile out for a 175 mile jaunt, which also included stopping for a yearly emissions/inspection test . The vehicle past with flying colors, and so far there's been no sign of the dreaded CEL. All's well that ends well, especially after having only spent $89 for the sensor . :)

JD
p.s. I don't know if it's me, but in hindsight there seemed to be a considerable improvement between how the engine felt yesterday and the period even before the CEL came on . That suggests to me that when a MAF sensor is reaching the end of it's life there's a significant decrease in performance . Perhaps, this is a time when the butt dyno and driver intuition comes into play .

Will file that info. away for the future. In the meantime, go Danger GO! Party ON!!!

AKL :dance:

Ah, yellow !!!!!!

Congrats, I love to find bargains but this thread is worthless without part numbers and web addresses, do share Dangerman!

The seller that I purchased the sensor from is Buy Auto Parts . They sell quite a bit on Ebay. In fact, that's how I first came across them. If you know what the oem part number is on your sensor, or the corresponding Bosch number, they will cross reference it for you . Also, as I said before, if your someone who insists on only getting a genuine oem sensor, they're also an authorized Bosch dealer . And, they offer prices that are in keeping with many of the other online discount dealers . The link below is an example of their aftermarket sensor .


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300472439656&viewitem= &sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT#ht_3173wt_1167

Dang!!
 

I wish I had known this a couple weeks ago before I ordered one from Vertex Auto for 2.5 X the price... I may consider sending it back and ordering this one... Will have to call and check their return policy. Thanks for the post Danger :cheers:

Thanks for the link!

FYI: This is the same MAF sensor used in the Bosch engined Land Rover Discovery II and in many other vehicles I suspect.

Thanks for the tip and sweet ride..not usually a fan of radical body kits, but that looks great. Also wish I knew of this MAF option when I replaced mine 1.5 yrs ago..

Well, as they say, "your car is only as fast as your MAF is clean"


They don't really say that, but for you, it certainly seems to have been the case!

Im glad you figured it out! I had a 1500 mi trip to get under way while i was still sorting mine out, so I just did o2 and Maf sensor replacement, either way like you I feel it runs better and no dash lights after 1500 miles... (besides low washer fluid but i feel that might add some HP) anyway congrats on the find! :cheers:

Have you thought of dyno-ing your boxster with and without washer fluid ? :rolleyes:

Johnny Danger, six months and x amount of miles since your install, your non-OEM MAF still working out for you?

I'm chasing a very intermittent problem with my Box starting up, revving up to 1,500-2,000 RPM, then RPMs drop off and stall. Checked for codes and received P1126: Oxygen sensing range 1 Cylinder (4-6). I'm not done troubleshooting, but I'm considering it could be the MAF. I took it out and sprayed it down with MAF specific cleaner, but it doesn't seem to have changed the problem. For $89, I just might go the swap-tronics route and replace the MAF.

No problems thus far .

not OEM MAF
 

Johnny Danger, is your non OEM MAF sensor still working well for you?

CEL and p0102. Purchased new non OEM MAF (not from your supplier). Rough idle and dies but when on the room revs fantastic. No hesitation just torque and go power. Once clutch in rough and sometime dies. Second sensor. First one same problem, returned for another.

Unplug MAF and idles smooth.

As you mentioned, hate to spend $200+ for piece of plastic with couple of components if your's is still doing well for you.

thanks!

I know there are varying degrees of aftermarket maf sensors. However, the one that I picked up was virtually identical to the oem sensor . And, it's performed flawlessly for over a year now .

I purchased the same one as JD, and 5-6 months later it's still working great.

Appears my old OEM MAF was just fine. If you want to borrow it for troubleshooting, I just ask that you pay for shipping both ways.

bar10dah,

That would be fantastic! Sent you a private message regarding part number and proposed cost.

Many thanks!

Just responded to you, Mrjr1000. I forgot to consider mine's a '99 and yours an '00, so the MAF is not compatible. :(

I just got mysel MAF with the housing for BMW 540 for 40$ shipped
I used it in my 3.4 swap
Same connector just remove it from housing and there U go
Works great
Mass air Flow Sensor for BMW 540I, 740I, X5, Range Rover | eBay

Thanks, Johnny Danger! Purchased MAF from linked provided, arrived Friday, installed Friday. Plug and play. Idle smooth. Off to KC for visited family and attending wedding.

Over 400 miles. No rough idle. No CEL.

Saved at least $160.

Thanks again JD.

Just ordered mine. Will take about a week to get here. $50 for shipping tho which is outrageous even for Canada. :eek:

It is still about half the price of anywhere else though which is nice :)

Do I complete you guys or what !!

Something about this post makes me want to put an entire box of testosterone patches in the mail to you.

Leave my testicles out of it !

Got the sensor next day which was surprising and it did level out the RPM's however I am still getting the idle hunt for a few seconds when I come to a stop. I am not sure if that's the sensor or something else with the engine. Will be investigating through the forum. Thanks again for the link Johnny :)

Sometimes it can take a little time for the ecu to re-adapt .

JD to the rescue! JD to the rescue! Go Johnny Danger! Go Johnny Danger!

Sung, of course, to the tune of Jim Dandy.

Just think of me as being a life force !

Noticed when I was in there doing the MAF that the oil filler tube is leaking oil on the engine. Wiped the source of the leak with a paper towel and sure enough, fresh oil. Looks like that leak could be the source of my persisting fluctuation. It did get better with the new MAF that your link took me to. In the shop today getting Low temp thermostat, fuel filter and now oil filler tube done. Should be running like a dream after that.:dance:

Still having issues and the oil filler tube that was replaced is still leaking but the source is where the two tubes come together. I tried taking off the clip and moving them closer together but I don't want to risk pulling it out of where each tube is seated. I will be taking it back to the shop, once again :mad:, to be fixed. I am getting so tired of this **********

How often have you guys had to replace your MAF? I just replaced mine about a year and a half ago and I'm throwing the 1128/1130 combo again. After I replaced it the first time, these codes were nonexistent. Now they're creeping up again every other drive.

I read somewhere that the TIP Boxsters use a different battery than the Group 48 that is listed for the car. Another forumer said this was causing low voltage readings which would cause those two codes? Does this sound accurate? I just replaced my battery last week with an Interstate Group 48, and was just curious.

Would really like to know how often I can expect to be replacing this damn MAF...

Tip must use Group 94R. It may or may not clear the codes.

Jaak I just saw your other thread on the battery issue for TIPs. I actually just replaced the battery 3 weeks ago with a 48 and just got off the phone with the place. They said they'd swap it out for free if I could bring in paperwork that showed that my car calls for a 94R instead (their system shows the 48). Is this documented anywhere that the Tip uses the 94?

JD, would this one work?
Shows the right part number, but my '00 non-S isn't listed as compatible:

PORSCHE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR METER MAF 3.4L 3.6L 97-05 | eBay


also, this will sound really dumb, but the part number also matches this auction which appears to come with the sensor and the housing for $22!!!!

BRAND NEW 99-06 VW MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR METER MAF 2.8L 0280218017 | eBay

What's the catch?

Generally speaking, I'm not one to recommend buying generic or aftermarket "clones" without knowing the actual origins of the part. However, I got lucky about a year ago when I was about to purchase a genuine Bosch MAF sensor, wherein the seller informed me about an aftermarket version they carried as well - that was a fraction of the cost of the Bosch sensor. Is it turned out, the sensor proved to be identical in every way to the oem part, and it has since performed flawlessly. Nevertheless, I view my experience in this particular case as being an exception to the rule. And, that's why I decided to report on it.

Just wanted to add to this thread..I was pulling 4 codes on my 98 (Cant recall exactly what they were now but I'll dig them up again, P1124, P1126, P1128 and P1130 seems to ring a bell? Let me confirm again though) After lots of reading on here and other forums, I figured a faulty MAF was the culprit. Tried to clean it a couple times with no luck..check engine would come back on within 20 kms.

I picked up one of the ebay MAF's. The MAF came from Carparts Wholesale and it cost me $48.00 plus $2.50 for shipping to Ontario Canada. I figured at that price, it was worth a shot. ($400 were my local quotes) I called to confirm and cross reference part numbers (both the bosche and porsch numbers) to make sure it was the right one for my 98.

Arrived yesterday morning, at first glance it looks identical, only missing the "bosche" logo. Threw it in yesterday afternoon and all good so far (crossing fingers) Drove around last night for a couple hours (150 kms give or take, highway, through town, trying to get all driving conditions) enjoying the last few sunny mild days and it's working perfectly!

No check engine light so far, much smoother acceleration (above 5k where there was a very slight hesitation) drives like a new car again!

Gents,
My MAF is at end of life. I got the one from Buy Auto Parts. For the S model it was 109. Installed and drove for over 100 miles with quite a few stops and slowdowns. Car is very sluggish. No idle or hunting RPM issues, no CEL. When accelerating its like it doesnt have any power at all. I dont hear the heavenly sound of the exhaust which I used to over 4000 rpm. Disconnected and drove it and it seems it's back to life again.

Bad sensor maybe? It is under warranty but I would like to be sure before I return it for replacement. Thanks.

It's hard know, but my experience has always been that an MAF sensor either works or it doesn't. In which case, if the sensor is not working properly then it would trigger a cel.

No CEL so far. But the car feels like it's pulling a semi.

Actually, I have experienced what I would call a noticeable decline in performance when an MAF sensor is on it's way out. But, this occurs during a very short "window" of time just before the sensor fails and triggers a cel. Maybe you should consider returning it for a replacement and see what happens .