What should I do next?

[Strawfordt]

Someone suggested betting on cause of my problem.

After having cleared codes vehicle ran okay in the garage. Now the sad part.

I was on my way to work today and got the dreaed flashing SES light. Car sputtered and popped alot until it warmed up. After some temp gain the car ran rough but better.

Going to the garage on Wednesday.

Who is guessing what?

Tom

[steve00s]

I had a similar problem about six months ago. When CEL came on I bought an OBDII reader and got the same codes. I first tried clearing the codes several times but every couple of hundred miles they came back. I replaced the MAF sensor and its been clear sailing ever sense. Hope your problem is as simple.

[MNBoxster]

HI,

+1 on the MAF. Definitely the right symptoms. That's my diagnosis and I'm sticking with it... Hope this helps...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[Strawfordt]

I agree with Jim.

I'm going to clean the MAF sensor this weekend.

I read somewhere that if it truly is the MAF you can know for sure by disconnectinig the electrical and then seeing if the troubles go away.

Hoping for an easy fix here. Cleaned and improved would be the best.

Should i change the air filter also? Seems like an okay idea to me!

I'll let you know.

Tom

[Strawfordt]

Hi again,

Anyone know which Torx Security head I'll need for the MAF sensor removal?

I think'it's a T20H.


That would be the male of female driver required?

[xclusivecar]

Exact same thing happened to me...flashing cel, popping noises,misfiring. Only when cold outside...the MAF was the culprit. Of course after the maf was replaced each O2 sensor crapped out...one a month until all were replaced.

Mafs are sensitive...by cleaning it you are most likely putting off the inevetible. Your gonna need a new one sooner than later. The last thing you need is to be stranded on the road when the newly cleaned maf craps out again. Remember...when the cel is flashing you must TURN OFF THE CAR IMMEDIATELY. Damage will occur to the emissions system and the cost to fix damaged emissions parts is unreal.

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by Strawfordt

Hi again,

Anyone know which Torx Security head I'll need for the MAF sensor removal?

I think'it's a T20H.


That would be the male of female driver required?

Hi,

Yes, it's a T-20 anti-tamper. The Torque value is 2-3 Nm (2-3 Ft. Lbs.) so go easy when reinstalling it.

Try cleaning it, this works if the MAF is only dirty. They do fail though as well, so while you have it out, note the PN# on it in case you need to order one in the future. There were several variations, so you need to know the one your car has.

Also, should the car ever fail on the road, and you suspect the MAF, just disconnect the electrical connector to it. This will cause a CEL (if you don't already have one), but the DME will go into 'Open Loop' and select a default MAP. Performance and mileage will suffer, but it will get you home w/o damaging the engine or emissions gear, service it ASAP. Hope this helps...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[xclusivecar]

Originally Posted by MNBoxster

Hi,



Also, should the car ever fail on the road, and you suspect the MAF, just disconnect the electrical connector to it. This will cause a CEL (if you don't already have one), but the DME will go into 'Open Loop' and select a default MAP. Performance and mileage will suffer, but it will get you home w/o damaging the engine or emissions gear, service it ASAP. Hope this helps...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

You would think the computer would automatically go into "open loop mode" rather than flashing its cel and allowing you to do even more damage to your car if not careful.