CEL/Maf Cured

[Jaak]

Originally Posted by stateofidleness

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.

[stateofidleness]

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?

[stateofidleness]

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?

[Johnny Danger]

Originally Posted by stateofidleness

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.

[58ceramicgreen]

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!

[Bala]

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.

[Johnny Danger]

Originally Posted by Bala

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.

[Bala]

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

[Johnny Danger]

Originally Posted by Bala

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 .

[Bala]

Originally Posted by Johnny Danger

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 .

Thanks. That's what I'm going to do. Since the seller has a 1 year warranty and I do need a new MAF I'll definitely try a replacement from this guy. Probably was a bad unit and my bad luck!

Question though. Do you have to reset the ODB (battery disconnect etc) so that it learns the ways of the new MAF? The reason I'm asking is i tried to put the old MAF back and man was it creaking and groaning and fluttering.

[Johnny Danger]

Originally Posted by Bala

Thanks. That's what I'm going to do. Since the seller has a 1 year warranty and I do need a new MAF I'll definitely try a replacement from this guy. Probably was a bad unit and my bad luck!

Question though. Do you have to reset the ODB (battery disconnect etc) so that it learns the ways of the new MAF? The reason I'm asking is i tried to put the old MAF back and man was it creaking and groaning and fluttering.

The are a couple of techniques regarding the battery disconnect. If my memory serves me correctly, one way is to leave the negative terminal disconnected while installing the new sensor. Then afterwards, turn the ignition to the full on position for approximately 60 seconds, and then remove the keys from the ignition before starting . Hopefully some others will chime in.

[stateofidleness]

JD,
I got one this weekend from ebay that was part number: 99660612400
Didn't fit at all. The part where the electrical plugs into has a squared side so the connector wont fit in it. The one on my car is more oval shaped all the way around. The one on the car also has a part number starting with 986...

What's up with this? The one in your post from Buy Auto Parts shows the 996 part number and that it will work for a 2000 Boxster non-S and the picture in their auction looks like the oval shape I need, but now I'm confused. How can one have a different connector on top if it's the exact same part number?

Will the 996 part number work for my car (is that an updated part num from stock?)

Thanks!

[Bala]

Originally Posted by stateofidleness

JD,
I got one this weekend from ebay that was part number: 99660612400
Didn't fit at all. The part where the electrical plugs into has a squared side so the connector wont fit in it. The one on my car is more oval shaped all the way around. The one on the car also has a part number starting with 986...

What's up with this? The one in your post from Buy Auto Parts shows the 996 part number and that it will work for a 2000 Boxster non-S and the picture in their auction looks like the oval shape I need, but now I'm confused. How can one have a different connector on top if it's the exact same part number?

Will the 996 part number work for my car (is that an updated part num from stock?)

Thanks!

I gave the seller my existing MAF part number and he matched it to his. And it fit perfectly But the design of the case (inside part) is different. I'll have to take a pic and show it to be clear.

[stateofidleness]

Hmm. My seller verified the part number as well and here is what my two look like. My original is on the left (oval) and the new one is on the right (you can see the squared off edge on the top side. This prevents the harness connector from sliding over it properly.

[Johnny Danger]

Originally Posted by stateofidleness

Hmm. My seller verified the part number as well and here is what my two look like. My original is on the left (oval) and the new one is on the right (you can see the squared off edge on the top side. This prevents the harness connector from sliding over it properly.

The seller definitely sent you the wrong sensor. That's for either a 2.5 or 2.7 non e-gas model. The same thing happened to me first time around. Send it back and make sure the seller cross references it correctly this time.

[stateofidleness]

Originally Posted by Johnny Danger

The seller definitely sent you the wrong sensor. That's for either a 2.5 or 2.7 non e-gas model. The same thing happened to me first time around. Send it back and make sure the seller cross references it correctly this time.

Still a little confused. Where does the 996.* part number come into play? The one they sent me is the same part number as the one in the link above that looks right, but clearly they're different.

The one I have has a part number starting with 986, but I thought there was a revision done somewhere along the line.

Should I just stick with the 986 one?

[walt2810]

My99 with 50k running rough and hesitation of power through the gears. Took out maf, cleaned, and disconnected battery. Started up and barely runs, no power at all. I guess it's time for a new maf.

[Johnny Danger]

Originally Posted by walt2810

My99 with 50k running rough and hesitation of power through the gears. Took out maf, cleaned, and disconnected battery. Started up and barely runs, no power at all. I guess it's time for a new maf.

Are you getting a CEL ?

[walt2810]

Originally Posted by Johnny Danger

Are you getting a CEL ?

didn,t even get to drive it that far. the car shakes and shutter, doesn't even want to go anywhere.
don't want to chance it going down the hill from the house.

what do you think? have my foot on the pedal and goes 5 mph.

[Johnny Danger]

Originally Posted by walt2810

didn,t even get to drive it that far. the car shakes and shutter, doesn't even want to go anywhere.
don't want to chance it going down the hill from the house.

what do you think? have my foot on the pedal and goes 5 mph.

I'm not an expert, but typically when the MAF sensor has failed, it will trigger a CEL. That's not to say that a failing sensor will always immediately trigger a CEL. In any case, sometimes when a sensor has failed it will cause the ECU to put the vehicle in "limp" mode. Hopefully others who are more knowledgeable than me will chime in.