How to tell the difference betwen MAF & Coil Pack?

[FIRE]

Hey there! I had this same problem with my last b5, changed MAF and then had to spend again on coils.

I did a lot of search but there´s nothing specific on this, so I was wondering if you could give me some light.

I´ve been having some troubles with my 2.8 30v, poor gas mileage and just a couple of days ago started stuttering while driving, loss of power eventually. Car starts fine and runs fine, but misfires randomly.

I tried disconnecting my MAF to check if it´s failing, or the problem keeps appearing, is this the right way to determine that?

TIA!

[walky_talky20]

You can log the MAF. That will usually tell you if there is anything wrong with the sensor.

[FIRE]

Is there any other way to check it without logging into it?

[walky_talky20]

Well, unplugging it would be your next best test. If the car operates worse with the sensor plugged in, that doesn't bode well. A large intake leak can fool that test, though.

For the coil packs, you can check the strength of the spark by seeing how far it will jump. You can see how far you are able to pull the plug wire off the plug before it affects the idle. There is actually a special tool to test for this, but it isn't really necessary.

[FIRE]

That jumping test sounds interesting. I might try that tonight! Thanks!

[walky_talky20]

Disclaimer: The above was not a recommendation for you to do that test yourself. I can't be responsible for your safety. If you do want to try it, at your own risk, keep one hand behind your back. You don't want 40,000 volts discharging through your heart.

I think that warning was sufficiently scary, no?

[FIRE]

LOL!

i think i might just wait for some other ideas then! I wouldnt like my car to kill me while im trying to fix it!

[walky_talky20]

I severely overstated the risk there, on purpose really. It is a very simple test that is easy to do. But there is high voltage involved. Normally all it could possibly give you is a numb hand for a few minutes, but how am I to know you don't have a pacemaker or something, you know? Hence, my warning.

[BlackLock_A4]

lol I like that disclaimer. Nice new pic Walky! I didn't even recognize you. haha

[walky_talky20]

lol I like that disclaimer. Nice new pic Walky! I didn't even recognize you. haha

Thanks! Just noticed our A4's are "posing" similarly for their closeup.

[zak]

I severely overstated the risk there, on purpose really. It is a very simple test that is easy to do. But there is high voltage involved. Normally all it could possibly give you is a numb hand for a few minutes, but how am I to know you don't have a pacemaker or something, you know? Hence, my warning.

Haha--my MGB back in the day was running rough, so I popped the hood. As it idled I pressed on each plug wire. When I got to cylinder #3, boom went the dynomite. I thought I had hit the fan or something as each pulse of voltage zapped my hand.

Now this was a points ignition system, thus lower voltage than our modern electronic systems. But even though the volts are high, the amps are low. But be careful.

[walky_talky20]

^^Oh, brother. Now he's never going to do this test! lol.