A stupid question about MAF

[hawaii]

I pull out a fault code a few weeks ago.

17536 - Fuel Trim: Bank 1 (Mult): System too Lean
P1128 - 35-10 - - - Intermittent

I searched about this and I think it's the problem with the MAF because I just replaced the vacuum pipe not long ago. I wanna get it fixed. However, I just moved and it's not very convinence taking it to the mechanics as it's pretty far away from my home. I want to know is it dangerous to drive with this fault? Will it cause further damages if I don't get it fixed asap? Thank you so much.

[prodrive]

I pull out a fault code a few weeks ago.

I searched about this and I think it's the problem with the MAF because I just replaced the vacuum pipe not long ago. I wanna get it fixed. However, I just moved and it's not very convinence taking it to the mechanics as it's pretty far away from my home. I want to know is it dangerous to drive with this fault? Will it cause further damages if I don't get it fixed asap? Thank you so much.

The first action you can do is to clean the MAF with a good electronics part cleaner and re install the MAF. Clean the code with Vag-Com and see if it will throw a code again. If you still have a code than take your car to a mechanic.

[Seerlah]

You could also use CRC MAF cleaner.

[SykoraA4]

i dont believe it would be too big of a deal to drive with it. if your worried though, just unplug the maf. because you have a MAP sensor, your car will still run. the ecu will run a programed map in place of the input from the maf sensor.

[GetBoosted84]

i dont believe it would be too big of a deal to drive with it. if your worried though, just unplug the maf. because you have a MAP sensor, your car will still run. the ecu will run a programed map in place of the input from the maf sensor.

It will run pig rich though by doing this but it is safer if you are running lean because of the MAF.

[wesleyfbm]

Is it better to run a MAF thats throwing codes or is better to just unplug it and run without it??

[hawaii]

The code has been there fore about 1 month already. The "check" light just went on occasionally but it stays on a few days ago. I will take it to the mechanics in a few weeks anyways. I am just worrying that it will cause other serious problems

[Seerlah]

You really don't need to take your car to a mechanic for this job. It is more than likely your MAF. They tend to go often. You can log it to see if it is good via VAG com. As stated before, pick up some CRC MAF cleaner (at Autozone) and place the MAF back in. After that, log it with Vag Com in 3rd gear WOT on block 003. If it is bad, simply replace it.

When you got your car scanned, did you clear the code? And if you did, did it then re-apear?

[tdn]

Is it better to run a MAF thats throwing codes or is better to just unplug it and run without it??

what year is your car?

FBM? Fat bald men? Fire Beer Mayhem?

[Rau]

what year is your car?

FBM? Fat bald men? Fire Beer Mayhem?

Five Bald Mice?

[wesleyfbm]

haha yes fat bald men. as in fbmbmx. and its a 2001.

[Seerlah]

Is it better to run a MAF thats throwing codes or is better to just unplug it and run without it??

It is better to replace the MAF, if it is really defective.

[hawaii]

You really don't need to take your car to a mechanic for this job. It is more than likely your MAF. They tend to go often. You can log it to see if it is good via VAG com. As stated before, pick up some CRC MAF cleaner (at Autozone) and place the MAF back in. After that, log it with Vag Com in 3rd gear WOT on block 003. If it is bad, simply replace it.

When you got your car scanned, did you clear the code? And if you did, did it then re-apear?

I didn't clear the code and the check light just went on and off occasionally. However, it continues to stay on now. I am a newbie and don't know much knowledge about cars. I think I should better get it checked and replaced by the mechanics. ^^"

Thanks.

[Seerlah]

It is just the MAF. There really is no need to take it to a mechanic. I can even take step by step pictures on how to replace it for you. Maybe a 20 min job. And I have an extra MAF I can sell you for $50. So, why spend $200 plus at a mechanic for parts and labor when it can be done for $50? If want assistance, just PM me.

[justanaudi]

It is just the MAF. There really is no need to take it to a mechanic. I can even take step by step pictures on how to replace it for you. Maybe a 20 min job. And I have an extra MAF I can sell you for $50. So, why spend $200 plus at a mechanic for parts and labor when it can be done for $50? If want assistance, just PM me.

aww crap. i just spent 200 on a new one :

hawaii- just replace the maf and maybe put in a new air filter it should fix your problem. fyi....i drove with a bad maf for 2+ months

[tdn]

Seerlah, if that maf is working 100%, I'll take it if OP doesn't want it. How many miles are on it? I'm been running on my map for a couple months, better mpg than with the defective one on... about 26mpg combined.

hawaii, if you've got money to burn, bring it to the dealer, otherwise this is an insanely easy job, even if you've never worked on your car.

[hawaii]

It is just the MAF. There really is no need to take it to a mechanic. I can even take step by step pictures on how to replace it for you. Maybe a 20 min job. And I have an extra MAF I can sell you for $50. So, why spend $200 plus at a mechanic for parts and labor when it can be done for $50? If want assistance, just PM me.

Seerlah, thanks. Can you first show me the steps for replacing it before I decided to change it myself?

Another question. Indeed I am not sure whether it's the defective MAF. You said that I can buy something to clean in order to make sure it's defective or not. Can you show me how I can do it?

Thank you very much.

[Seerlah]

Thank you for stepping into the world of DIY projects. I myself am a semi-noob when it comes to stuff, but after my first couple of DIY projects I am determined to always fix things myself unless there is no DIY write up for it. Every DIY write up I have come across is 100% on point. I even going to be replacing my CV boot that ripped in a couple of days when the new one arrives. Trust me when I say that people on these forum boards know what they are talking about and want to save you as much money and headache as possible.

With that being said, I will go to my vehicle now and take pics of how to get to the MAF. Really simple. Give me a couple minutes.

Edit: I just realised I did not answer your other question about the CRC MAF cleaner (it is a spray with an attachable straw to direct the stream). It can be found at your local Autozone. You will still need to take out the MAF to clean it. You simply lay the MAF on a rag (to absorb the drip that will occur) and spray the crap out of it on the inside of the MAF. Directions are on the bottle. It is not like water, so the chemical compounds evaporate rather quickly. Let it sit till it dries (couple of minutes) and replace.

[B5A4Kevin]

my maf was bad since i bought the car and i drove it plugged in for 5 months because for some reason even with it unplugged, it still threw the code (lean multiplicative). once i replaced it (20 min job) i actually got worse mpg :S. no more mil though. anyway, first remove the plastic intake supply pipe that goes to the air box. just rip out the end near the box and use a phillips for the other part. disconnect the evap line (vacuum line with valve and solenoid (n80) at the black hardline at the rear right corner of the air box (pick or side cutters for one time use clamp). unscrew TIP hose clamp and push TIP to the side. cut the other one time use clamp for the other end of the evap hardline mounted on the airbox. pull out the maf plug (big black round rubber seal on top) and unplug connector (pull tab back until it clicks [not snaps] and seperate connector). seperate wiring from air box. unclip clamps for air box (x4). remove top portion. use phillips to remove air horn to maf. pull out maf. clean or replace. reassemble in reverse order. holy shit that took longer to type than to say. hope this helps. peace. ps dont forget to replace the clamps you took off (preferably with screw clamps)

[Seerlah]

Sorry I took so long, but I am hungry, there is no light in my garage as the engine hood blocks the ceiling light, and my back has been bothering me lately (<<<excuses don't cut it). Anyways, very simple.

The first pic is what you will be working with (please pardon the engine compartment, I have yet to clean her). You will first remove the snorkel held in place by 2 phillips screws on the front of the car. Just follow the snorkel (arrowed) and you can't miss it.


Next, you want to remove the MAF connector (Middle one circled: It is behind a rubber groument. Simply lift the groument up and remove the connector. I fubered up my connector a while ago bc I did not know how easy the release clips worked. Yeah, dumb mistake on my behalf, but does not bother me), loosen the clamp for the turbo inlet (bottom one circled), and loosen the clamp circled on top (I can not recall that name of that valve, but it is for the evap system).


Take off the turbo inlet hose, evap valve, and secondary air pump hose (it is the only one left attached to the air box. right next to the turbo inlet hose). And you have this.


There will be clips that hold the upper part of the air box to the lower portion. Unclip those (I have 3 that I needed to unclip, but there might be 4. the first one will be very visible). Take off the top portion of the air box and you end up with this.


Here is where the MAF is located. I did not remove mine as it is rather straight forward. There are 2 phillips screws that hold down the funnel for the MAF. Unscrew those and take the MAF out. Then simply replace. As stated before, try the CRC MAF cleaner first. Make sure not to touch the screens of the MAF. And make sure when replaceing, that the arrow is facing to where the air will flow (back into the turbo inlet hose). This may also be a good time to replace the air filter, as someone stated before.


It's really that simple. You just saved yourself close to $200 from going to a dealership/mechanic. Reinstall in reverse order.

[hawaii]

I bought the cleaner and clean the MAF and the check light disappeared after I clear the code. Hope that it won't appear again. Thank you so much.

[Seerlah]

No problem

[slopoke]

gonna try this in the morning..maybe i will put an air filter in there too lol... i havent used an air filter in 4yrs in my last 4 cars lol

[TverRus69]

how come when i unplug my maf the car dies? i've never heard of anyone being able to drive with it unplugged until now i guess. In fact i've always tested to see if the MAF works by unplugging it - the car staggers and doesn't rev past 2k.

[Seerlah]

It will only work on the 01 when it comes to the B4 A4.

[NorCal1.8T]

i had the code 17536 and it was my 02 sensor