First CEL - MAF questions

[jukesandz]

So, I've had the car for five months, just got my first check engine light. I went to Autozone to have it checked out, and the guy determined the MAF is setting off the CEL, so does that mean the MAF needs replacement or something else in the intake route? I guessing the MAF.

Also, I'm going to go stage 3 eventually (obviously, who wouldn't?) so my question is should I replace it with a regular bosch MAF, or should I get a Hitachi MAF? What's the difference? I just know that stage 3 fueling kits come with a Hitachi MAF.

Car is a 2000 S4. TIA.

- Joe

[highPSI-S4]

Well i would first try and clean the MAF and clear the code, then see if it comes back.

If it comes back after that replace it. also since you are 00 you need the Bosch MAF you cannot just put a Hitachi unit in there, your car won't run right. Do you have a chip/software?

[jukesandz]

Nope, no chip.

Could you link me to a DIY to clean it?

[AudiSportB5S4]

if you buy a hitachi MAF kit from VAST there is a very simple wiring diagram that is super easy to follow and are labeled which go to which, then you just have to have VAG Com available to change a letter in some coding and you're set... Hitachi MAFs are usually NOT included, they are an option if you are running the Bosch to upgrade. :)

[Jung]

yeah what he said ^.. not too bad as long as you have a VAG COM, which is on my to-buy list...
What was the code? it should be on the little receipt they gave you

and as for cleaning.. be gentle gentle gentle, the sensor is verrrrry fragile (or so i'm told). take the sensor out of the holding place. if autozone/napa has any maf spray cleaner, use that. or put it in a ziploc bag of 99% isopropyl alcohol.. that should clean it off really well

[jukesandz]

What?! I didn't get a receipt. He just told me it was the MAF throwing the code. Ugh maybe I'll go back tomorrow and get some cleaner and my receipt or have him scan it again for a new receipt.

Can you guys steer me in the right direction on buying a VAG-com also? I've been meaning to get one for years.

[AudiSportB5S4]

Check your PMs man, if you want we can meetup someday and I can VAG it for you... :)

[jukesandz]

Thanks! ^^

OK So the guy at Autozone cleared the code. I went to work today, and I've driven the car probably about 20 miles in total, but never long enough for the car to completely warm up. The CEL hasn't come back on (yet).

Could this be indication that the MAF is OK, just needs to be cleaned?

[CONTROL ONE]

If it's coming back, it will take 3-5 days to trip again, depending on the amount of driving.

You really need to pull the proper code with a VAG-COM to see what's up.

Also, cleaning the MAF isn't going to hurt you at all so you might as well do that for the time being before dropping $300 on a new one.

[CONTROL ONE]

What?! I didn't get a receipt. He just told me it was the MAF throwing the code. Ugh maybe I'll go back tomorrow and get some cleaner and my receipt or have him scan it again for a new receipt.

Can you guys steer me in the right direction on buying a VAG-com also? I've been meaning to get one for years.

Ebay Cable for $20 and the shareware version of VC (409.1).

[s42k5b]

you bring your car to auto zone?

[jukesandz]

you bring your car to auto zone?

Well I don't own a VAG-com and didn't know anyone local with one until AudiSportB5S4 PM'ed me last night, so I had no choice really.

[jukesandz]

UPDATE

I ordered an ebay VAG-com, and in the meantime, I met up with Overboostin' to scan. He was having problems with his palm pilot VAG-com thing, but the CEL went off when he turned the car on anyways.

I got my cable today, installed everything on the comp, scanned the car, and the code is STILL there.

Here it is:

VAG-COM Version: Release 409.1-S

Control Module Part Number: 8D0 907 551 A
Component and/or Version: 2.7l V6/5VT G 0002
Software Coding: 06611
Work Shop Code: WSC 06325
2 Faults Found:
17536 - Fuel Trim: Bank 1 (Mult): System too Lean
P1128 - 35-10 - - - Intermittent
17538 - Shareware Version. To Decode all DTCs
P1130 - 35-10 - Please Register/Activate - Intermittent

AudiSportB5S4 and I replaced the vacuum lines already. Steer me in the next direction please.

Thanks!

[Rajan147]

http://wiki.ross-tech.com/index.php/17536/P1128/004392

hopefully u dont have a oily k&N in there

i got that code once but it was because i didn't have my awe air straightener installed (awe fueling)

also, clean your maf, do a throttle body adaptation and cross your fingers

[jukesandz]

http://wiki.ross-tech.com/index.php/17536/P1128/004392

hopefully u dont have a oily k&N in there

i got that code once but it was because i didn't have my awe air straightener installed (awe fueling)

also, clean your maf, do a throttle body adaptation and cross your fingers

Hmm I've had the car for six months now, so I actually don't even know if the previous owner put a K&N in there.

I'm having a feeling the MAF needs a damn good cleaning. Autozone scan says the problem involves the MAF, and a couple websites are saying to clean the MAF for that code. It sucks that this happens now because I'm at college, so I have no tools or garage. Maybe I'll PM a Rhode Island dude for some help.