Bad maf error

[ABTa4t]

My car started sputtering on the way home and would not accelerate, pulled the code and this is what it said.

16486 - Mass Air Flow Sensor (G70): Signal too Low

P0102 - 35-00 - -

Replaced the maf and still having the same problems, even at idle when you hit the throttle the car sputters. Did not see any visible hoses loose or torn.
Spark plugs have been replaced about 3 months ago and the coil packs are about 1-2 yrs old.

Thanks for your help.

Marc

[Seerlah]

I am going on assumption that you used a generic OBD II scanner to pull those codes. If you used VAG Com, you would have received an intermittent codes for a misfire(s). Sounds like your issue is a common misfire. I have had ignition coils go bad on me in a matter of months, so 1-2 years would lead in that direction. If you can get a your hands on a VAG com, scan your car. It will tell you which cylinder is misfiring. More than likely, it is your ignition coil.

*Note that generic scanners can indeed tell you which cylinder is misfiring, if you actually get a CEL (or flashing CEL) for it. But in this case, it is an intermittent code.

[ABTa4t]

I did use a VAG com to scan the car... It did not say that I was having any misfires just that the MAF was reading a low signal.

As soon as I started the car with the new maf in it sounded so much better and was idling smoother but when I started driving it started to sputter again and almost undriveable.

The car is 99 1.8t with a PES stg. 3 and EVO front mount.

Thanks for your help,

Marc

[B5A4Kevin]

a "signal too low" fault seems to hint at a wiring issue. i would test for resistance to ground, and available voltage to the maf. when i see "bad" maf sensors is when they throw lean multiplicative faults or screwy fuel trims.

if there is a loose connection (possibly in the connector harness), it would explain why it got better on initial start, but then may have got loosened while driving. hope this helps. peace.

[ABTa4t]

thanks for the reply Kevin, I will take a look at that tonight.

Marc

[ABTa4t]

a "signal too low" fault seems to hint at a wiring issue. i would test for resistance to ground, and available voltage to the maf. when i see "bad" maf sensors is when they throw lean multiplicative faults or screwy fuel trims.

if there is a loose connection (possibly in the connector harness), it would explain why it got better on initial start, but then may have got loosened while driving. hope this helps. peace.

Kevin, you were exactly correct in that it was the connector harness. When I checked all the wires were connected but 1 of them was barely hangin on. I replaced the wire and the car is running good as new.

Thanks again

Marc