MAF again

[andy1234]

Feels like the MAF has gone on my car again for the 4th time in 6 months (this ones lasted 3 weeks).
symptoms are it feels like its not boosting properly, after 15/20 minuites of driving it goes onto safe boost , but if you kill the ignition and restart it again its comes out of this so no air leaks.
Apart from the MAFs being crap, is there anything else that could cause the MAF to go (earthing problem etc etc).
Also are the RS4 MAFs as crap, or are they a bit more resilient. And if an RS4 item were to be fitted do they give the same voltage per gms of air (so theres no need for any recalibrating). Sorry for all the questions, was just wondering if anyone else has anything similar.

Cheers!

Andy

[BaSen]

The RS4 MAF housing is somewhat bigger than the original S4 MAF so you'd have to change quite alot of stuf to fit it.
However there is another MAF to replace the weak BOSCH maf, Hitachi brand. It's more expensive, but lasts longer and less sensitive to dust etc. Haven't tried it myself yet since my new MAF seems to work nice enough. I'm running with an open air filter atm and it's still working properly after 10months usage.
Are you running open air filter or original air box?

[SimonS4MTM]

How do you know its your MAF

[KayGee]

Do you have VAGCom if so post up the codes. Also log block 3. Sounds more like a boost leak causing turbos to overspin and ECU to drop you in limp mode.

[andy1234]

Are you running open air filter or original air box?

original box with JR panel filter.Good point about the Hitachi.Who supplys these?

How do you know its your MAF

I dont know 100% that its my MAF, but the car has developed faults consistent with when the MAF has failed before (bit flat to drive, not as flat as when on limp mode,just not quite the same).

Do you have VAGCom if so post up the codes. Also log block 3. Sounds more like a boost leak causing turbos to overspin and ECU to drop you in limp mode.

No VAGcom.If there is anyone in cheshire/manchester who would mind spending 2 mins to take a log of whats going on id be very grateful. As far as boost leak goes, the car was only pressure tested bout 5/6 weeks ago by MRC. Not ruling a leak out entirely but think its unlikely as this fault has occured before when there have been no leaks.

[andy1234]

oh, and thanks for your quick responses!

[BaSen]

Now i only know a dealer in Sweden that houses these Hitachis but i'm sure there are plenty of dealers all around the world.
The price on the Hitachi MAF in Sweden is 2995:- SEK and 1£ is ~14:- SEK Yes a bit more expensive than the Bosch one but i believe it's worth the extra cost to switch.

[SimonS4MTM]

This requires some wiring modifications and I am not even sure if the ecu will accept the Hitachi MAF

[jimbogrey]

I have a similar problem and have changed most relevant parts the one part I havent changed is the N75 valve, if faulty could this generate these types of symptoms, without thrwing a fault code

Jimbo

[ZeroK66]

I thought you needed a newer ECU to use the Hitachi MAF? Thought you couldnt swap between the two?

[jimbogrey]

I have a similar problem and have changed most relevant parts the one part I havent changed is the N75 valve, if faulty could this generate these types of symptoms, without thrwing a fault code

Jimbo

[harry]

Thought i read somewhere that a non OEM panel filter can affect the MAF

[BRETTCOLLINS]

Did run with an K & N panel filter for over 6 months with no problem. Been told that faulty DV's can kill air masses.

[andy1234]

DVs are fine afaik as they were only just pressure tested a short time a go and my cars chewed through MAFs before then. I can understand a K&N causing problems because the oil on the filter comes off and clogs the MAF from what ive heard, but the filter ive gots dry foam type (kind of like a pipercross).

@jimbo, got a spare N75 if you want me to post it you?

thanks for all your suggestions.Been looking at the VAGcom register to see if theres anyone in cheshire/manchester but i need to register or something so not having much luck?

[Dippy]

To confirm the question - yes, to upgrade to a Hitachi MAF you need to modify the wiring AND get a new ECU.