MAF sensor (faulty?)

[NeilH]

Hi all,

I recently took my 1998 1.9 z3 to the garage they plugged it in using the obd port under the bonnet and said that a code was showing saying 'faulty maf sensor' (didnt tell me code number)

I actually took it in for an abs engine light. (That has fixed itself but i have a new pump to hand incase it comes back as did say was pump)

I now have no engine light at all and was only the abs one before, however i do notice the car can sound a tiny bit rough but drives fine, idles ok and accelerates fine through all gears.

I have a spare working maf to put on but should i or could i make things worse when really its seems fine.

Thanks

Neil.

 

[colb]

No harm in changing it over to your working spare to see if that brings on the eml. In my experience Maf's either work or they dont, if replacing always use oem brands Bosch or Siemens dont buy cheap pattern parts, they rarely work or last long if they do. Invest in a good code reader yourself can reccommend the Creator 310+ available via ebay and Amazon circa £50. Simple to use and very functional and portable.

 

[NeilH]

I just worry putting this new one on will make the light come on and then il have tske garage to get checked again or get thr fsult finder you said but what your saying is il do no damage switching it over.

So can you have a maf sensor issue with no eml on? I wouldnt have known really if not plugged in for the abs light apart from slightly rough idle. I just put it down to being an older car lol.

 

[colb]

Maf's dont always set codes had that with mine, spent ages tracking it down as being faulty, new oem Maf fitted and cured it. My symptom was bad running, felt like car was being held back when driving it, it was obviously upsetting the fuel trims by misreporting the volume of airt that was passing through it. Best equip yourself with a code reader, will save you time and money first time you use it as opposed to paying a garage.

 

[mrscalex]

I would certainly be cracking on with changing the MAF.

 

[NeilH]

Cheers guys il change it over this weekend when i get 10 mins and let you know how i go on

Fyi - i do get a good price for fault reading at a local garage ive always gone too - charges £10 plug in but think will invest in reader like you said

Thanks again keep you posted

 

[NeilH]

All fitted easily. Feels a bit smoother ticking over and feels like a bit more low end torque but could just be in my head!

 

[mrscalex]

Well done. I doubt you are imagining it.

 

[NeilH]

Cheers. Slight exhaust rattle next job i think and if weather nice this weekend painting the rear bumper.

Exhaust rattle not sure what it is il be taking a garage. I get to about 3k rpm and get odd noise (for about 2 seconds) but keep revs low and just hear the exhaust note which is actually quite nice on the 1.9L

 

[NeilH]

Just to report. Engine is still running slightly rough.

It could just be how these 1.9 engines are as ive read and be a bit 'hunting' it never feels like will stall just not a smooth idle.

Going be checking for damaged hoses next then maybe camshaft sensor/coil packs??? This car has full service history and no mention of replacing either so could just be 23 years and time to replace them parts?!

Cheers.