What is it with '99 996 (and related) MAFs?

[pwarner]

I went thru a 2-week-past-certification-warranty CEL last year :o , but courtesy of this site and my OBDII reader found a simple answer: The MAF needed to be replaced (one of about six 911 parts you can replace yourself, not counting the tires). Fourteen months and 12K miles later, the MAF has failed again (and, no, I didn't buy the replacement on e-Bay). A recent car mag article on Boxters with the equivalent engine noted that they change MAFs "as recent as most people change underwear". Is this just a fact of life with the '99 991 engine? Is this why people spend the money to go e-gas?

Edited November 7, 2007 by pwarner

[1999Porsche911]

Why do you think you have a bad MAF? What are your symptoms and error codes? I have more than 60,000 miles on m 99 MAF and run an oiled filter with a blower.

Edited November 5, 2007 by 1999Porsche911

[Loren]

There is still a MAF with egas - it is just a different version.

The later design is less prone to dirt fouling.

From the 2002 Carrera Technik Book:

"The modified hot film air mass flow sensor HFM 5 is used, as was already fitted to the Boxster in model year 2000. With the C-shaped air duct, this air mass flow sensor is more resistant to contamination and water droplets, as these can only reach the sensor element after deflexion. A cross bore through the air duct reduces pulsation faults.

Note:

This air mass flow sensor must not be fitted in pre 2002 996 models, as the data records of the control unit are adapted to the corresponding air mass flow sensor."

A – Sensor element

B – Cross bore

C – C-shaped air duct

[Team996]

"as FREQUENT as most people change underwear" ? What magazine was this in?

[phillipj]

I have a 99 996 and have a K&N filter and have never had a problem with my MAF in 3 years.

There must ne a cause for your re occuring problems.

Phillipj

[blinkwatt]

I went thru a 2-week-past-certification-warranty CEL last year :o , but courtesy of this site and my OBDII reader found a simple answer: The MAF needed to be replaced (one of about six 911 parts you can replace yourself, not counting the tires). Fourteen months and 12K miles later, the MAF has failed again (and, no, I didn't buy the replacement on e-Bay). A recent car mag article on Boxters with the equivalent engine noted that they change MAFs "as recent as most people change underwear". Is this just a fact of life with the '99 991 engine? Is this why people spend the money to go e-gas?

Are you running an oil based air filter? If so did you re-clean(re-oil) it,prior to the MAF going bad?