Can't get my 986 to idle, starts up then stalls out.

[ARTbyTROY]

I have a '99 boxster 2.5L, manual, 98,000 miles and after driving it home with no problems and parking it, now when I turn the key it cranks over like it's starting up but it will not idle and quickly dies. I can start it and feather the gas pedal to keep it running but it doesn't sound quite right and as soon as I let off the pedal it stalls. If I try restarting it again right after it stalls it then has a harder time starting and if I go for a third try after stalling out the second time it does nothing.

I hooked it up to an OBDII reader and it gives this error code "P0102 MAF or VAF A circuit low input". I looked around on the web and whenever I saw posts concerning the mass air flow sensor no one mentioned their cars not being able to idle... I did see that sometimes the MAF error code is generated when something else might be wrong.

Even though I read several posts where people drove around without the MAF sensor attached I still removed and visually inspected it (it wasn't even dusty).

Tomorrow I plan to check the idle control valve, if that isn't it then I have no idea what to try next. I am having a hard time finding anyone else that has posted a problem online like the one I have and I don't want to be buying unnecessary replacement parts "willy nilly" to get to what's wrong, any ideas or suggestions are appreciated.

[Loren]

:welcome:

Most likely a dirt idle control valve and/or throttle body. Both should be cleaned.

You are correct that the MAF does little or noting at idle.

[fsarris]

What did you find out about his problem? I have the same issue with my 1999 911 996 whereas, I am getting the same code (P0102) and my car is doing the same thing sporadically when I crank it. Most times it will crank without any issues but other times it will act just as yours does. The dealer is telling me that I need to replace the MAF but I didnt think the MAF did anything for idle. Thank you in advance for your input.