MAF Sensor Connector Issues

[ceeheezee]

I have a 2006 3.2L Cayenne and it has been running hard at idle and shutting off. It seems as if the MAF sensor connector/plug is fried to the sensor. I have already bought a new MAF sensor, but don;t want to break old plug. Dealer is telling me that I have to replace the entire engine wiring harness. I find that hard to believe for just one plug. Anyone have similar issue and been able to fix without changing entire harness? Can a good Auto electrician just fix or replace faulty plug?

Edited January 9, 2013 by ceeheezee

[logray]

On my 996 I was soldered in a new section of wiring to the existing harness and used a brand new connector/plug for my MAF. One of my wires was suspect a few inches up from the maf which is why I spliced in new wiring. It works perfectly after 1 year and 5000 miles. The solders are staggered and shrink-wrapped, and the original shrouding retained make it look like stock.

The connector/plug part actually came from a Mercedes dealer and IIRC it cost around $30 for all the wires, pins, and the plug.

I would expect to pay an independent shop 1-2 hours of time to do the soldering job.

So yes, it is totally do-able without replacing the entire harness, given someone with sufficient soldering and electrical skills.

Another alternative on some connectors is you can just replace the pins and plug itself, and in some even just remove the existing pins given the right tool and then insert them into a new plug.

Edited January 9, 2013 by logray

[ceeheezee]

OK...That sounds a lot more reasonable than replacing the entire harness...Any idea where I would buy the parts or should an auto electrician be able to find them for me? Thanks for quick response...

[logray]

Depending on the connector/plug you can get them at a dealer. There are often part numbers written on the connector itself, which if you post here someone might be able to help find a source for the parts.

Or you can even go to your Porsche dealer with the part number and they should have a "tech connector kit" that has all sorts of these plugs and connectors and pins or at the very least can order one for you from atlanta or germany. A dealer will probably not splice into an existing engine harness if that is what is required. They probably won't have the tools to extract the pins from the existing plug.

In the case of the 996, it turns out the part number cross referenced to many other mfg cars, and it turned out Mercedes price was the best. :-)

[ceeheezee]

Thanks again...will let you know how it goes...

Edited January 9, 2013 by ceeheezee

[ceeheezee]

Part actually has a VW stamp on it (#: 1J0971921G)...it also has some other numbers on the other side of the plug (#: 7807222)...Porsche dealer told me to call Audi & I ordered the connector from them for $9.00.

Edited January 9, 2013 by ceeheezee

[logray]

I bet you anything if you take that info to a V dub dealer parts counter and show them a picture of what you want they could produce a new plug, connector, and pins for you magically (under their parts desk they have rapid prototype machines).

:-)

Good work!

[ceeheezee]

Hopefully last question...the guy at Audi said that he didn't see any pins for the connector on his computer (it should be a female 5 hole plug, because MAF sensor has 5 pins on its connector)...when I get the part from them, should I go to VW dealer and get pins and wires or should my mechanic be able to obtain on his own?

[logray]

Many times the pins are universal, in fact you could even buy them at Napa auto /etc.

With the proper pin extractor, it is certainly possible to extract the pins from the existing plug and reinsert them.

If you are really careful it is even possible to separate the wires from the pins and re-use the pins on new wires.

Any reputable repair shop can and often need to obtain parts on their own, so yes it is possible but you could certainly ask your mechanic...

In some cases it can be easier to skip the middle man...

[wvicary]

VW doesn't show pins or wiring for a said connector but sell electrical pins with a wire attached by size. There are sold 5 to a pack and should be a stocked item.