Possible MAF issue

[timbo]

Hi everyone, I think I may have a MAF problem, Im getting some surging and hesitation which seems to be getting worse. A few months back my opc said that they thought there might be an issue after they test dove it.

My question is, if I disconnect it to help isolate the problem an then later reconnect will it throw a cel, and if so will I need a code reader to clear it, secondly, can I clean it with throttle body cleaner.

Thanks in anticipation.

2000 2.7 tip with 80k miles

[4agdtym]

If the MAF is beyond cleaning, it would already have thrown a code and likely a CEL. You can clean the MAFwith electronic parts cleaner or MAF cleaner. Other cleaners/solvents sometimes have lubricants that will only make it worse. I don't know what disconnecting it will do - if it is the problem, then disconnecting won't tell you anything. I've been told that the MAF wears out slowly over time. Cleaning it can prolong he life but not bring it back to new-like functioning. I have been cleaning mine a few times a year since 2006 but I think it is about worn out. Having a code reader is a good idea and the MAF codes can typically be cleared with a basic reader. You may have pendig codes that knowing about would help you with diagnostics but not yet causing a CEL.

[timbo]

Thanks for the reply, the reason I ask about disconnecting the Maf is that I understood that if you disconnect it it forces the ecu to run on default values thereby resulting in smoother running and thus identifying the Maf as the problem. I just need to know whether disconnecting it will throw a cell.

[Loren]

If you disconnect the MAF the car should idle and run fine until about 4000 RPM. That is where the MAF does most of it's work (4000 plus RPM).

You will get a fault code if you disconnect it (likely P0102) .

[Richard Hamilton]

As Loren says, If you disconnect the MAF you may get a fault code stored, but on a UK car you probably won't get a CEL, as the DME is programmed differently for CEL activation compared to US cars. You may well get the ABS/PSM light, as the DME will be sending implausible signals to the PSM controller.

[timbo]

Thanks gentlemen.

[Jetski39590]

I've had loads of problem similar to this. Throwing up codes related to O2 sensors etc. turned out to be a perished o ring on one of the tuning pipes. This resulted in a vacuum imbalance in the crank case causing all these conflicting fault codes. Simple fix really a smear of instant gasket. Mine was running really rich and chugging like a steam engine. Misfiring on 4, 5 and 6. Look for tiny oil leaks on breather pipes could point to fault I've described