Wazoo

CEL came on when I accidentally fueled with engine running. Dealer tells me I need a new MAF sensor...estimate of just over $500.

Advice? How easy to install on my own? I understand it's quite easy. What about cleaning? Has anyone tried that....

The 2000 C4 is my daily driver...

Appreciate any help!

rss997

I need one too....Mine has come on and off for a while now......

jetskied

Why would the CEL light come on for the MAF with the engine running and adding gas? I think you better take the car to another shop as it sounds like "snake oil" to me. The MAF and gas tank are not interrelated. I just don't see how could this ruin a MAF. The new OBDII cars can sense if the ventilation/evaporator system errors in the gas tank and fueling with the car running would set it off. Have the memory cleared from the ECU and see if the CEL turns on again. I bet the dealer is just trying to get you for something. The MAF is easy to change. All it takes is to remove it from the air box top and unplug it.

PTEC

Ask for a description of the fault code. It sounds to me like your car detected a leak in the evap system (your gas cap being off) and set a fault code. I would request the code to be cleared and continue driving (with the gas cap tight!)

LVDell

Check out Renntech.org. Loren has a great tech and DIY site set up. I am sure several MAF's have been replaced and documented over there.

1999Porsche911

Never, ever take the word of a Porsche Mechanic. The are nothing but parts replacers. If they read the code, have them show you the OBD printout, then you lookup the code and it's meaning yourself. The MAF does not just go out all of a sudden without you noticing engine probelms. If the car is running fine, then it is not the MAF.

Reset the computer by disconnecting the battery for a few minutes and see if the CEL comes back on again. Even if you do not reset the computer, if it was caused by the gas cap being loose, the CEL will go off after a few drive cycles.

Remember, few Porsche Mechanics know anything about the sensors in these cars. If it doesn't tell them exactly what to do in the repair manual, they simply start replacing parts at your expense and inconvenience.

evo_333

Totally agreed.

I had my check engine light come on and code indicating it was the MAF sensor, but everything was running fine, so he reset it and it has not come on since. Don't jump to the gun just yet...

sansan

where can i look up what the code means? I just had my MAF sensor replaced because the CEL came on.. but low and behold.. two weeks later it's back. So I assume it's not the MAF.

TIA

LVDell

what code is it? YOu can look it up here:

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index...pcode&code=dme

Res Ips

I hate to say this but it really sounds as though your dealer is blowing smoke up your tailpipe!

I'll bet you probably went into the dealer's service department where you were met by a person who wears a necktie and maybe has a little 'automotive experience.

Do you really trust a service writer to convey your car's problem to someone else...why cant you speak directly to a Porsche "mechanic" at the dealership? and have you ever noticed that service writers know everything there is to know about P/cars.

The last place my friend that you ever want to take your Porsche to is a porsche dealer. Ask around and find the best independent shop in the area and GET TO KNOW THEM VERY WELL! So when you have a problem you talk directly to the mechanic not a "service advisor".

At a Porsche dealership there are no such things as "Porsche Mechanics". Porsche dealers employ "Porsche Part Changers" and they charge you a 100 bucks an hour for their "special skills"...

The MAF part alone is 290.00 at Porsche and my understanding is that there is a Bosche MAF available. Check around for the Bosche part. It takes less than 10 minutes to replace MAF and the only special tool you need is a "secuirty" torx. You can get a complete set at Sears or any good parts store like NAPA for under 25.00.

Good luck...

J

SteveFromMN

I agree the MAF sensor measures the airflow as it enters the intake just after the air cleaner. It is could not be damaged by fueling the car while it is running. Maybe it failed at just that moment but I doubt it. Reset the fault and see if it reoccurs.

JimB

The other thing is that, unless I'm mistaken, there isn't a code that says the MAF has failed. As I recall, you either get an O2 sensor code or you notice a loss of power when the MAF goes. It's educated guessing on the part of the mechanics.

I wouldn't be as hard on dealer mechanics as jcoduto. They have a lot of training and the very best equipment but I would agree that a good independent is usually much better to work.

rss997

My dealer said over the phone that it was probably on o2 sensor, not the maf. He said to bring it by and he will read the code and show it to me...

I'll let you know the outcome. They seem to be very cautious about seeing people pay for things they do not need.

Robert

1999Porsche911

Are you experiencing any engine problems? If not, just reset the computer and move on with your life.

rss997

Dealer checked the faults in the computer today and 2 fault codes came up.

02 sensor
and
one they said they have not seen.....before...They said it could be a loose wire or damaged wire etc...

I am bringing it in monday to a local specialist that all the PCA people in San Diego use and trust...........