pugface

Hi - back with another goofy DIY issue.

I've developed the SAI pump band-saw scream. Found excellent info here, including KrazyK's writeup on getting the pump cleaned up and re-greased. After looking it over, and checking out my car, I figured I've got to be able to do this - the parts are right up front!

I followed the instructions, and after I got the SAI pump back in, I had the bright idea to test it before putting the airbox back in. Which means I didn't plug the sensor on the airbox in... (MAF, I assume?)

So, I started it up, the SAI does not come on, and I get warning lights and messages - ABS and PSM failure! Argh! I put the airbox back, noticing the sensor this time, thinking I need to visit my mechanic. I try it again, the same thing happens.

I pull and check the fuses relating to ABS and PSM, they look fine. One more try - this time it starts with no warning lights, sounds fine. The SAI squeal is barely noticeable now. After a minute or so, the SAI turns off, the car seems good. Drove it around for a few minutes, no problems.

So, opinions wanted - did I trigger some lights by not having the airbox sensor plugged in, and after putting everything back together, the computer has figured it out? Or do I have a potential problem?

I should mention I did not disconnect the battery - maybe I should have?

Thanks
pf

alpine003

Man, you really gotta quit creating problems for yourself.

SAI usually only comes on for any extended length of time when it's cold outside. I just came in from outside and it must be like mid 70's at least. You need to wait until it gets to like 40's for it to come on fully and run a decent time. That's when you'll notice the SAI more.

No need to worry, what you describe is what happens when you leave the maf disconnected.

pugface

Thanks Alpine!

If you're ever down in the far south suburbs, beer's on me!

After I calmed down, I did search on "996 MAF PSM ABS" and found corroboration on that. Still seems odd to me - how are those systems related?

Anyway, took her out for a long drive at lunch, everything seems back to normal. Knowing my luck/skill, the fix probably won't last that long, I suppose it is time to order a new SAI pump. At least I got the new air filter in right, I think...

I probably caused some of this myself - when I had my PPI, my mechanic showed me that the inner sides of my rotors had brake dusting clogging the holes. He had to take a phone call in the middle, so I went around and cleaned all the holes out while the car was on the lift. I drove off in a cloud of brake dust

pf

alpine003

NP,

I'll also be glad to help you take off your bumper next time too so you don't accidentally damage your IMS in the process.

5CHN3LL

The ABS/PSM warning can also be triggered when the battery gets low. If you had the trunk open (and thus the trunk light on) for a long time while working on the air pump and the battery level dropped, that may explain why those lights popped on.

pugface

I'm beginning to think the car doesn't like me. My wife just bought me a California Car Duster. I was sliding it gently across the back to try it out, and it snagged the 'S' in my 4S badge and damn near snapped it in half!

Macster

ABS and PSM controllers need input that is provided for in part by the MAF signal. If the MAF is disconnected these systems the input is invalid or just missing, and this cause these controllers to trigger errors and warning lights.

Plugging the MAF in and some driving should have the warning lights out in short order.

alpine003

Do yourself a favor and use microfiber towel and quick detailer to dust your car. The porsche paint is too soft and will scratch easily.

mcipseric

I have a spare sai pump for a very reasonable price. Pls pm me if interested.

RRocket

PM sent

pugface

I tried to PM too (not sure if I did it right), but since my fix is holding so far, feel free to let it go to RRocket