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VW NORTON
14-02-2010, 07:57 PM
Can someone tell me why cleaning the maf sensor only works for a while. My golf gti runs smoother and is noticibly quicker and more responsive after cleaning but seems to lapse back within a week. Do these sensors deteriorate and need replacing?
batteryman
16-02-2010, 06:47 PM
How do you clean it? There are several types but I've seen comments on this forum that say they should be regarded as a (very long interval) service item. Whenever I've had a problem with one (which isn't often) I've replaced it with a new one from a VW dealer.
dieseljames
16-02-2010, 08:58 PM
Some people clean them with brake cleaner i think (will need to check that out!) but I have read that cleaning them can make things worse (something to do with coating the element or something) and as above it should be changed for genuine vw MAF
VW NORTON
21-02-2010, 06:58 PM
i disconnected the plug for the maf and drove car.the performance was better although i did get the emissions warning.does this mean i need a new one?
dieseljames
21-02-2010, 07:24 PM
The emissions warning came up to inform you that it was disconnected!

You shouldn't really disconnect it, it doesn't really prove anything. The best bet is to replace it with a new one. (Bit of a gamble I know).

On all the car-specific sections of this forum there are plenty of threads regarding MAF sensors and the same advice throughout is to replace it.
batteryman
23-02-2010, 06:09 PM
The fuel injection system is controlled by a computer which takes several measurements of engine parameters then works out how much fuel to inject. One measurement is the signal from the air mass mater (MAF as you call it). Without this signal the computer reverts to a default value stored in the engine management programme. This may give you more power than with your faulty MAF but it isn't the correct way to run the engine. Best to replace the unit with one from a VW dealer - beware, there are lots of cheap fake parts available with the correct part number on them and it's pot luck as to whether or not they work. Best to use a part you know is correct from a VW dealer.