Holy ***** batman,

ecstuning has like 8 different MAFs that are supposedly for my 99 A4 1.8T. Any thoughts on how I tell which one I need? There is a definate price difference between them.

 

Id go with whatever is cheapest, and isnt it more like 3 different ones? OEM new, OEM refurb'd, and OEM equivilant known to work well with the AEB engine??? Probably priced highest to lowest in that order? Id go with a refub'd one or the one that is known to work well with AEB.

 

Its talking about different engine codes. AWM, ATW, or AEB.... no idea what that is.

 

Why do you think you need a new MAF?

 

Because I have been throwing a lean code for the past 5 months and I can FINALLY afford to put some money into my car. Used my VAG to check it out, I put up a post on it a long time ago. I tried to check it against the data on the lean/rich error code section but my VAG seems to not want to cooperate lately so I can't check the percentages.

 

If you are 99, your engine code is AEB. If your lean code says "(mult)" in it, it is most likely a bad MAF. Example:
17536 - Fuel Trim: Bank 1 (Mult): System too Lean

 

Have you tried checking for a vaccuum leak or cleaned oyur MAF?

 

as usual thanks for all the info guys!

actually I wasn't aware you could clean them. I only saw references to them going bad, not getting dirty. I'll plug in the old VAG when I get home from work tonight and check for that multi.

cleaning wise, you thinking canned air..wet cloth.. or some of both?

 

I recently read that the best way to clean the maf is to drop the sensor (minus housing) into a zip lock bag and submerge (fill) the bag with isopropyl (no idea how to spell it) alcohol and leave it in there for 45 mins. swishing it around a few times.

 

the old rubbing alcohol treatment eh? I'll give it a shot when I get home, thats way cheaper than the $129 alternative, which is way cheaper than those stealership bastages want.