i got the box open and just 2 relays and 1x 40 amp fuse other than the ecu.

the 2 relay part numbers are:

165 906 381 (number 30 written on the top)
8D0951253A (number 373 written on the top)

do either of these relate to the main relay (j271) electrical malfunction?

 

its the one on the right inward to the battery

 

i replaced that relay but no difference.

while pottering around i decided to unplugg the mass air flow filter as a test. to my suprise the missfiring problems stopped and i got good response to the accelarater through the entire range other than the car being underpowered. the only issue was poor idling.
i have ordered a new mass air flow filter and i'll see what difference that makes.

i didn't think that the maf could cause all these problems with the misfiring i just thought if they fail then the car is underpowered. it definately made a difference when unplugged.

 

it sounds like your n80 valve or purge valve is stuck open. you have lean and rich codes, when the canister is full of fuel vapors you run rich once it sucks all the vapors out it sucks air causing to run lean, plus you have a code for the purge valve. replace purge valve reset codes.

 

thanks. i'll get the mass air flow replaced and see what difference that makes. if that doesn't sort it as i hope i'll take a look at the purge valve.

where abouts is the purge valve? what does it look like?

 

i wouldnt replace the maf. try the purge valve first. if you only had lean codes and no vacuum leak id say maf, but since you have a purge valve code plus lean and rich codes..theres 3 things there that are caused by one part. its on the air cleaner housing. it has one tube coming from your gas tank hooked on one side and the other tube goes to the intake or throttle body. there will be a 2 pin connecter hooked to it.