it's posts like this that make my blood boil.

yea it's "easy" if you can find a 5 point security torx wrench to get it off!

2 trips to Autozone over the past week and I am no closer to gettng this thing off and cleaned than i was the first day I posted it.

So where's the dam elves that make these tools and what do I have to do to get one from them?

 

Sears. You should invest in a torx set. Cuz that's really all they use on the car. You can get a 12 peace set for like $30.

 

Easier than that just use a pair of pliers to grip the edges of the screws and back them out, they have very coarse thread so it takes just a few turns to remove them completely.

 

it's not a torx, its a tamperproof torx!!!

 

vice grips work = TRUE
few turns = FALSE

well after all the time , miles , expense, agravation, spraying, cleaning, drying, etc..

CEL is still on.

Wondering if this is something that would go off right away or it takes time.
I read something crazy somewhere that to reset it you need to turn key on 3 minutes and run 3 minutes with hood up and door open???

Otherwise it looks like I'm off to the dreaded service dept.

Also I read somewhere that MAFs are warranteed to 7 years/70,000 miles? Something about Audi's commitment to environment or some nonsense.

 

You will have to reset the codes using VAG-Com or an OBD II scanner. If the codes stay off after about 80 miles you should be in the clear.

 

This is true, but it's the in service date. The exact date your car was sold.

 

Northern tool has the security bit set for like $10 with 30 pcs. I think you can use a square drive bit as well.

 

dremel turns those security torq screws into flat head screws in no time, and they only need to come out once. Replace them with sheetmetal screws.

and yeah.... waaay back i said have an autoparts store check/clear codes. car wont do it itself.

 

Just buy your own OBD II code reader. Got mine on Amazon for $56. You will enjoy the Audi "feature" of a CEL every other week or so.