Well - the dodgy MAF symptoms surfaced again this morning. Basically works like this. From tickover to 2000RPM using about 50% throttle produces all kinds of jerkiness and kangaroo petrol style output from the engine. I am assuming that this is the "sporadic signal" given by the MAF to the turbo, as proved by VAG com at my dealership a while ago. I assume basically the turbo is being told to provide intermittent power, proven by the jerkiness?

Anyway, the second symptom is more pleasing - when you use 100% throttle, all sporadic signals cease and the car shoots off, using what I feel to be very close to full power. (may not be I "think" but close) I am assuming that on full throttle, the position of the throttle is more dictating over the turbo's performance than the MAF and so all "sporadic" signals are over-ridden?

I'd love a techie to verify this please... and that I should fit the new MAF on its way shortly, a.s.a.p!

Cheers

Jason, if you can find a VAG-COM (or a friendly dealer!) you can plot out the air flow through the MAF and see if that is the problem

Chris

Well I verified the fault code - "sporadic reading for air mass meter" or similar, but it would be nice to verify the actual sporadic readings... I think I'll just say fook it and fit the new one. The symptoms this morning were enough of a reason alone. :(

Well - the dodgy MAF symptoms surfaced again this morning. Basically works like this. From tickover to 2000RPM using about 50% throttle produces all kinds of jerkiness and kangaroo petrol style output from the engine. I am assuming that this is the "sporadic signal" given by the MAF to the turbo, as proved by VAG com at my dealership a while ago. I assume basically the turbo is being told to provide intermittent power, proven by the jerkiness?

If this is a sign of MAF failure then mine must be on the way out too. Getting almost every morning the same effect when driving from cold. Only lasts for a few seconds, and only when I first upshift to second gear... almost feels like it is fuel starvation.

Q - With me it happens in all gears though - not just when cold. I can be doing 40mph in fourth for example, which is about 1500RPM, and when I step on the gas it produces the stuttering then...Same in third, but more apparent in first & second. Ironically on my way home from work the stuttering wasn't showing its face again... I'm getting so unhappy with the sporadic symptoms, let alone the sporadic turbo, that I'm swapping MAFs as soon as the new one appears on my doorstep, conveniently with the two filters needed for my 50K service