I read on here somewhere that replacing this/cleaning it can really help. Is there an idiots guide to doing it and how difficult is it. I currently have K&N panel filter and will be receiving delivery of a Green Cotton filter so want to see if this will improve things.

Any offers...pics would be great and tools etc. needed.

Simples

1. Unplug the multiplug from it

2. Undo the hose clip which connects the large rubber hose (that goes from the MAF to the turbo)

3. Undo the two screws holding the MAF into the side of the airbox (I think they're Phillips head screws)

You can then pull the old MAF out and put a new one in.

When I refer to MAF I actually mean MAF housing, the MAF sensor itself is a little stick shaped thing that fits into the housing but AFAIK you replace the whole lot at the same time.

Thanks stupid question from a complete novice...any pics can I touch the MAF or will that ruin it?

The MAF and it outer case is circled in blue. The unit as a whole can be removed by releasing the spring clips on the air intake pipe eitherside.

The actual MAF sensor can be unscrewed. Normally it is held in with security screws, one of which can just about see in my picture, almost dead centre of the blue marked area. If you don't have the appropiate security screw driver bit, then I just used a pair of pliers to grip the outside of the screw and rotate.

It is best not to touch the surface of the MAF as it may get dirty/greasy which will have the potential affect its readings.

Thanks

How to clean it and what with...new one is too expensive!

Take a look at this thread http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/172191-cleaning-the-maf/ if you suspect your MAF is faulty.

If it's not faulty then leave it alone

My car has done over 80,000 miles and speaking to the Skoda part guy he stated that it has to be exchanged and costs over £80 before VAT. So regardless of symptoms should it be changed? What are the symptoms?

Read post 3 from the link above (http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/173386-how-to-change-maf/page__view__findpost__p__2098102) and that will give you a quick diagnostic as to if your MAF has failed.

Some ppl seem to suffer MAF failure, and others don't.... I changed mine around 80k to fix a turbo issue (but it didn't, so I then changed the n75 and turbo and still have a fault - useless dealer!)

I replaced mine earlier this year, made it feel smoother and gave me better MPG. They're quite cheap on ebay around £30-40.

Very easy to install, even I managed to do it (total noob at cars dnt know how to change brake pads even..).

I replaced mine earlier this year, made it feel smoother and gave me better MPG. They're quite cheap on ebay around £30-40.

Very easy to install, even I managed to do it (total noob at cars dnt know how to change brake pads even..).

I believe, it is worth looking around for a Bosch one on ebay..... I might have a look and see. Shame my local dealer won't let me "test" one for a couple of days :wonder:

Yeah, I've got a Bosch one but had to pay around £55 for it earlier this year. Unplug it, see how it runs. It should run a bit faster even if the MAF is working ok, but if there is massive difference then yeah its on the way out.