I need help! Yes, I mean with my car.

I had a problem with the starter motor not turning over, after finding nothing with their diagnostic tool, homestart got the motor to turn by knocking the solenoid with a long rod, but said a new motor was likely to be required. To get access to the starter motor I had to remove the battery box, to do that I first had to remove the air filter housing.

Having already bought a replacement starter motor and fitted it, I found that the solenoid trigger wire was broken beneath the insulation!  With the wire repaired and everything put back together, the EPC fault light came up and stayed on with engine running. I used an Autel VAG 305 scan tool to get the fault code 17552 - Mass or Volume air flow circuit open/short to ground.

When I replaced the starter motor, I removed the air mass meter wiring plug and replugged it at the end, so I don't think there is a problem there.The only other wiring involved in what I did is a connector held on a plate fixed to the lower starter motor fixing bolt. This plate was a bit stubborn to move, so I guess that the wiring might have been given some rough treatment when the motor was replaced.

Before I brave the elements again and crawl back under the car (groan), my question is, does this wiring have anything to do with the MAF circuit?

A second question is, given the fault, is the car driveable without repair, or will damage result if it's not rectified soon?

You can drive it with the MAF unplugged, you won't damage it.

Doh! I discussed this with a friend who has a friend who works in a garage. First thing he said was did I turn on the ignition when the sensor was disconnected. Answer - yes, to test starter motor. F of f said that was probably the cause of light showing and it should clear. The Autel tool wouldn't clear it, but f of f's all singing all dancing computer did. Problem solved!

Thanks for your reply sepulchrave, it gave me confidence to drive until the problem was fixed.