This is not the first thread I've made about this, but when I was accelerating up Caerphilly Mountain today in third, I exceed 3,000rpm and poof! the turbo cut out as it is far too fond of doing, leaving me crawling until I restarted the engine. I'm fed up with it.

This link here about VAG errors suggests unplugging the MAF as then the ECU will ignore the readings and work from 'baseline tables'. I can't get the whole thing out (damn those tamper-proof screws, and the allen keys Halfords tried to sell me didn't fit!) so I am only able to unplug the cable that plugs into the sensor and runs into what must be the ECU. I did this just now and took the car out for a spin, and deliberately went over 3,000rpm - with no problem. I'll test this further on the drive home

Now, this US-based VAG site gives a photo-guide to cleaning the MAF, namely, detach it entirely, put it into suitable receptable filled with appropriate cleaning solution (I have such a residue free spirit, from Halfords) swoosh it around so any gunge is removed, allow it to dry, and then reattach it. Problem potentially solved, at the savings of the cost of a new MAF.

From what I can determine, doing so to an Octy 1.9 TDI means removing the metal clip on one side, and unscrewing a panel on the other side so as to remove the part of the tube with the sensor inside. Is this wise, or should I see if I can manipulate the tamperproof screw into loosening with needlenose pliers, or should I just give up and take it in to the garage?

Any feedback gratefully received!

The screws that hold the sensor in its housing are kind of hard to unscrew without the proper tool. What i (1.8t) regulary do (every oil change) is take the whole thing (sensor with housing) and follow the instructions you found on Vortex. Always works great and its ridiculously cheap to do. Just remember, after taking the sensor out of its bath, let it dry completly. Alcohol or electrical contact cleaners should evaporate very quiclky.

Good luck

whats maf stand for?

whats maf stand for?

Mass Air Flow

The sensor measures air intake to engine.

I can't get the whole thing out (damn those tamper-proof screws, and the allen keys Halfords tried to sell me didn't fit!)

I have just used a pair of pliers on the outside of the tamperproof screws in the past....

you can get the correct tools for removing the maf from the housing i got mine off a tool van in cardiff pm me if need his number or you could nip over the mountain to my house

Where is the best place to get alcohol from?

A new sensor from ebay is about

Take a look in the guides section on this site and you'll find this

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/technical-guides/guide-how-clean-your-maf-sensor/50058/

I found a complete set of draper security bits in my local ASDA. Was a bit shocked, but they still went into the trolley for moments like these.

Where is the best place to get alcohol from?

A new sensor from ebay is about

Not into advertising, but you may be better off fitting a new one...

BTW have you checked any fault codes?

Not into advertising, but you may be better off fitting a new one...

BTW have you checked any fault codes?

I don't have the means to use VAGCOM, unfortunately Mr. P.

In any event, it hasn't worked. I followed the cleaning instructions to the letter. This morning I fitted it back in and started the car. The turbo spluttered a bit the first time it kicked in, but then everything ran smoothly and I could hear it working fine.

I got down to the A470, put my foot down, got to 60mph in fourth gear and... splutter, turbo goes off, just like before, car is now in rubbish mode. At the next set of lights had to restart the engine to get it to reset.

Unless you have anything further to suggest, I'll be booking it into Griffin Mill or White Dove this week.