Changing Your Air Flow Meter Cartridge

[Masked Marauder]

The copyright of the photographs and text in this item remain the property of the author and may be used for any non-commercial use. All information is provided "As is" and no liability can be accepted arising for any loss or consequences suffered as a result of its use.

 

One of the most common losses of power in a TDi Galaxy/Sharan/Alhambra is a failed Mass Air Flow Meter (MAF). It's failure is often easy to diagnose by simply unplugging it and seeing if the engine runs any worse. If it is the same or better then it is a good bet that the MAF is past its useful life.

 

Tools Required:

• T20H Screwdriver (torx security head)
  

Difficulty level:

 

http://www.bigtrucker.co.uk/images/maf/tea.jpg

 

Preparation:

• none
  

Location on Vehicle:

• In the engine compartment at the left hand side when looking into the engine compartment.
  

http://www.bigtrucker.co.uk/images/maf/001.jpg

Procedure:

• Press down on the tab on the connectorhttp://www.bigtrucker.co.uk/images/maf/002.jpg
  
• 
  
• http://www.bigtrucker.co.uk/images/maf/002.jpg
  
• and pull the connector off of the MAF
  http://www.bigtrucker.co.uk/images/maf/003.jpg
  
• Undo the two T20H screws (shown off the vehicle for clarity)
  http://www.bigtrucker.co.uk/images/maf/101.jpg
  
• and pull out the cartridge, noting the 'O' ring
  http://www.bigtrucker.co.uk/images/maf/102.jpg
  
• Refitting is the reverse, note that the cartridge screws are off-set so it can only be fitted the right way round.
  
• Replace the MAF connector
  

That is really all there is to it. It should take about five minutes so only needs one cup of tea!

Edited April 11, 2008 by NikpV