Error code and MAF question

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Jan 28, 2003 | 09:52 PM

Cipher5170

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Error code and MAF question

The car is throwing a code (forgot the exact #) but it says "MAF sensor signal too low". last time I interpreted that as a failure and just replaced it. Is it possible that the sensor is just dirty? Someone said that I can just clean it with isophryl alcohol. How do i go about that? Just dip it in or what?

This is the the second time this has happened. Ever since I installed the S-flo AWE filter I've had MAF problems. I'm driving and accelerating hard and it feels like the car hit a wall for a sec and then all is fine. When I restart the code pops up.

Your input is appreciated
Thanks to all audi enthusiasts

Jan 28, 2003 | 09:58 PM

Cipher5170

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16486 MAF Sensor (G70): signal too low

that's the code

Jan 28, 2003 | 10:05 PM

Kent L

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Could try cleaning the MAF...

Remove the sensor from the housing and splash it in some 90%+ rubbing alcohol and let dry.

Jan 28, 2003 | 11:10 PM

MachtigAvant (v3.0)

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Can you just pull the mesh ring out?

Or do you dip the mesh with the plastic..? :-/

Jan 28, 2003 | 11:43 PM

Kent L

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Hmm. Pretty certain you can't separate the hotwire from the sensor housing.

That 'mesh ring' you refer to is the debris screen.

Jan 29, 2003 | 09:05 AM

B Lee

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I just went through 3 weeks of trying to figure out my MAF problems too.

Did a search on the forum and found a bunch of posts on cleaning the MAF, either with Isopropal (>91%) or an ELectronic Cleaner. Tried both methods, with my stock chip back in. Never worked, although some posts claimed it can work. I also had problems the day after installing a pre-oiled ITG drop in filter. I think the oil on the filter is contaminating the MAF sensor, which I heard is not a high quality part to begin with. IN the end, nothing seemed to work. I was also getting intermittent boost problems, cylinder misfiring, and low air flow codes. I re-installed the stock paper filter but the 2 cleaning methods still failed to eliminate the boost problems (car was probably going into limp mode). In the end, the dealer replaced my MAF for free under California's 7/70 emission warranty, which I had no idea about until I brought the car in and the dealer told me.