1) Although my air filter wasn't THAT dirty, the mesh screen filter thing between the intake and the air filter was fairly dirty (but didnt look like it was obstructed enough to cause a problem). Would this cause a lean code?

1 Fault Found:
17536 - Fuel Trim; Bank 1 (Mult): System too Lean
P1128 - 35-10 - - - Intermittent



2)I noticed that the connector on the MAF wires is cracked (probably done by previous owner or shop) the connection seems to be quite strong but the clip part is broken, is this a problem?

3Would anyone suggest cleaning the screen, replacing air filter, and making sure the connection to the MAF is good and running logs before replacing it?

 

The cost of a new MAF $$$$ see what you can do before you have to replace it

 

I actually already have a new (re-manufactured) one sitting here waiting to go in

 

O2 trips this code. My clip on my MAF connector is broken as well but the connection is solid so I am not overly concerned. I am about ready to pull the trigger on a re-man MAF and 4 new coil packs.

 

MAF's need laminar airflow in order to be accurate, and so that screen is there to smooth out the airflow before it reaches the MAF. If there's enough dirt on it to disturb the flow, the MAF readings will definitely be impacted.

 

zip tie the connector down, clear the code and see if it comes back.

 

also bpv and hose leading to the bpv etc.

 

plus block 032, fuel trims!!

 

if he's getting that code, the trims are already out of whack

 

You can check your current state of trim by using VAG-COM or equivalent to look in Group 032 in your engine measuring blocks. The first two fields will have percentages. The first field tells the fuel trim at idle (Additive). The second field tells the fuel trim at elevated engine speeds (Multiplicative). Negative values indicate that the engine is running too rich and oxygen sensor control is therefore making it more lean by reducing the amount of time that the injectors are open. Positive values indicate that the engine is running too lean and oxygen sensor control is therefore making it richer by increasing the amount of time that the injectors are open.

It is totally normal for both the first and second fields to be something other than zero. In fact, zeros IN BOTH FIELDS indicates that either you just cleared codes (which will reset fuel trim values) or something isn't working properly. If values get too far away from zero, it will cause a DTC (fault code) and can set off the MIL (commonly referred to as the Check Engine Light, or CEL). Specifications for normal operation are usually somewhere near +/- 10%.

In general, an out-of-spec value in the first field (Additive) indicates a vacuum leak since it is mostly present at idle, when vacuum is highest. An out-of-spec value in the second field (Multiplicative) indicates a fault at higher RPM, and may point to a faulty MAF.