What is causing the MAF failures?
 

I was told this by a tuner and later I confirmed it with another tuner so I am pretty certain it is the root cause.

Now, don't think this is the ONLY cause, but it is the MAIN cause. If you are stock and a MAF goes bad, then it went bad, nothing you can do about it, but if you are modified then this is most likely the cause.

People have spoken of the oil from a K&N Filter or a similar filter as coating the MAF and causing it to break. I was told about a number of tests that K&N has done over the years because of peoples concerns over the oiling "issue". They have saturated the MAF's in oil and have never seen one fail. This is why K&N is a member of SEMA and are willing to fight with you if a manufacturer ever denies warranty coverage.

Now, what is the cause of MAF failures? Chips. Yes, you read this right. ALL chips put too high a draw on the MAF and literally fry the little wire that makes up the MAF. In order to tune properly the tuners need to modify the air flow readings and in doing so, the current being drawn from the MAF is above the OEM norm. This is why APR went with a larger MAF housing, other than beign able to suck in more air because of the larger opening they were able to safely adjust the current to the MAF without damage.

Now, I know many are not going to believe me, but I know this to be the truth. How many totally stock cars have blown an MAF? Only a handful, but how many chipped cars have blown a MAF? TONS.

Believe me or not, makes no difference to me. Just stating what I was told by two different tuners. Those tuners if anyone is interested are Garrett and APR for those that doubt this info.

Use this as you please. Just a PSA for everyone to ponder.


PSA = Public Service Announcement

Larry...Are you saying that folks with APR chips should not see this problem?

No, not saying that at all . . .
 

ALL chips can and eventually will cause this problem.

APR's Stage 3 should not see a problem because it is using a larger MAF housing and they were able to change the voltage needed so it shouldn't blow a MAF or not as easily as a stock MAF housing.

Thanks for the note. BTW, how much is a new MAF?

Mine was $45....>>
 

I think they're $65 now at VWparts. Original still fine, just experimented with this one and saw no difference. Still in the car. If you go with the "official" part number, probably $300+++

:( Well, hopefully mine won't go until AFTER I return the car... :)

Right, and isn't it a $65 VW part/ $200+ Audi part (and it's the same p/n)?

Good info... OK, now we need a better MAF... Build it and we will buy : -)

I've replaced mine already and have a new spare just in case.

Depends....>>>
 

There's a slew of different part numbers because housing sizes are different. All you need is the element though, you can throw the housing away or use it for a pencil holder.