RE: engine light

["Simpson, Chuck" <chuck.simpson@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Yeah... O2 sensors and Mass Air-Flow (MAF) Sensors are common failing
components on new Mk4 VW's.

So far, VW hasn't done much about it... except for blaming kids who've
installed aftermarket intakes or charging the customer for the diagnosis and
labor for replacing those failing components without utilizing the customers
warranty.

I just hope you didn't have to pay a dime for these inferior parts.

Oh... and just so you know:  the MAF sensor is located on the tube that
connects just past the air filter.  It measures the amount of air intake and
calculates the amount of fuel to mix with the incoming air.  You can locate
it to the left of your airbox and it has several wires connected to it.  It
is a very sensitive piece of equipment and can easily be contaminated by
fingers or other oily substances.

The main problem with the new Mk4 VW's is the MAF doesn't heat up to 1832
degrees Farenheit for one second when the engine is shut off like the
earlier VW's did.  Since it doesn't heat up, it is easily contaminated by
dirt/oil/grime.  The older style MAF sensors would heat up for one second to
burn off any contamination and therefore, last much longer.

:(

-Chuck Simpson
'97 GTI VR6



-----Original Message-----
From: Leigh-Robinson, Carla E. (TSgt)~U
To: jettaglx@igtc.com
Sent: 6/18/02 10:11 AM
Subject: re:  engine light

I had the same problem with my 2000 Jetta.  After replacing the sensor
twice, and doing a complete engine tune-up, and numerous trips to the
service department, a technician finally discovered that it was the
airflowmeter ( what ever that is) was bad.  I haven't had a problem with
it
since.