MAP / MAF Sensor

potroast · Post by **potroast** » 27 Jun 2004, 11:34

is the "MAP" sensor the same thing that other car manufacturers call a "MAF" sensor (Mass Air Flow)?

My volvo threw code 1-2-1 today, which means I need a new MAP. Where can I get this quickly and cheaply? Thank you.

Post by **matthew1** » 27 Jun 2004, 11:58

Same thing.

Before you get a new one:

Dis- and re-connect it a bunch of times to clean the electrical connection. It may be a corroded connector. Be careful with the MAF itself if you handle it, they're fragile.

Clear the code after and see if it comes back.

potroast · Post by **potroast** » 30 Jun 2004, 11:17

forgot to update this thread as the situation developed. Anyway, here's a re-cap

I cleared the code, numerous times -- came back every time, after running rough for about 3 seconds, and shutting off.

The smell of fuel was strong, so I assume the ECU was telling the injectors to dish out because it couldn't get a good reading from the MAF.

I traced the wires from the MAF, and it goes straight to the ECU... I called a Volvo tech (at the stealership... just because I can't afford his services doesn't mean I can't ask him questions

) Anyway, I told him the situation and my deductions that it was either the wiring harness or the MAF. He agreed. I asked about each, and he said that he's never ever had a wiring harness for the MAF go bad, in any vehicle. Okay. There isn't even a volvo part number for it. So I said it was probably the MAF. He said, probably, but that he's never had to change a MAF in an 850, either. He said that he's had to change countless 240 MAFs, but never in an 850. Hmm... Well, Volvo had a part number for it, and since that's what the code was, and even volvo was so confident on the MAF harness to not have a part # for it, I bought the MAF. $226 and one day later I have the new MAF in my hand. I installed it, and start the car.... momment of silence... The car starts like a champ. The check engine light stays on, but the car is runing under its own power at a silky smooth idle. Cool. I go read the code, and it's the same 1-2-1. I assume that it's stored in the computer, and that I have to clear it. I say screw it for the time-being, and I hop in and take it for a spin. Wow, runs like a champ!

So in the end, the MAF fixed my problems.

However, I'm curious why Volvo wouldn't have a part# for the MAF harness. Seems like it's placement would cause it to be easily damaged in a front-end colision... Even if it doesn't go bad due to age, I figure they would have had to replace at least one before due to getting cut or chewed up.

Anyway, on a seperate note, I've got my new suspension parts -- I'll put those in this weekend. And I still have the torque-converter issue, but at least I know about that, and I'm planning to send the tranny to LevelTen to get work done.

Has anyone ever dealt with LevelTen, before? I know they do a lot of tranny work for people that boost their trucks. Their website (www.levelten.com) lists services specific for the Volvo 850, as well. I talked to someone there via email, and he said that I could do their torque converter and valve body service for under $500 and the tranny would be good for at least 500 hp, and they would improve my shifts from a luxury shift to a more agressive sport-shift to better match my driving style. Even though I never plan on going past stock HP, I figure that just means it'll last me forever -- kinda like the engine, lol... I love these volvo engines... last forever as long as you change the oil and timing belt.

Post by **matthew1** » 30 Jun 2004, 11:47

Glad to hear you solved the MAF question.

Thanks for the informative update on that and the suspension and trasmission news. Good stuff to know.