possible MAF sensor problem?

[azureblue]

MAF problem?

2001 Volvo V70 T5 Auto. I’m driving home on the highway, and the check engine light came on, but I felt no change in the engine’s behavior. I stopped and looked under the hood, checked the oil and water, but I saw nothing odd. I went to start it, and it took maybe 5 seconds for the engine to catch. That was different, because the motor usually starts in one second, hot or cold. I drove to a car parts store, on the way, then engine stumbled a couple of times, and they ran an OBD test with a new Bosch “enhanced” or something reader. The guy said it was the MAF sensor, and there was nothing to worry about. I was told I could clean it with electronic parts cleaner or MAF cleaner. The car started right up after the test, but now there is less boost than before the CEL came on.

When I got home I removed the MAF itself from the airflow housing and it looked fine to me – not dirty or oily. Putting it back in did not fix the problem and the CEL light is still on So, before I go buying a new MAF sensor, is this an accurate diagnosis? Could it be something else?

Thanks for the advice..

[abscate]

You need to get the specific code, not the text or newspeak of the guy at the oxygen sensor store (derogatory name for Advance Auto)

I would swag 90% of MAF codes are caused by one or two other faults like vacuum leaks.

[93SCMax]

There's a good chance it's the MAF, especially if it's original.
When mine went out a few years ago, it caused a low power condition. Cleaning won't help.

I replaced with a junkyard MAF from a newer XC 90. Double check the PN's as other models (S60, etc) may be interchangeable. There was also a guy on Ebay in California selling "certified" sensors (without the housing). The sensors can be swapped in with the right torx plus bit. Both the junkyard model and the Ebay sensor were less around $20. I bought both and have installed both.

Fixed my problem...may do the same for you. Good luck.

[azureblue]

Thanks. First a look for a bad hose then a sensor. Would you have the contact for the guy who sells the sensor separately?

[precopster]

The right one is Bosch part 0280 218 108 for cars with ETM.

I bought mine last year through Amazon seller Best Parts Today. At the time I bought 2 of them for $64.49 each and these were in Bosch boxes and were the real deal. 10-14 years or around 160k miles is the usual lifespan for a Bosch MAF.

[ndphotonl]

That is a steal for 2 of them. Was it purely the MAF insert or the complete unit?

[93SCMax]

Thanks. First a look for a bad hose then a sensor. Would you have the contact for the guy who sells the sensor separately?

Looked through my maintenance records but couldn't find the Ebay seller's transaction. Looked on Ebay also, and didn't see the seller. Really looks like these have gotten expensive compared to when I bought online. There are a few sensor only sellers (lower shipping costs), but I'd recommend going the junkyard route...OEM only. Bosch on my 2001 V70 T5. As I mentioned earlier, also used a XC90 T5/ or T6 MAF, PN 0 280 218 088. Worked fine. I switched it out for the sensor only when I thought the turbo was not spooling up as fast as it should. Was not the MAF (probably the front O2 sensor which I still need to replace).

Good luck with your solution. Keep us posted.

[azureblue]

trying to get the code read in my part of the state. Hoses look good, though. I thought it was the three turbo boost control hoses, but they are firm...

[abscate]

I drove past Advance Auto last trip to Wake Forest, so that will do it.

About 80% of the vacuum lines on Volvo’s are covered or hidden, so removal or smoke is needed to test.

[precopster]

That is a steal for 2 of them. Was it purely the MAF insert or the complete unit?

No it was the complete unit. I snapped them up quicker than a Great White @ Bondi Beach