Mass Air Flow Sensor alternative
 

Picked this info from another list I'm on:

As some of you may recall, our E300DT had a Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF or
>> MAS) failure some time back. After some research it appeared that there
>> is a newer MAF used in the CDI motors. The VW TDI community seems firmly
>> convinced that this part is much more reliable than the original Bosch
>> part. The Bosch part is also nearly twice the price.
>>
>> Throwing caution to the wind, I blew $73+shipping on MB part# A6110940048.
>> It installs perfectly in place of the original sensor, though a security
>> torx bit is needed.

I may be due for it on my E300 too. The check engine light just came on this week, but I haven't pulled the code or investigated it yet. Anyone else try this solution? Is there a "how to" on this job on this list? I tried a search and got lots of hits, but didn't come across the procedure. Is it so easy of a fix that a write up/pictures aren't needed?

Len
'99 E300TD 72,000 miles

I'd also be interested. I have 72K on my 99 E300 and have not had any problems with the AMM yet but I know it can't be too far off. I also run a K&N filter in the car which I hear is a killer for the AMM. Been in there for about 35K miles now and never had a problem. I just don't saturate it with oil when I clean it.

Was 210 chassis MAS - now glow plugs
 

Turns out both my check engine light and my glow plug light was on. Pulled the OBDII fault codes and the only that showed up was one for a bad glow plug, P0380. Tested the plugs and found five good ones and one bad one. Now I need to figure out which one it is and hope that it is #1 which the manifold doesn't have to come off for.

BTW, I also found the two safety torx bolts under which lies the MAS. It's right on top of the air filter housing and has an electrical connector to it. Looks like an easy job when the time comes. Bought my little set of torx sockets today so I'm ready when the time comes.

Len

I've done a little research and you can get the MAF sensor or air mass meter for a 99 E300 for about $150 from several internet sites to include Fastlane. As far as glow plugs, the common wisdom professed by many on this site is if one is bad, replace them all. (Especially if the intake manifold has to come off.) That's certainly what the dealer will do if you let him have it. Good luck.

Generally when you buy the AMM (MAS, MAF), it includes the section of pipe that goes along with it. So it is a 2 minute job to pop it out and pop the new one in. But when you're doing this thing with the nonstandard part, it doesn't include the pipe so you need to remove the actual sensor. That's where the ResisTorx bit comes in. So you have to get one of those to remove the two screws and it becomes a 3 minute job. I've done it on my Jetta and it works perfectly. The E300 AMM gave up while under warranty, so it was replaced with the factory part. If anybody tries the new part, please let us know how it works.

BTW, if #1 glow plug went bad, I'd replace just that one without removing the manifold. If it's any other one, then remove the manifold and replace them all. I posted last week with a list of parts (and their numbers) that should be replaced when you remove the manifold All those little plastic clips on the fuel lines would love to shatter and spread their bits into your engine. :eek: Oh, and Lightman posted the complete procedure (with pictures!) for replacing the glow plugs.

Thanks Rick - tested the glowplugs last night and it looks like it is #2 that is bad. So, that means off with the manifold and I'll just replace all six while it's off. I've got Lightman's post, just printed it out this AM as a matter of fact. I'll look for yours. Thanks for the tips.

Len

Rick - please point me to your post you refer to about other parts to replace while I've got the manifold off. I did a search via your name, but didn't find the post unless it's embedded in another thread I missed.

Thanks.

Len

It's here. I'm also going to put a link to it in Lightman's glow plug post, since this is the third time in a week it has come up.

You mean this? That one is the injector pump while this one is the glow plug thread

Len, you ever checked out the MAF and tried the new one?

ttt ttt

Haven't had the need yet to replace my mass air flow sensor, but I will definitely try the new one when the time comes. The guy who passed on the information hasn't led me wrong yet.

Len

Is that the film style or wire style? I believe in the early 90s they used a wire style that was less susceptable to fouling from say the K&N filter.

See post #11 here for an update.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/214592-obd-2-codes.html

Instead of a MAF hot about you replace the IP with one from a 603? You'll never need the computer again.