Josh L

I know several people have had this problem, any chance someone could enlighten me please.

Josh

CRAIGFIN

Josh,

From what I can gather from the threads flying around the main symptoms seem to be higher fuel consumption and uneven idling. I have a current interest in this area as my MY99 Type-R has very uneven idling to a point where it cuts out. I have taken out the MAF sensor and it is immaculate(although that doesn't mean its not the problem). I have also removed and cleaned the Lambda sensor. My car has still got problems so I am trying to locate the idle valve as apparently any of these sensors going down can lead to uneven idling. The symptoms of a MAF failure can seemingly also lead you to other areas (as I am finding out). Hope this helps.

Craig.

Josh L

Thanks for that.

Unfortunately, on the way back from cover a soccer match this afternoon, the first time I accelerated reasonably hard the engine died completely.

It restarted almost immediately, but the idle was up and down like a *****'s drawers, and anything more than minimal throttle caused the engine to stutter badly. Then the 'check engine' light came on

I spoke to friend at my dealers, who was kind/stupid enough to give me his mobile number, and he said it sounded like the air folw meter.

Funnily enough, whilst typing this, I've realised that a friend has had exactly the same problem with his STi 5 recently. Shame it's too late to call him.

Josh

RichieD

Yup.. sounds like the MAF is on it's last legs.... or has died!

Are you using an induction kit or using the standard filter?
RichieD

Josh L

Standard filter.

Josh

Dave T-S

Josh
Have you recently had an oil change/topped the level up?

CRAIGFIN

Dave T-S,

I have recently carried out an oil/filter change and have idling problems. Is there a connection? Sorry to interupt Josh.

Cheers,

Craig.

Dave T-S

IIRC there have been situations where P1's have been overfilled with oil leading to contamination of the MAF sensor, which can possibly lead to detonation.

CRAIGFIN

Dave,

I reckon I can rule that idea out. The problems did get worse around the time I carried out the oil change but I removed the MAF sensor after the oil change and it was immaculate(I realise it could still be duff).

Cheers,

Craig.

Josh L

Good evening Mr T-S. Not out in the STi? Must be a git stop, sorry, pit stop. You knew I couldn't be polite for long didn't you

Seriously though, re the oil, I had my 22.5k service about 10 days ago. Over the last few weeks I thought I'd noticed very minor episodes similar to yesterday, but they were so quick that I wasn't sure if I was imagining it. Do the sensors deteriorate, or just go?

Josh

PS Thanks for the help so far folks.

Josh L

Update.

Select monitor says error 23 'air flow mass circuit' failure.

New one tomorrow.

Josh

CRAIGFIN

Josh,

Let us know how much it cost?

Cheers,

Craig.

russell hayward

That is easy

NIL

He has a warranty !

Josh L

I'm afraid Russell's right Craig.

It's times like this that I'm grateful for buying a UK model. And I'm grateful to problems like this for taking my mind off what I would have saved if I'd imported!

Truth is I'm a bit of a wuss and given that if one is going to go wrong it'll be mine, I'll always buy UK models.

Thanks for your help all.

Josh

Pete Croney

Tip

To diagnose this on phase II cars (the ones most prone to failure)... un plug the MAF.

If the idle instantly returns to normal then you have an uncle called Bob.

A certain P1 demonstrator got through lots of these whilst using the standard air filter.

I have a suspicion that its oil vapour in the gas returned from the standard recirc dumpvalve that causes most of these failures.

Josh L

PC!

What a pleasant, and timely appearance! My car's poorly

That question has to be, whether you have any particular suggestions to avoid reoccurance.

Josh

russell hayward

swap it for an EVO, because they don't go wrong

Josh L

Russell,

Unfortunately they also do about 2 miles to the gallon, have 4k service intervals and a rather OTT appearance for my liking.

Josh

russell hayward

Josh L

Ooooo and I forgot that I have a friend who would seriously dispute that they don't go wrong.

Josh

russell hayward

hence the winks !!