could someone possibly help my problem,i been have a cel lamp coming on and fault been coming up same maf but now scooby has broken down will not start at all,would a maf sensor cause this or should it start but run erratically as i dont wanna buy 1 and find its something else even tho fault still shows up maf sensor ,its a v3 sti 1997 import ,when it broke down it lost power would not rev till it eventually doesnt start,cheers paul

 

Replace the MAF, and hope it hasn't done any engine damage whilst it was on the way out

 

A broken MAF sensor will not prevent the engine starting. If it has now broken down, there will be another cause. If in doubt try unplugging the MAF sensor from the loom and starting the engine. It should fire up and idle. If it doesn't, you know you need to look elsewhere for the root cause of the non-starting.

As above hope you haven't been driving around on a failed or failing sensor. Consequences of doing so can be unpleasant for your engine.

 

thanks for that splitpin i will try it in the morning,what sort of problems would it give to the engine that may be unpleasant i may ask ,cheers paul

 

A failing MAF can cause the engine to run lean, as it can under read for a given airflow.

Lean running can cause detonation which can lead to piston ringland failiure, bigend bearing damage or at worst a hole in a piston

 

How can u tell mad on way out?? Can u get uprated ones ? Do u need diff one if cone filter is fitted?

 

There are a few different, practically implementable ways, from direct datalogging of the MAF voltage via the ECU diagnostic output, monitoring of the mixture via an AFR gauge, monitoring of the knock level. The only 100% certain sure way of testing a sensor is on a flow test rig which almost all of us don't have access to.

There are alternatives yes, although you'll need to get your ECU remapped if you use the common (Nissan) replacement. Or you can transition to an aftermarket ECU that doesn't use a MAF sensor.

You don't "need" a different one, but you almost certainly will need to have the ECU remapped to account for the way the cone filter changes the air metering. You will also, if you have a 1999 or 2000 model year car, run the risk that the standard style airflow sensors can be quickly damaged by the vibration often caused by installation in induction kits.

Unless you're running a heavily modified car and are actively being limited by the standard induction tract, you are best advised to avoid cone filters altogether and stick with the standard intake arrangement and a good quality aftermarket panel filter.