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Can I trust the ECU error code?

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Old Aug 20, 2012 | 12:13 PM
  #1  
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Default Can I trust the ECU error code?

I did another ecu error code test today (reset the ecu two days ago) and it is telling me the MAF is faulty.

Is this completely acurate, or will it find the next fault in the chain once this is replaced?

(1997 UK2000 turbo, purple label on maf)

Symptoms are:

Lots of cranking to start the car from cold, or after 10 minutes off.

Intermittent power loss, like I've ran out of fuel.

Low performance when on boost when it does actually work.

Thanks for any help.
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Old Aug 20, 2012 | 12:50 PM
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for god sake dont put it on boost with a suspected bust maf, can kill your engine faster than you can react.

get a specialist to check it out, will be easy enough for them to tell you if it is duff
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Old Aug 20, 2012 | 01:21 PM
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lol, no offence, but asking a question on a technical section and being told to "take it to a garage" makes the forum pointless does it not?

If I had money to take it to a specialist, I wouldn't be driving someone else's abortion.
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Old Aug 20, 2012 | 01:31 PM
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Originally Posted by McMiata Man
lol, no offence, but asking a question on a technical section and being told to "take it to a garage" makes the forum pointless does it not?

If I had money to take it to a specialist, I wouldn't be driving someone else's abortion.
Not realy, if you don;t know what yoru doing you can do more damage than fixing.

Best case you replace the MAF job done, worst case its something else and you chase it round the engine bay and it costs you twice as much. Scoobs arn't the right car to run on a shoestring im afraid matey
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Old Aug 20, 2012 | 01:39 PM
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Again, what's the point of the technical section then?

And I disagree. Scoobies are one of the cheapest bang for buck car you can buy, and there are plenty of spares out there.

I'm not completely useless under a bonnet either. I've re-built Nissan 300zx Twin turbo engines successfully, and I've had several Imprezas. This is the first one I've ever had bother with, so until now I've never had to ask this question.

So, back to the original question please. ;-)
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Old Aug 20, 2012 | 03:34 PM
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Im with Tidgy here, a code reader reads codes (or being pulled up manually by using the old test method of putting the plugs together), the diagnostic equipment you need to be using is a speciallist or a garage, this will test the sensors and it may not be your maf thats at fault, but you wont get that from a code reader (and the ecu only gives out the most viable option, its not a 100% sure means of testing).

Tony
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Old Aug 20, 2012 | 03:41 PM
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Borrow a MAF off someone, reset Ecu, see if it comes back.. If it does then take it to a garage.. As said.. you will end out chasing it around until you take it to a garage.
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Old Aug 20, 2012 | 06:47 PM
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So what you're saying is, the error codes aren't worth the software they're written on?

I don't know anyone nearby with a MAF I can borrow.

There was only one purple label job on ebay, so I grabbed it while you were all telling me to take it to a specialist. I'll let you know how I get on.
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Old Aug 20, 2012 | 09:16 PM
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Is the MAF you bought a brand new one?
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Old Aug 21, 2012 | 12:11 PM
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Remember the code for the MAF is for the circuitry too. Its not just for the sensor. Checkout the connectors, wiring etc too.

Personally, I wouldnt buy a MAF on the internet. They are too fragile to post. Where are you located?
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Old Aug 21, 2012 | 01:44 PM
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Originally Posted by LewisScoob
Remember the code for the MAF is for the circuitry too. Its not just for the sensor. Checkout the connectors, wiring etc too.

Personally, I wouldnt buy a MAF on the internet. They are too fragile to post. Where are you located?
I'm in Glasgow.

I would have prefered to get it locally, but there's less and less breakers these days, and the one I bought on ebay was the only one I could find anywhere.

I checked all the wiring and connections, everything seemed clean and dry.

But thanks for your help, at least you didn't tell me to rake it to a garage, lol.
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Old Aug 21, 2012 | 05:33 PM
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I would stick up a help post on SIDC in the scottish section asking if there is anyone with a known working MAF you could try out. There are heaps of members around glasgow and would be happy to help out.

Also, maybe scottishscoobies.net?
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Old Aug 21, 2012 | 05:57 PM
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When I had issues with maf Subaru machanic told me unplug the maf sensor, start car ( it will put itself into safe mode) take for a drive don't flog it though and if all seems well ir it stops doing what it is then you have identified the problem mate hope this helps.
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Old Aug 21, 2012 | 06:10 PM
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check the 02 sensor voltages as well 0.2 to 0.9 volts going up n down all the time . if not working this will also throw up maf code as far to much fuel will be being used, go on jolly green monsters website all the voltages and wiring pin outs are on there for all to see , all you need is a multimeter and abit of time and you can test all the sensors on a classic , ive just done my tps sensor voltages and icv voltages and 02 only to discover all where correct , my problem was a split vacume hose on the fuel pressure reg , causing 3bar pressure on tickover
hope this helps

Last edited by madscoob; Aug 21, 2012 at 06:14 PM.
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Old Aug 21, 2012 | 06:57 PM
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Brilliant!, thanks everyone.

Wish I hadn't just spent all my paypal money, my volt-meter is broken, lol.
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 08:24 PM
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Quick update...

Maf arrived a couple of days ago.

Fitted, started, all good and did an ECU reset

Today it has settled down to a very smooth running engine. It's great to have your car running right isn't it :-)
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 10:15 PM
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glad to hear it!
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Old Aug 24, 2012 | 09:08 AM
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Now that it's working take it to a garage or specialist and get it checked out

Glad it's ok mate
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