Which Mass Air Flow Sensor do I need?

[mikefocke]

As an old software meets hardware guy, I sometimes forget that not everyone understands software vs hardware vs firmware and loading versus flashing. How few even updated their BIOS on a PC...a flash process.

After you replace the MAF, disconnect the battery for 30 seconds (after first locating the radio code and your owners manual section on how to reset the windows.) That should reset the ECU to initial parameters and force it to relearn from the new sensor readings over a few days of use. It will take that long before you can be sure things are right. And if no one recently changed the MAF, there may be some other fault present because presumably the car ran right for a time after the MAF was replaced.

Good luck.

[Wayne 962]

Originally Posted by boxsterg

Ok. Well today. I contacted the previous owner, he said he didn't replace unknown sensor, his garaged said they didn't. Don't know who experimented in there. I contacted a Porsche dealer and they said it does not appear that the ecu has ever been updated, except for warranty issue on fuel filler neck (which is still Problematic). So if seems I should be safe to go ahead and order the 024 from Pelican If the light doesn't cel doesn't reset. May I return and try a different?
Thanks,
Garry

Hi there. Sorry, once parts are installed, they are non-returnable. That is pretty much the policy wherever you buy almost any part in the world.

You are getting an MAF code. You have an odd MAF in your car that doesn't appear to be correct. Odds are that the MAF is a problem, if not *the* problem you're having. Replacing it with a known Porsche-spec one is a no-brainer task.

-Wayne

[Zeke]

Thanks for the clarification. I thought I had that down, but the Mike Focke article confused me.

Now that's settled, I guess one needs the factory computer to do this. Something Mike maybe failed to mention while talking about code reading at Auto Zone, reading with a generic device or using a Durametrix.

All in all, this once again points to the idea that having a qualified shop do work on electronic systems is better than DIY.

[mikefocke]

Lets go back to the beginning as this thread has diverged with questions coming from other than the original poster. And maybe we have all assumed because of your question you need a MAF.

You have a CEL. I don't see a definitive cause that points to the MAF unless you you know the code behind the CEL and what the possible causes could be and just haven't said. Throwing parts at the problem could be an expensive diagnostic route.

Yes we know the MAF is suspect. But Bosch or Porsche MAFs are expensive so I'd want to eliminate the other possible causes before I replaced an expensive MAF.

If this were my problem, I'd read the code(s) and post them, then someone will post the possible causes.

More MAFs are replaced than are bad and often the fault lies in something else entirely. Been there and almost did that...but the problem was an air leak and that was 4 years ago and I'm still running the same MAF with $$ in my pocket.

Also re-validate your chassis number.

[boxsterg]

Here's my vin. I've checked it with my scanner and confirmed with friends very expensive scanner and both say MAf. I've cleaned airbox and replaced airfilter and checked hose to throttlebody for leaks and cleaned throttlebody. I've cleaned the unknown maf 4 times with maf cleaner, cleaned plug connection with electronic cleaner. and reset code. I've also had battery disconnected when I had the fuel rail and intake off while replacing oil fill tube engine to firewall. Replaced intake o-rings, rebuilt injectors on right side, and confirmed all vaccum lines and check valves were good while I was in there. Mainly I want to make sure I get the right sensor for my chassis. But if there's anything else I should check...I'm all over it.
Thanks Again.

[Wayne 962]

Porsche says part number 986-606-125-00 for the following chassis numbers, which corresponds to the 2000 model year:

F 98YS6 02146 and later
F 98YS6 42001 and later

Which is confusing to me, as the 98YS6 numbers are typically different when they list this chassis information. I think this is incorrect in the PET system.

Just checked, in my book, it looks like I corrected this error in the Porsche documentation (it was over two years ago that I last addressed this). I have the following table:

996.606.123.00
1997-99 All Boxsters
Sensor for use with cable throttle cars

996.606.124.00
Early 2000 Boxster / Boxster S
Original sensor for E-gas cars
(thru Boxster 2.7L Chassis #98 6YS 62 0414 and #98 0YU 62 5099)
(thru Boxster S 3.2L Chassis #98 0YS 66 0257 and #98 3YU 66 2413)

996.606.125.00
Mid 2000-04 Boxster / Boxster S
First updated sensor for E-gas cars (discontinued and replaced with version 125.01 below)

986.606.125.01
Mid 2000-04 Boxster / Boxster S
Latest updated sensor

987.606.125.00
2005- All Boxster / Cayman
Integrated housing design

So, unless your car has been updated with the new flash software, then I would think that you would need 996.606.124.00.

-Wayne

[boxsterg]

Thanks Wayne, Mike and everyone else for your input. I'll order the sensor right now. Nice job on 101 Projects as well Wayne.

[Wayne 962]

Here's a link to the part: Porsche Boxster Intake System - Page 1

-Wayne

[boxsterg]

Yep the 124 sensor did the trick. CEL came on once about a week later with a maf code. And I remembered reading in a thread that K&N filters come pre-oiled a bit heavy on the oil and can contaminate the sensor so I removed filter and blew out excess oil with the compressor, replaced, cleaned maf with cleaner and ok again. Thanks for everyone's input.

[Wayne 962]

Right, I'm not a huge fan of those filters for that very reason...

-Wayne