Which Mass Air Flow Sensor do I need?

I recently purchased a 2000 boxster with cel light on. I've cleaned the maf, replaced the air filter, checked for any leaks etc. Code reader says maf. My chassis is 4yu623351 my current I'm assuming not stock maf only says PBT-GF-30 which sensor do I need.

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This post was auto-generated based upon a question asked on our tech article page here: Pelican Technical Article: Troubleshooting and Replacing the Boxster Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF) - 986 / 987

[Wayne 962]

There should be a BOSCH part number on the sensor itself, you should be able to see it there on the side. Your chassis number is not familiar to me, can you post the full VIN on the forums and I will check the PN with the Porsche parts diagrams.

- Wayne

[boxsterg]

I got that number off the sensor. Didn't see any other no. unless they are very very tiny.
I may pull it again tomorrow. My full vin is WPOCA2984YU623351. Thanks for your help.

[vichang4]

The part number you are looking for is on the opposite side of the MAF. PBT number is on one side and part number is on the other side

[vichang4]

When replacing the MAF with the updated part number (99660612400 to 98660612501), is it necessary for the dealer to re-program the car??

[mikefocke]

Yes you need the reflash. More at https://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/checkenginelightcausedbymassairflowsensor

[Wayne 962]

I think you need 996-606-124-00, but the Porsche documentation isn't 100% clear. Also, your DME may have already been updated. You need to read the part number on the sensor.

-Wayne

[mikefocke]

Wayne recall we worked together on this table a while back.

https://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/checkenginelightcausedbymassairflowsensor

[boxsterg]

I pulled the sensor again and carefully inspected it, and there are no other #on it. apparently it is a reconditioned sensor. So in this case I can assume It was not replaced by a dealer and the computer probably not reprogrammed... or at least not this time. Do dealers ever disclose that info via phone or internet? Also the mfg. tag on drivers door says 11/99 made in Finland.
I also took close up pics of sensor with a good camera. Don't know if they're all identical or not if this would help.
Thanks again for any suggestions

[Wayne 962]

Originally Posted by mikefocke

Wayne recall we worked together on this table a while back.

https://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/checkenginelightcausedbymassairflowsensor

Right, I read the wrong line from my table, you're right, it's the .124 sensor.

-Wayne

[Wayne 962]

Originally Posted by boxsterg

I also took close up pics of sensor with a good camera. Don't know if they're all identical or not if this would help.

Pls post pics, it may be the completely wrong sensor to begin with.

-Wayne

[boxsterg]

Here are the Pics of my sensor.

[boxsterg]

Another angle of sensor

[boxsterg]

Another angle

[boxsterg]

yet another

[mikefocke]

The "PBT-GF30" designation is not a part number but rather the designation of the material used according to Where can you get the “PBT-GF30″ airflow meter? — Air Mass Meter-Blog.

Gosh only knows where that MAF came from and it is certainly not surprising that the ECU should be confused by its signals. I don't suppose you have any idea if the engine has been tuned to run a program that interprets the signals from this part do you? I ask because one approach is installing the correct MAF part but that will only work if the ECU program is also original...or is flashed back to its "correct" state.

If you Google "PBT-GF30 MAF" you'll see all sorts of car makes complaining about what must be a part having that part number ... VW, Alfa, Ford, etc. My guess it is from someone who buys plastic parts and attempts to duplicate what Bosch does but with suspect quality control.

Look at the bottom of checkenginelightcausedbymassairflowsensor - mikefocke2 to see what a real one should look like. Note all the extra lettering, the Bosch name, part #, etc.

[Wayne 962]

Once again, I agree with Mike. I would probably replace it with an OEM BOSCH sensor that would have fit in your car. Here's a link to the part in our catalog:

Porsche Boxster Intake System - Page 1

Like Mike, I haven't seen one of those available for any modern Porsche. I think that this indeed must have been off some other car, and is most likely the wrong one.

-Wayne

[Zeke]

By "flashing" do you mean disconnecting the battery for more than 20 seconds?

[Wayne 962]

Originally Posted by milt

By "flashing" do you mean disconnecting the battery for more than 20 seconds?

Sorry no. He's referring to reprogramming the ECU with new code and storing it in his flash memory. I'll quote a section from wikipedia that explains it:

Flash memory is a non-volatile computer storage chip that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed. It is primarily used in memory cards, USB flash drives, MP3 players and solid-state drives for general storage and transfer of data between computers and other digital products. It is a specific type of EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory) that is erased and programmed in large blocks; in early flash the entire chip had to be erased at once. Flash memory costs far less than byte-programmable EEPROM and therefore has become the dominant technology wherever a significant amount of non-volatile, solid state storage is needed. Example applications include PDAs (personal digital assistants), laptop computers, digital audio players, digital cameras and mobile phones. It has also gained popularity in console video game hardware, where it is often used instead of EEPROMs or battery-powered static RAM (SRAM) for game save data. Flash memory is non-volatile, meaning no power is needed to maintain the information stored in the chip. In addition, flash memory offers fast read access times (although not as fast as volatile DRAM memory used for main memory in PCs) and better kinetic shock resistance than hard disks. These characteristics explain the popularity of flash memory in portable devices. Another feature of flash memory is that when packaged in a "memory card," it is extremely durable, being able to withstand intense pressure, extremes of temperature, and even immersion in water.[1]

If you use the updated sensor, then the computer needs an updated fuel injection map to be uploaded or "flashed" to the main ECU.

-Wayne

[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