Aftermarket Air Mass Meters

[Carmudgeon]

You know Bosch are also producing a lot of rubbish now IMO. In my experience the brake pads are nonsense, and don't get me started on their wiper blades, total BS.

The big T1 suppliers are arguably too diversified, but I think that most here are cognizant what the core competencies are for each brand, and what the potential results can be for venturing beyond them.

That said, I have a car with a Bosch ECU that can be finicky with O2 sensors, throwing random MIL lights, with Bosch sensors. It has happened more than once, so it wasn't just a particular bum example. Last time, I got fed up, and replaced it with an NTK. Not a peep.

In the past, also had a car with OE Bosch hot-wire air mass meter. Replaced more than once due to stalling issues. When it occurred, and wouldn't self-correct, became second nature to unplug it, put it in limp mode, and drive home.

 

[Johnson Johnson]

The big T1 suppliers are arguably too diversified, but I think that most here are cognizant what the core competencies are for each brand, and what the potential results can be for venturing beyond them.

That said, I have a car with a Bosch ECU that can be finicky with O2 sensors, throwing random MIL lights, with Bosch sensors. It has happened more than once, so it wasn't just a particular bum example. Last time, I got fed up, and replaced it with an NTK. Not a peep.

In the past, also had a car with OE Bosch hot-wire air mass meter. Replaced more than once due to stalling issues. When it occurred, and wouldn't self-correct, became second nature to unplug it, put it in limp mode, and drive home.

I'm thinking my NGK MAF will probably be ok.

 

[SC Maintenance]

Why do you think your new aftermarket MAF sensor is not working?

Any discussion of MAF sensors or engine closed loop control in general needs to start with MAF sensor reading at idle and LTFT under a constant load - like driving 30mph down a long street. If you can log MAF volume x LTFT x rpm even better. Otherwise everyone in including you is guessing.

just a load of resistors

Technically all a MAF sensor is, is a resistive heat sensitive wire.

I used electrical contact cleaner

Not the same. Get some actual MAF cleaner, and no don't put it in the freezer, I think that would make it less likely to come clean. Just don't touch the wire and you should be fine at any temp.

My Nissan OEM was Hitachi. I replaced it with an aftermarket hitachi. Works fine.

 

[Johnson Johnson]

Why do you think your new aftermarket MAF sensor is not working?

Any discussion of MAF sensors or engine closed loop control in general needs to start with MAF sensor reading at idle and LTFT under a constant load - like driving 30mph down a long street. If you can log MAF volume x LTFT x rpm even better. Otherwise everyone in including you is guessing.



Technically all a MAF sensor is, is a resistive heat sensitive wire.




Not the same. Get some actual MAF cleaner, and no don't put it in the freezer, I think that would make it less likely to come clean. Just don't touch the wire and you should be fine at any temp.

My Nissan OEM was Hitachi. I replaced it with an aftermarket hitachi. Works fine.

I'm fitting it now! So we'll see

 

[Johnson Johnson]

Well that didn't go well, it was awful, smelt rich at idle, (trashed my cat?) and drove like a pig. I've just replaced the old one and it's 100 times better. Why do they bother making such nonsense?

 

[SC Maintenance]

Well that didn't go well, it was awful, smelt rich at idle, (trashed my cat?) and drove like a pig. I've just replaced the old one and it's 100 times better. Why do they bother making such nonsense?

Did you pull any live data?

 

[Johnson Johnson]

Did you pull any live data?

No, but it's now running as it was before I changed it. It was virtually undrivable.

 

[SC Maintenance]

No, but it's now running as it was before I changed it. It was virtually undrivable.

OK, but you really didn't know what was wrong before, and you still don't.

Actual data might go a long ways to narrowing your focus.

 

[iCurious]

Aftermarket MAF sensor can really whip your butt and lead you to believe a misdiagnosis. Whenever possible, go with OE from dealer.

Also, check the intake boot for leaks before replacing the MAF sensor.

 

[Johnson Johnson]

Could anyone recommend a good live data scanner/diagnostic tool? I've got a VAG thing which does ODB2 too, but no live. Thanks

 

[SC Maintenance]

Could anyone recommend a good live data scanner/diagnostic tool? I've got a VAG thing which does ODB2 too, but no live. Thanks

The cheapest is a cheap dongle from amazon and one of the cheap apps. Torque Pro is the best for Android IMHO. 4-stroke for IOS is OK too - I have it.

If you want stand alone there have been a lot of posts about options here I think you can get a pretty good logging one from the big brands for <$100 but I don't really know which one is best currently.

 

[Johnson Johnson]

The cheapest is a cheap dongle from amazon and one of the cheap apps. Torque Pro is the best for Android IMHO. 4-stroke for IOS is OK too - I have it.

If you want stand alone there have been a lot of posts about options here I think you can get a pretty good logging one from the big brands for <$100 but I don't really know which one is best currently.

autel autolink al619 seems ok? Has live data, although I guess it's possible it won't work with my car who knows?

 

[iCurious]

Quite frankly there is a plethora of generic scan tools out there can give live data. It just boils down to budget and personal preference.

 

[Johnson Johnson]

Thanks guys, I'll get back once I know more.

 

[f355spider]

Could anyone recommend a good live data scanner/diagnostic tool? I've got a VAG thing which does ODB2 too, but no live. Thanks

Search ELM 327 scanners on eBay...they are super cheap and the apps are free. Though paid apps can give you more functionality. You may need to do a bit of research to determine which apps allow you to read MAF live data.

So inexpensive, I keep one in each car. Handy to read and clear codes. Saved me thousands, as I can easily replace a bad coil, or o2 sensor. Or schedule an appt with my service provider when more complicated.