Mbt6
Guest
|
 Posted:
Sun Dec 11, 2005 9:14 am Post subject:
Check Engine/Clean MAF/Clear Codes |
|
|
A couple of questions, I have a check engine light on. Codes P0171 & P0174.
This guy said that he was able to clean the two wires on the MAF, and all was well...
http://autorepair.about.com/library/faqs/bl903d.htm
Is this something that can really work?
Secondly, he got the OBD-II codes, and I suspect used the reader to clear those codes? Is there any risk of the do-it-yourselfer in clearing those codes? I suspect if I did that on my car, the check engine light would quickly come back on with the same problem if I didn't correct that problem.
There are a few fairly cheep OBD-II readers on Ebay, any risk in getting a cheep one?
thanks,
--mbt
|
|
Backyard Mechanic
Guest
|
| Posted:
Sun Dec 11, 2005 8:40 pm Post subject:
Re: Check Engine/Clean MAF/Clear Codes |
|
|
"Mbt6" <mbt6@yahoo.com> wrote:
| Quote: | A couple of questions, I have a check engine light on. Codes P0171 &
P0174.
This guy said that he was able to clean the two wires on the MAF, and
all was well... http://autorepair.about.com/library/faqs/bl903d.htm
Is this something that can really work?
|
Search this group and you'll find plenty of evidence it does work.
It, sometimes, also clears up driveability problems that havent yet set
the CEL.
Why it's so... The MAF sensor circuit works by passing a current through
those thermistors... the current passed will change as air passes over
them, so the amount of current indicates the volume / temperature of the
air.
If there's a film or dirt on those thermistors, that will act like a
'jacket' and the computer will think there's less air inducted than
there actually is, thus injects less fuel
Since the MAF input sets the baseline on the air/fuel map, when the O2
sensor indicates it never sees a rich condition, the codes are set.
And here's a simple test to see if your MAP might be causing driveability
problems:
Warm the car up, turn off the engine and disconnect the MAF harness.
If it starts and drives better, you have a dirty or bad MAF. If it gets
worse, there's a problem with another sensor.
Finally...there are two misconceptions about cleaning the MAF
1. The sensors are extremely fragile
- Wrong, A crystal wine goblet is extremely fragile. Comparatively, the
sensors are like a mason jar
Just dont bang against them or drop any of them
2. Electronic parts or contact cleaner aerosols are needed
- A soft toothbrush or unused paintbrush plus rubbing alcohol, dip, brush
gently, rinse, repeat several times and you're in great shape.
| Quote: |
Secondly, he got the OBD-II codes, and I suspect used the reader to
clear those codes? Is there any risk of the do-it-yourselfer in
clearing those codes? I suspect if I did that on my car, the check
engine light would quickly come back on with the same problem if I
didn't correct that problem.
There are a few fairly cheep OBD-II readers on Ebay, any risk in
getting a cheep one?
thanks,
|
Of course, there's risk... research the tool on the mfr site and using
google and google groups
If you dont plan to spend a lot of time under your hood, it might not pay
See:
http://www.obd-codes.com/faq/reset_obd_codes.php
--
Yeh, I'm a Krusty old Geezer, putting up with my 'smartass' is the price
you pay..DEAL with it! |
|
FAQ
Memberlist
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in