'96 Jetta Mass Airflow Sensor

[anton-99]

Would anyone know what, if any, differences exist between a MAF for a 1994 2.0L ABA engine and a 1996 2.0L ABA engine? I have found a good deal on a '94 part for my '96 Jetta. The VW part numbers match up (037 906 461C), however the Bosch part number is slightly different (0 280 217 103 vs 0 280 217 117).

I suppose it could be as simple as a slight housing material change on Bosch's part that would not affect its performance or something like that, but I thought I would ask the question to be sure.

Any input would be great.

[anton-99]

Correction to the original post...the VW P/N went from revision A (037 906 461A) on the '94 part to revision C (037 906 461C) on the '96 part.

I still don't know if there are any functional differences.

Any ideas?

[73Thing]

Why do you think your MAF is bad? They are 2 different parts, and not likely interchangeable. 94 used Motronic 2.9, whereas your 96 uses Motronic 5.9.1. Unless you have a real early model 96. I don't have my etka in front of me to look the p/n's up. Do you have an ISV? EGR? Then you have 2.9 still and it should swap. If you don't have an ISV and EGR, then you also have 2 02 sensors and you are OBD-2 also signifying 5.9.1. HTH,

[anton-99]

I made the mistake of trying to see if there was any residue on the sensor element by swabbing a Qtip on it. I didn't realize how sensitive that sensor was and it chipped.

I had been having problems with the P1582 error code - idle adpatation at limit. Reading posts from other people on this code, internet-wide, they said the typically found two likely culprits, dirty MAF or dirty throttle body. I tried the MAF first, cleaned it with a rubbing alcohol solution in bag and it got off a lot of dirt. But it didn't help, so then I tried to see if it was still somewhat dirty - and broke it. The idle problems are slightly worse now.

When I get a new MAF for it I will then try the throttle body. The local delaership said it was likely a faulty switch within the throttle body and I would have to get a new one for ~$400 (can't replace the switch alone). Any truth to this? I'll try a few other things first though...

I do have the Motronic 5.9 fuel injection system, so as you state, it likely won't be an exact fit or work completely the same. I picked it up before your reply for about $35, so if it doesn't work for me I'm not out much (compared to ~$300) and I'll see what is different between the two.

[73Thing]

Ugh....that'll do it. Do post back with results of the swap though, I'm curious.

As for the 1582, I'd first suspect dirty throttle body assuming that is the only code stored, and the engine seems to run ok. Almost anything can trip this code. Fuel filter, spark plugs, etc...

Do you have access to a Vag-com?

[anton-99]

No access to a Vag-com, just the run of the mill ODB II sensor reading at a neighborhood AutoZone. I am somehwat of a novice with diagnosing these problems, but the various online forums have helped a great deal. The additional tools/software would be nice, or at least someone who would allow me access to them without (or for minimal) charge. Needless to say the local dealership would let me connect to the VAG-1551 or 1552 unit for the $80 rate with appointment, and it would get to the point real quick but I wanted to check out the common possiblities first.

I should have the other MAF unit in this week, so I'll try it out and let you know.