check engine light

[f1der]

on my neuspeed p flow and exhaust equipped 2.0 2000 golf the p0172 code comes up regularly (every week or so) the reset of cel and changing of temp sensor doesn`t seem to have eliminated the problem.any ideas?

[Kor]

Re: check engine light

on my neuspeed p flow and exhaust equipped 2.0 2000 golf the p0172 code comes up regularly (every week or so) the reset of cel and changing of temp sensor doesn`t seem to have eliminated the problem.any ideas?

What does the code mean? Usually in the VAG-COM you can find out a short description of the code? If you tell us we can probably guess how to fix it.

I did a search for p0172 and I got "Fuel Trim Too Rich".

If this is true, then you need to cool off the air or add more air to your system.

The P-Flow is right next to the engine, so it may be sucking hot air, which has lower density and so you run richer. The stock airbox will be more efficient than the P-Flow. I think Neuspeed also sells an extension pipe to turn the Pflow into a CAI now?

One way to actually increase the airflow is to remove the plastic grids protecting the MAF. However, this runs the danger of actually killing the MAF if something hits it (should never happen) and it may also foul faster (depends on how clean your filter is, no guarantees). Mod at your own risk

I don't know how the exhaust in the 2L looks, but in the 1.8T there is an O2 sensor in the exhaust. If this sensor got fouled when your new exhaust went it, it might be reading an incorrect rich condition.

Lastly, your MAF might already be off due to contamination (not too likely without other codes being thrown) but if the MAF detected too little air flow, that might cause a fuel too rich code... but I think it would also cause a MAF code...

[seanfournier]

Re: check engine light

What does the code mean? Usually in the VAG-COM you can find out a short description of the code? If you tell us we can probably guess how to fix it.

I did a search for p0172 and I got "Fuel Trim Too Rich".

If this is true, then you need to cool off the air or add more air to your system.

The P-Flow is right next to the engine, so it may be sucking hot air, which has lower density and so you run richer. The stock airbox will be more efficient than the P-Flow. I think Neuspeed also sells an extension pipe to turn the Pflow into a CAI now?

One way to actually increase the airflow is to remove the plastic grids protecting the MAF. However, this runs the danger of actually killing the MAF if something hits it (should never happen) and it may also foul faster (depends on how clean your filter is, no guarantees). Mod at your own risk

I don't know how the exhaust in the 2L looks, but in the 1.8T there is an O2 sensor in the exhaust. If this sensor got fouled when your new exhaust went it, it might be reading an incorrect rich condition.

Lastly, your MAF might already be off due to contamination (not too likely without other codes being thrown) but if the MAF detected too little air flow, that might cause a fuel too rich code... but I think it would also cause a MAF code...

I've recently removed my high-flow (high-oil) BMC air filter. My MAF was FULL of that oily crap thats used on K&N style air filters. I replaced it with a regular paper one. My experience tells me, unless you are running MAFless, stick with the stock airbox and paper filter.

[Kor]

Re: check engine light

I've recently removed my high-flow (high-oil) BMC air filter. My MAF was FULL of that oily crap thats used on K&N style air filters. I replaced it with a regular paper one. My experience tells me, unless you are running MAFless, stick with the stock airbox and paper filter.

There are a few companies making high-flow oil-less foam synthetic filters now.

Any idea if its possible to clean the MAF without damaging it?

[Billip]

Re: check engine light

There are a few companies making high-flow oil-less foam synthetic filters now.

Any idea if its possible to clean the MAF without damaging it?

I was searching around about K&N's on Vortex a while ago and found an article talking about this, but I can't find it now. I think the guy removed his MAF and sprayed contact cleaner on it.... just gotta be careful not to get it in the electronics section I guess. Wish I could find that article again.

In the same thread someone that purported to be a tech said that he had seen many MAF's that looked really bad that came out of cars with paper (OEM) air filters. Seems to be based a lot of air quality as well.

I'm gonna find that damn thread!

[Billip]

Re: check engine light

Here's one thread about it that I found in my history:

AudiWorld Forum Thread

[Kor]

Re: check engine light

Here's one thread about it that I found in my history:

AudiWorld Forum Thread

Yeah people have been using the K&N style filters for years and years without problems. I think that sometimes people oil them without knowing what they or doing, or else they let fine particles build up on them until it becomes a problem.

Edit: that picture is pretty scary though.

[Billip]

Re: check engine light

Here's the original Vortex thread I was talking about.

[R_Ethug]

Re: check engine light

bah.. mafs are luck of the draw i think. My car has 27000km on it now and I've had my EVO CAI on since i had 3000 on the car and that includes 1 cleaning/oiling of the filter. My MAF has never hiccuped on me once and never a CEL.

[seanfournier]

Re: check engine light

There are a few companies making high-flow oil-less foam synthetic filters now.

Any idea if its possible to clean the MAF without damaging it?

definately interested in oiless filters.

clean the maf by submerge the whole rat infested place in 99% pure isopropyl alcohol and slosh it around. do that for a few minutes and the liquid will safely clean any surface dirt. let it dry for 30 minutes out side warm.

[R_Ethug]

Re: check engine light

did you guys know that dealers actually have a MAF cleaning spray too.. but since they are so flacky i really wouldn't be comfortable with spraying pressure into it..