Induction Kit caused all sorts of problems

[Locki]

Fault regardng a 2002 leon cupra 20vT 180bhp

Hi all, i know most of you are probably sick of replying to this type of issue, as i have read many of the posts regarding the fault. However, unless it is just me, i can't seem to find a post which includes the same fault that i have. So here goes (apologies if there is a post similar to this, but i'm new and i'm not sure if my searching technique is up to scratch)

I bought a pipercross viper induction kit, and after a while i got the usual 2 lights up on the dash (mass air flow too low, and the TCS light on permanently) and after viewing the posts here i decided to replace the MAF sensor. I bought, a brand new "genuine" sensor and, sure enough, it cleared the lights on my dash. However, after installing the new sensor, my car was not running the same. During steady acceleration, i.e without my foot flat to the floor, the car would reach approx 2000 rpm and then the power would cut, almost like dabbing my foot on the brakes, and sometimes it would feel like the turbo was not working (total loss of power and unable to hear the turbo whistling) I put the old sensor back on, and the car ran fine....but the lights came back on the dash. I have now removed the induction kit and re fitted the original air box, but the problem still remains. I have tried 2 new MAF sensors and both give me the same problem, intermittent lack of power, and yet when i re fit the original maf sensor, the car runs fine, but with the fault lights on.

P.s when i fitted the new sensor and had the lack of power, i had a mechanic put the computer on it, and it reported a problem with the throttle/turbo. Sorry but i'm unable to remember the code.

Anyway, thanks in advance to anybody that has any info for me regarding this situation, and i'm sorry if this is a post that has already been discussed.

 

[longman]

I have had problems before with MAF sensors. I tried to change mine, thinking it was causing hesitation. Tried 2 and both gave me limp mode, which I think you are experiencing.

Each time, I replaced the original and all was ok, although I had no lights on the dash. Where are you getting your sensors from? You do have to ensure its 100%, they are really delicate too so a new MAF that is faulty is not unheard of.

A new one from Ted Johnson on this site worked perfectly. Didn't cure my hesitation though as that was a different issue!.

 

[Locki]

I asked a garage to get me a genuine bosch MAF sensor, which cost me £75 (including a discount) and it did clear the lights, It's just the "hesitation" which bothers me. The other day i couldn't pull away from where my car was parked (up hill) I had my foot flat to the floor on the accelerator, and there was nothing for about 10 secs and then the revs picked up. Bearing in mind that i had since re fitted my original air box. But if i fit my old MAF sensor, the car rev's and accelerates fine, it just has the fault lights on the dash. I have tried 2 new MAF sensors and they both cause flatspots/hesitation/lack of power. Could it be coincidence that both the MAF sensors i have tried are faulty? I don't want to keep buying sensors if it's not the problem.

What caused the "hesitation" on your car?

 

[longman]

Yours is not the same hesitation as mine at all. Thats a completely different issue and was just my reason for changing MAF Sensors. It was a grubby throttle body and a leaky hose out of the inlet manifold in the end that caused the hesitation......

Your problem is definitely MAF based.... Its Limp mode that causes you not to be able to rev and not hear the turbo spool. Its worth trying a known good MAF to make 100% sure. I would definitely think that you have unfortunately had two faulty ones.... or even the wrong part number ones perhaps.

You can use vag-com to double check the airflow readings from the maff. They should be between 150 and 170 g/s at full load. If you know anyone with it.

 

[Gogsie78]

Hi there

I had the same with a pipercross on mine!! it ran ok for a couple of days then hit limp mode. I tried to clear it with VAG-COM but it kept coming back.

I eventually took the pipercross off and got a new Bosch MAF. had no problems since and thats been 4 months now.

In my experience these cars dont like Pipercross

 

[longman]

Its probably that then, that ruined the original. I know MAFs are delicate and K&N oil impregnated filters do no favours either... Perhaps the PiperX ones don't filter quite enough??

 

[Locki]

Thanks alot guys, I wanted to check before i went and got another MAF. After changing 2 you start to think whether it's something else or not. You would think that inductiopn kits would come with a warning of some sort, stating that they may f*** your MAF up........ but then i guess they wouldn't sell any. I'll give it a try and let ya know. Thanks again for the replies.....much appreciated

 

[HarveyGTI]

have you run Vag com?

prob easiest way to diagnose the issue is seeing what fault codes come up and change over the related part

check your N75 valve as well, this could well be on the way out as this can often cause the car going into limp mode from over boosting, spiking etc (I think its the letter J which is the standard N75 valve)

either way, get it into a VAG specialist (not Seat or VW as they will charge an unecessary fortune) - Whereabouts are you based? and I will see which specialist tuner is local to you

 

[Locki]

I personally can't use VAG com, don't really know how, or what i'm looking for. If you know of a specialist near me that would be great thanks. I live in the northamptonshire area

 

[HarveyGTI]

Stealth Racing

http://www.stealthracing.co.uk/

thats near you right?

just did a quick AA journey search, came up about 45 mins away from Northamptonshire

if it is, Vince at Stealth Racing is one of the best well known and respected VW tuners out there

 

[Locki]

I live the other side of northamptonshire, but i don't mind the travelling. It will be worth it! Thankyou very much m8, and to everyone else who has posted. Really appreciate you looking into it for me. I'll give the guy a ring and book the car in for a check.

 

[andycupra]

have you tried an ecu reset?

when the car runs fine with the lights up, the ecu is basically taking no information from the old maf as its broken. its usuing default settings. as it runs ok like this it does indicate that the maf is the most likely cause.
(you could just unplug the maf the new maf rather than changing over to the old one as it will do the same).

one thing you need to do is make sure the part numbers between old and new mafs are EXACTLY the same. the number and letter must be the same.
also i would suggest getting this number confirmed at a seat dealer to make sure this is the correct number.
ones that are nearly right may get the symtoms you have, but then so would faulty ones.

firstly id try the ecu reset.
(before you do this check you have the stereo code as this will need to be entered).
have the new maf fitted.
remove negative terminal from battery. (10mm spanner)
leave for a few mins.
reconnect.
open drivers dorr, leave door open.
turn on ignition but dont start engine.
wait 3+ mins or until you cant hear any clicking or whinning coming from the engine bay.
(cant enter stereo code while you wait)
then re-try the car.

 

[Locki]

Just been out and tried and ECU reset as per your instructions, but it is still the same. Must be the MAF again then. I think i will have to buy another one, longman said to get one from ted johnson? is there a link on this site? Oh yeah, i also checked the numbers of both the old and new MAF's and they are exactly the same. Guess i have just been unlucky ah well, you live and learn

 

[longman]

Ted Johnson:

Email - Tristan Wilke - [email protected] or call 01226 206345

They have a section on the dealer network bit.... Tristan is really helpful.

Do you reckon you'll get your money back from the Garage for the 2 faulty ones?

 

[Locki]

:S i'm not so sure about a refund, I am going to ring them tomorrow to find out, but i'm not going to hold my breath. Thanks for the link m8, i'll send an email and see what he says.

 

[andycupra]

nothing against ted johnson, they give great service, but for this particular part id recommend a local garage where you can pick it up as they are fairly delicate and dont like being chucked about in the back of a delivery van. its also easier if there are any issues.