My car feels like it has the power but sometimes it is weak like the motor does not pull .i get average 17-20 mioles per gallon and in the moring the car tells me 10 miless per gallon.what you think

 

I think you should research more...but I think you and me have the same problem at the moment and it sounds like the MAF needs to be replaced. I am waiting for an OBDII code reader right now to make sure my codes are actually what I predict they are. Anyways man good luck with that it's some what pricey

 

[i get average 17-20 mioles per gallon and in the moring the car tells me 10 miless per gallon.what you think]

Mileage depends of type of driving (and driver type), engine size etc.

For reference, I get 30MPG on a trip and 27MPG mixed city/highway and 23MPG all local with my 2001 CLK320 Cab..

I would go the AutoZone, Advanced Auto and see if you have any OBCCII codes (it's a free service). Believe the MAF codes are P0170, P0173. However, you CEL would be on as well, so you most likely don't have a MAF problem at this time.

Changing the MAF is a 5 minute job and requires only a screwdriver.

However, they aren't cheap.

 

what is a MAF

 

Ok man, here is an idea... it doesn't necessarily mean its a MAF problem... when was the last time you looked at your spark plugs or cables? Might want to check it out before dashing out for the MAF. O2 might also be a problem... the best thing for you to do right now is to find a OBDII plug urself in and check your codes...then you wil be able to really narrow your problems... I did and got 5 codes My 4th and 6th cylinders are misfiring...hmm sounds like a spark plug/cable problem to me!

 

The Mass Air Flow Sensor is probably the best way to measure the amount of air an engine takes in (engine load). This sensor not only measures the volume of air but also compensates for its density as well. Cheers!

 

where do you find this OBDII

 

try cleaning it first. get 91% isopropyl and pour it on the MAF sensor (or put a few bottles in a big zip lock baggie, close it swish it around for a few min, let it try then reinstall. If that still doesn't help as much you can clean even further with the same 91% isopropyl w/ a Q-tip and carefully clean all the metal portions on the sensor. You can usually get 1-2 extra years out of an MAF this way (this is also a great way to clean your MAF if you have a K&N filter. hope that helps.

 

You research!

 

Manuals Unlimited has an OBDII code checker for $79. Here's a link.

 

Ebay has them for $52

 

so what can you do with that OBDII code reader if the dash doesnt show any malfuntions

 

my 02 430 also sometimes doesnt really get going at the low rpms. then sometimes like on cold mornings its noticably faster. it has 67k on it, what could be the prob there? i removed the resonator for some reason couple months ago,, dont know if that could have something to do with it,.

 

It's kind of a Catch22 situation. The OBDII reader will most times lead you to the part that is the culprit of a given malfuncion. However, you have to be able to decipher what the OBDII reader is 'telling' you. For instance, the text from the reader for a bad MAF (sorry, I forgot the code #s...) says something like 'Fuel Trim malfunction, Bank 1'. So unless you KNOW that this message is a bad MAF (or one going bad), you're still kind of s__ our of luck. Oh, and another gotcha is the MAF may not actually be bad. I've heard of people cleaning the MAF (with alcohol) and fixing the problem (disclaimer here. I don't know if this really works) as well as making sure it's seated proplerly.
If you get one, just post a thread with your error code here. I'm sure somebody out here can help.

 

They also have them for $15 - $30 but all they do is turn off the light.

 

Wouldn't be called something else if it only turns off the light?

 

I guess you'll find out when you purchase one.........

 

Oh no, I already did purchase one... it cost me $52CAN +$10 Shipping to Canada. Fires codes back at me, so I am sure I GOT the right one

 

You are one lucky dude......

 

I must be!

 

It will work, it makes sense...but I think you'll only be able to get another week out of ur MAF and then you will have to get a new one. Trust me it has been done.

 

clean it w/ 91% isopropyl alcohol and a Q-tip ( or also pour a few bottles into ziplock baggie and swish around for a few min, then try and put back in the car). u can do this for the life of the MAF, this usually gets the car back to almost like new. u can get a few extra years out of a MAF by doing this, eventually it will fail but till will prevent it as much as possible.

 

Have you done that yourself?

 

of course, been doing it for years on BMW and mercedes air flow sensors. Its a great way to keep your MAF clean when using K&N filters.


Also Ebay has OBD2 readers for $39, talk about cheap. I bought one, works fantastic, looks much more $$ than it really is.

 

Thanks for the confirmation. Well thats good to know, because a friend of mine done that on his BMW and MAF failed 10 days later. But I'll give it a try if my MAF goes. As for OBDII I think fellow Idle Swede had a bad experience buying his... because he is convinced you can't get them so cheap.