Octavia VRs "51" Dirty MAF - redroy99
I have a recurring problem which I am struggling to solve, despite dealer intervention.

I very frequently have occasion when my orange "Engine Management" warning light comes up, not to clear.

My local Skoda dealer has hooked the car up to computer diagnosis gear a couple of times, and most recent concluded that an airflow sensor needed replacing, and this item costs nearly £300!

3 months and 4000 miles on this light has come up again! Neddless to say I feel quite peed off.

Have looked at a few threads on other sites which allude to a problem with the "MAF" getting dirty/contaminated and therefore unable to function; I think that the part I had replaced was indeed a MAF.

Clearly I can't keep doing that, and I was also wondering why Audi TT owners don't seem to register the same problem??

Hope someone may have a few clues??

Octavia VRs "51" Dirty MAF - Dude - {P}
Would you be using Supermarket sourced fuel with their inferior detergent package?? If so switch to Shell Optimax, as with most things in life quality costs a little more, but well worth it IMHO.
Octavia VRs "51" Dirty MAF - redroy99
I do from time to time, but have used Optimax a fair bit too. Do you really think that could be an issue; I have been told that the critical factor maybe the quality of air filters used, but not thoroughly convinced about that
Octavia VRs "51" Dirty MAF - nortones2
You don't use an oiled-cotton filter do you? Have been implicated in recurrent problems when residues transfer to the film used in the MAF. Try Briskoda for help - www.briskoda.net/forums/index.php
Octavia VRs "51" Dirty MAF - Aprilia
Would you be using Supermarket sourced fuel with their inferior detergent
package?? If so switch to Shell Optimax, as with most
things in life quality costs a little more, but well worth
it IMHO.


Oh really! You might want to claim that Optimax has some remarkable properties, but suggesting that it can keep AFM's clean is going a little far. If the fuel ever gets in contact with the AFM then the last thing you're going to worry about is its detergent content. Supermarket fuel is absolutely fine - even for something as potent as a Skoda VRS.
Octavia VRs "51" Dirty MAF - Aprilia
Do you use a K&N air filter (or any other kind of oil-soaked aftermarket filter)? These liberate oil droplets which settle on the AFM and oxidise - ruins the AFM. Use only the OEM filter.
Octavia VRs "51" Dirty MAF - redroy99
Thanks Aprilia, I will certainly check that one out, much obliged! :>)
Octavia VRs "51" Dirty MAF - nortones2
I entirely agree with Aprilia, but I was 1st with the info on oily-rag filters, ta muchly etc!!
Octavia VRs "51" Dirty MAF - mark999
Dterrgents in fuel clean up injectors and inlet valves. They degrade at cylinder head temperatures,hence a 10% increase in cylinder head deposits compared to fuel without additives.
Octavia VRs "51" Dirty MAF - Ben {P}
Mark999- what evidence do you have for this claim?
Octavia VRs "51" Dirty MAF - mark999
Hi, I used to work for an additives company which ran a fleet of field test cars. All fuels with detergents gave 10% more cylinder head deposits as no detergent is thermally stable enough to withstand cylinder head temperatures.
Octavia VRs "51" Dirty MAF - Ben {P}
I accept your advice. However, i ask what difference in terms of performance and economy should i expect from our Seat Leon Cupra if we ran on say 95RON supermarket fuel, compared with Optimax(98RON?)?

I cleaned the MAF with the brake cleaner as you suggested in a previous thread. Some improvement, though still doesnt run correctly. Any idea where the idle valve is on the Leon?
Octavia VRs "51" Dirty MAF - Roly93
It is possible to remove the MAF sensor and give it a clean with either brake cleaner, or alternatively warm water and washing detergent.
Octavia VRs "51" Dirty MAF - redroy99
Have to admit I'm quite puzzled now as I've read other threads which imply that the MAF is a pretty sensitive device which should not be dealt with roughly; Detergent & water sounds pretty robust treatment in the scheme of things!
Octavia VRs "51" Dirty MAF - Aprilia
Not heard of water+detergent.

Brake cleaner can help 'recover' a MAF, but many will need replacement for a 100% fix.
Octavia VRs "51" Dirty MAF - DL
Rover 75 and MGZT diesels suffer from this problem, the official Rover fix was to wash it in hot/cold water.

I believe SAAB have a special aerosol for this purpose.
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groups.msn.com/honestjohn - Pictures say a thousand words.....
Octavia VRs "51" Dirty MAF - buzbee
What is brake cleaner --- apart from the obvious. Is it a fluid to degrease brake shoes?
Octavia VRs "51" Dirty MAF - DL
Yes, it is basically a solvent to damp down and remove the dust from brake assemblies.

Very useful for cleaning allsorts of other parts also!
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groups.msn.com/honestjohn - Pictures say a thousand words.....
Octavia VRs "51" Dirty MAF - Civic8
One of the components is isopropyl alcahole.(spelling incorrect I know).It isnt a degreaser..It while spraying washes the brake dust away.As its illegal to blow dust.A spray is used..Brake cleaner is often used for other things..Though I doubt it works. Bearing in mind it was made to remove dust.Not known it to work on MAF sensor..new one is needed.May be a faulty unit which says take it back
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Steve
Octavia VRs "51" Dirty MAF - buzbee
hmmmm, does not really tell me what it is though. Could be carbontetrochloride, genclean, Thawpit, surgical spirit, etc, etc. What?
Octavia VRs "51" Dirty MAF - buzbee
Thanks Steve. Just 13 seconds or so late in me asking.
Octavia VRs "51" Dirty MAF - buzbee
There is a fluid that is used to clean newly produced printed circuits with a name like isopropyl (? scratching the grey matter now). It has to clean but not be too aggressive because of not damaging the components, including the coatings on resistors. So it could well be suitable for other purposes.