I'm preparing to remove my MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor for cleaning, in preparation for this I bought a cheap set of Torx security bits to remove the two fixing screws that secure the MAF to the air intake pipe. I had already seen a PUNTO posting where the owner had problems getting the 'security Torx' (T20) bit to fit the heads of the two screws. Well I had the same problem, initially I thought it was just the cheap set I had bought, so took them back and bought a more expensive Draper Torx bit set, but this had exactly the same problem. The T20 bit looks like it will fit the outer torx shape but the hole in the bit isn't big enough to accommodate the centre pin of the screw head!

Anyway Multipla owners if you do need to remove your MAF, don't bother wasting your money on Torx security drivers or bits, just remove the complete MAF housing (2 x 10mm bolts on air filter side & 1 jubilee clip on air intake side) and connecting plug. Once the MAF and housing is free of the vehicle use a good pair of pliers to unscrew the 2 'torx like' screws. Replace them with self tappers of equivalent size.

I have already removed the MAF and replaced the screws now just waiting to get hold of some Isoproply Alcohol (IPA) & lint/solvent free wipes to clean it.

I will let you know what difference cleaning the MAF makes.

Wynns carb cleaner from halfrauds works well , you dont even need to remove it from the tube as the spray is powerfull.

its difficult to remove the torx screws as they are not meant to be removed, If there is a malfunction in the flow meter, it should NOT be cleaned inside using compressed air or chemicals because this would cause damage, but it should be replaced with a new one.cleaning can be carried out inside the air filter casing during the replacement of the air filter, you should remove any particles of impurities from the filter casing (by suction) as if they fall through the mesh they could pollute or damage the flow meter's sensitive element. any operation inside the flow meter to try and restore it to how it was originally or within the tolerance range is pointless.

Cleaned many airflow meters in this way on various fiats and alfas allways with success and no damage but if you break it i aint payin!

WOOHAAAY!!!

What a difference! Feels like I got myself a new car!

* 10 minutes to clean MAF with Isopropyl alcohol
* left MAF for 30 mins for Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to evaporate
* re-fitted
* turn key to MAR1 (first key turn before starting engine) for 90 seconds, turn key off for 90 seconds, start engine & run 15 minutes (saves disconnecting battery)
* drive for 15 minutes (with big grin at improved performance!)

this is the cheapest & quickest performance boost ever!

This will definitely be included in my yearly service routine.
Just need to get them damn glow plugs replaced now!

Cool , good to hear good news.

Why are you turning on/off for 90 seconds?
thanks

I wonderd that , it should make no difference if you have not turned the ignition on whilst the maf was off.

Turning on to MAR for 90 secs then off for 90 secs then start SHOULD clear the ECU without disconnecting the battery (must be true saw it on tinternet!). This way the ECU is starting of afresh with the cleaned MAF.

However all is not well as cleaning the MAF and doing the above reset seemed fine at first, car was really really slugish to start with but then started to pick up more and more, just got better and better as I continued driving. However when my wife used the car the next morning it had reverted to slugish again?

I'm confused as the MAF is obviously working however the ECU doesn't appear to be remembering the settings?

I am going to try disconnecting the battery for an hour, then let engine idle for at least five minutes before driving, as this is also recommended after cleaning MAF. By all accounts revving the engine during the first five minutes of starting doesn't let the ECU calibrate properly?

Having read through various posts and forum postings it doesn't appear that there is a definitive answer whether the ECU actually learns or remembers MAF settings.


https://www.fiatforum.com/images/smilies/banghead.gif
:bang:

Cars ecu's adapt to driving styles , thats why the scooby boys drive around flat out with a car full before they go on the rolling road as the mapping changes a little.
Sure you dont have any air leaks?

Disconnected battery today for an hour, cleaned out the air filter housing while waiting (disconnected MAF), 1 hour later reconnected battery, started and left running for good 10 minutes without touching throttle. Jumped in and driving great, clean acceleration, loads of pull, no problem. Drove around for 20 minutes or so, various driving styles, returned home. Returned to Ugly Bug 30 minutes later, set off and back to low power, 5 minutes of driving and no improvement, 10 minutes of driving and starts to improve again!!!

I can only think that I have damaged the temperature sensor part of the MAF as once the engine is warmed up it is fine? I suspect 1 of the three marked cleaning points of the MAF may be a temperature sensor and I am 99% that is causing my problem. Thing I can't understand is how I have damaged it whilst cleaning, as I couldn't have been more careful if I was working on a human brain!!!

I don't think the MAF was faulty before I cleaned it, leaving the car to warm up before driving shows greatly improved performance, yet when cold it has no power at all?

Looks like I will have to replace the MAF to confirm if it is a fault on the temperature sensor side!!! Hear the Bosch MAFs are around the £130 mark!

This Bug is getting to be like an old family dog! I wouldn't let her go but by heck she is trying my patience !!!

Well had to bite the bullet, have ordered a new MAF (BOSCH) £80 (including delivery to UK from Italy):
http://www.italiaricambi.it/en/

93 Euros didn't sound bad, but course the Euro - Pound exchange rate is way down

For info the part number is: BOSCH 0281 002 308
It includes the body and MAF sensor.

Ah well hope the kids were looking forward to Santa bringing them a MAF sensor for Xmas.

Can you cancel your order as they are allways on ebay for £38 new, there is a seperate temp sensor on the thermostat have you got a dodgy wire ? i know mine was pulled tight but it was showing a fault light (injector) when it was not making contact properly so a bit of rubber tape later all was well.
Sounds really dumb as ive just done the clutch and belts but do our beloved multi jtd's have a lamnda sensor (i should have noticed) if so then if it is like the alfa 155's ones then they have a 4 wire connector which 2 of the wires are for a heater element so it reads quickly rather then waiting for the engine to get to temp it could just be this that is dropping out. Some last the life of the car ive known alfas that have had 3 in a year.

ebay is your cheapest

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BRAND-NEW-FIA...1QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247

Thats handy to know.
The listing shows for the 105bhp engine.
Can I assume it would be a different sensor for the 115bhp?
thanks

Seen plenty of posts for the Ebay MAFs, they don't last long by all accounts, read some of the Punto posts! Not genuine Bosch, so although the original is double it's probably worth it in the long run.

JTDMan I think the temperature sensor has failed in the actual MAF? All wiring looks good, anyway I'll find out in a few days!!!

I've got a feeling the component on the MAF that looks like a resistor is actually a temperature sensor, cos for the MAF to work it has to know the temperature of the air entering the air inlet and then do its adjustments accordingly. Will have a play with the old MAF if the replacement clears the problem.

Currently running with MAF disconnected, not too bad.

It may be worth looking up your local bosch dealer to see if a repair is poss or at least take the resistor out and replace it as they are buttons , maplins should have it.
Thinking about what you have said makes sense though as the alfa i used to have had a seperate air temp sensor by the maf.

Multipla working fine since fitting the new MAF

Fuel economy has increased slightly registering 34 MPG on the trip (so probably around 40+ MPG) around town.

I have just changed my MAF and what a difference. Car is smoother, pulls better and the MPG readout is now changing dynamically in response to driving style and is registering much higher than it ever has since I have owned the car.

I bought one of eBay, I know guys have said they don't last long but for £36 I figure it was worth the gamble.

Fiat multipl jtd 110 elx

Hello. I wondered if anyone out there has had a drop in power in their multipla, and successfully cured the problem?. I'm having these symptoms, and have tried a few things, but with no luck so far. Also does anyone know of a websites , say, with all known common faults of the car? Thanks