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matteofischer5

VW Nivus MAF Sensor Issues Causing Multiple Problems

My VW Nivus 2020 is showing multiple issues that point toward a faulty mass air flow sensor. The check engine light is on, fuel economy has dropped significantly, and the engine stalls when idling. Also noticing smoke during acceleration. Has anyone dealt with similar symptoms and confirmed it was the air flow sensor? Looking for tips on diagnosis and repair experiences, particularly regarding workshop solutions and costs. Did replacing the sensor fix all these issues for you?

6 comment(s)

stefan_drache7

I had nearly identical issues with my VW T-Cross 2018. Started with performance decline and escalated to stalling, really concerning when it happened at traffic lights. After basic troubleshooting like checking the air filter and connections, I took it to a workshop. The diagnostic confirmed a faulty mass air flow sensor affecting the air-fuel ratio. The check engine light was definitely a good indicator. The complete fix cost 365€ including: New mass air flow sensor, Diagnostic testing, Labor costs, System reset Post-repair, all symptoms resolved: no more stalling, normal fuel consumption returned, and the check engine light cleared. The workshop also cleaned the air intake system while they were at it. To help more specifically with your case, could you share: Current mileage on your Nivus? When did symptoms first appear? Have you recently changed the air filter? Any modifications to the intake system? These details would help determine if your situation matches what I experienced. The T-Cross and Nivus share similar engine architecture, so repair approaches should be comparable.

matteofischer5 (Author)

Thanks for the detailed information. My Nivus has 43106km and had its last service 3 months ago. The symptoms started about 2 weeks ago, beginning with occasional engine stalling and gradually getting worse. The air filter was replaced during the last service, and I have not made any modifications to the intake system. The workshop quoted 420€ for sensor replacement, which seems high compared to your experience. Wondering if I should get a second opinion since the mass air flow sensor failure symptoms match exactly what you described, especially the engine stalling and poor fuel economy issues. Did your workshop offer any warranty on the repair?

stefan_drache7

Thanks for those details. The mileage and symptom progression match my experience closely, and the timing after a service is interesting, sometimes disturbing the air intake system during maintenance can highlight developing MAF sensor issues. The 420€ quote is actually reasonable considering current parts costs, I got lucky with timing as sensor prices have increased lately. But what matters most is getting a quality part since a faulty MAF sensor directly impacts air-fuel ratio and overall engine performance. My workshop provided a 12-month warranty on both parts and labor. This is something you should definitely confirm with yours, it provided good peace of mind, especially given how crucial the MAF sensor is to engine operation. Just one note about your fuel economy concerns, after my repair, it took about 2-3 tank fills for the engine management system to fully adapt and restore optimal efficiency. The check engine light cleared immediately though, and the stalling stopped from day one. Given your symptoms mirror mine exactly, especially that combination of poor fuel economy and stalling at idle, I would proceed with the repair. The price difference isnt significant enough to risk using a non-specialist workshop for this kind of work.

matteofischer5 (Author)

Based on your feedback and sharing the same symptoms with my car, I feel more confident about proceeding with the repair. The similarities between our cases, particularly the engine stalling and performance decline issues, are too close to ignore. The price difference of 55€ seems reasonable given recent parts cost increases. Your point about the repair warranty is crucial, I will definitely ask my workshop about their warranty terms before proceeding. Good to know about the fuel economy taking a few tank fills to normalize after the sensor replacement. Since my check engine light symptoms and sensor failure indicators match your experience so precisely, I will go ahead with my current workshop rather than seeking other quotes. The stalling is becoming more frequent and I dont want to risk further engine issues by delaying the repair. Will update once the mass air flow sensor is replaced to confirm if it resolves all the problems. Thanks for helping me feel more confident about the diagnosis and repair approach.

Remmos

My car is showing an LMM error, and it's completely new. I've also replaced the throttle valve, and the error persists. What could it be? The fuel consumption has also increased. I'm driving a 2.3 VR5 in a 2000 Seat Toledo.

(Translated from German)

CarlyMechanic

Quotation:

@Remmos wrote on

My car is showing an LMM error, and it's completely new. I've also replaced the throttle valve, and the error persists. What could it be? The fuel consumption has also increased. I'm driving a 2.3 VR5 in a 2000 Seat Toledo.

Start by checking the wiring and connectors related to the mass air flow sensor (LMM) for any signs of damage or corrosion, as these can cause persistent errors even with a new sensor. Ensure all connections are secure. If the issue persists, consider inspecting the intake system for any leaks or blockages that might affect air flow. Let me know how it goes or if you have further questions!

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