VW Polo Diesel Stalling + Smoke = Likely MAF Failure

Had the exact same symptoms on a 2005 VW Golf TDI with 160000km. The check engine light, poor idle, and increased fuel consumption were clear indicators of MAF sensor issues. The black smoke during acceleration confirmed the air-fuel ratio was off. Initially cleaned the MAF sensor myself, but the problem came back after 2 weeks. The final repair required a complete sensor replacement since dirt and oil buildup had permanently damaged the sensing elements. The issue was serious enough to affect engine performance and could have led to more severe problems if left unfixed. Before heading to a shop, you can try cleaning the sensor with MAF cleaner spray. Check if the air filter is dirty or clogged, as this often contributes to MAF sensor failure. Also inspect the sensor connector for any loose or corroded pins. If cleaning does not improve fuel economy and performance, replacement is likely needed. The repair itself is straightforward, essentially plug and play, but proper diagnosis is crucial to ensure the MAF sensor is actually the problem. For VW diesels, these symptoms are quite common when the MAF sensor fails. Getting it fixed promptly helps prevent additional engine wear from incorrect fueling.

Yes, I actually experienced identical problems with my Polo last winter. The engine stalling and poor fuel economy were really worrying, and the check engine light made me nervous about driving it. My mechanic confirmed it was the MAF sensor failure causing all these issues. After replacing the sensor and installing a new air filter, all problems cleared up completely. The engine runs perfectly smooth now with no stalling. Just curious, do you remember roughly how much the repair ended up costing you? Also, has everything been running fine since the fix or have you noticed any other issues pop up?

Just had the Mass air flow meter replaced last month, cost was 365€ for parts and labor. Since fixing the sensor failure, the car runs perfectly with no more check engine warnings or stalling issues. Fuel economy is back to normal levels too. The engine operates much smoother now, especially at idle. No more frustrating stalls or excess smoke during acceleration. A properly working MAF sensor makes a huge difference in how the engine performs. The air filter was also inspected during the repair but was still in good condition. Regular air filter checks are important since a clogged one can damage the new sensor. No other problems have emerged since the fix. The investment was worth it to restore proper engine function and prevent potential long-term damage from incorrect fuel metering.

I finally got the repair done last week. After checking several shops, I found one with good reviews and fair pricing. The mechanic diagnosed the faulty MAF sensor quickly and showed me how dirt buildup was affecting the readings. The total repair came to 340€, including a new MAF sensor and labor. They also noticed my air filter was quite dirty, so I had that replaced for an additional 45€. The whole job took about 2 hours. The difference is remarkable, no more check engine light, stable idle, and the engine runs smoothly again. Fuel economy has improved significantly, and the black smoke during acceleration is completely gone. Really glad I got this fixed when I did. The mechanic explained that running with a bad MAF sensor could have caused more serious engine problems over time. Definitely worth the investment to get it properly repaired by a professional.