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louisbecker37

VW Touran MAF Sensor Issues Cause Engine Problems

My VW Touran 2017 gasoline shows multiple signs of a problematic mass air flow sensor. The engine stalling at idle is especially concerning, along with increased fuel consumption. There is also visible smoke during acceleration, and the check engine light stays on. These symptoms suggest the air-fuel ratio might be off. Has anyone dealt with similar symptoms and confirmed it was the MAF sensor? Would appreciate hearing about repair experiences and costs, especially if you got it fixed at a workshop. Were there any specific tests done to confirm the diagnosis before replacing parts? Really trying to avoid replacing parts unnecessarily.

Summary of the thread

A 2017 VW Touran exhibited symptoms of a faulty mass air flow (MAF) sensor, including engine stalling, increased fuel consumption, visible smoke during acceleration, and a persistent check engine light. These issues were confirmed through diagnostic tests, which identified the MAF sensor as the problem. The solution involved cleaning the air intake system, replacing the MAF sensor, and changing a dirty air filter, which resolved all symptoms and restored normal engine performance. Proper diagnostics were emphasized as crucial to avoid unnecessary part replacements and ensure accurate problem identification.

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4 comment(s)

fabian_keller1

I had a very similar issue with my VW Golf 2015 gasoline about 8 months ago. I have some experience working on cars, mainly basic maintenance, but sensor issues are usually beyond my skill level. The symptoms you describe match exactly what I experienced, poor fuel economy, unusual stalling, and that annoying check engine light. The excessive smoke during acceleration was a major red flag pointing to a MAF sensor failure affecting the air-fuel mixture. My trusted workshop ran a diagnostic test first to confirm the MAF sensor failure. They also cleaned the air intake system while replacing the sensor, which cost 365€ in total. The repair completely resolved all symptoms, and fuel consumption returned to normal within a couple of tanks. Before suggesting specific fixes, could you share: Current mileage on your Touran, When was the last time you changed the air filter, Are there any other warning lights besides check engine, Have you noticed any performance decline in specific situations (highway vs city driving) This information would help determine if your issue is identical to what I experienced with my Golf. A faulty MAF sensor often shows similar symptoms across VW models, but its always good to confirm with proper diagnostics before replacing parts.

louisbecker37 (community.author)

Just had my 111814km service last month and experienced the exact same issues. The diagnostic test from my workshop confirmed the MAF sensor was the culprit. Performance decline was most noticeable during highway driving, and fuel economy dropped significantly. After cleaning the air intake system and replacing the sensor, all issues resolved. The check engine light went off, and engine performance returned to normal. Fuel consumption is back to standard levels now. The complete fix, including diagnostics and parts, came to 380€. Worth noting the air filter needed replacement too since it was quite dirty, which likely contributed to the MAF sensor failure.

fabian_keller1

Good to hear you got it fixed. I followed a similar route with my Golf last year, and your repair costs are in line with what I paid. The connection between a dirty air filter and MAF sensor issues is often overlooked. Based on our shared experiences, regular air filter maintenance seems crucial for these VW engines. Since both our repairs included air intake system cleaning, this might be worth doing preventively during regular service intervals to avoid future MAF sensor failures. My fuel economy stayed optimal after the fix, and the engine stalling never returned. The smoke during acceleration completely cleared up too. Have you noticed any residual symptoms since the repair? My check engine light took about 50km of driving to reset completely after the fix, pretty standard for these models. For anyone else reading with similar symptoms: get your air filter checked first, as it can save the MAF sensor from premature failure. The full diagnostic test is essential before replacing parts, as these symptoms can sometimes point to other issues in the air intake system.

louisbecker37 (community.author)

Thanks for getting back about the repair outcome. Tracking the same issues through multiple kilometers of highway driving definitely helped pinpoint the sensor failure. The mechanic confirmed my suspicions after running comprehensive diagnostics. The air intake system cleaning combined with the fresh air filter and new MAF sensor made a huge difference. Since the repair, fuel economy returned to normal, acceleration is smooth with no smoke, and the check engine light finally turned off after about 45km of driving. Really glad I didnt just start replacing unusual parts. Getting proper diagnostics first actually saved money in the long run. The 380€ total cost was reasonable considering it included the complete system check, new sensor, air filter, and labor. Most reassuring is that other VW owners faced similar symptoms and got the same resolution. For anyone seeing these warning signs, get your air filter checked and air intake system inspected before sensor failure leads to bigger problems. Having the full diagnostic test is essential for confirming the exact issue.

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VW

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TOURAN