lifespan?

[mogwai]

Hi Guys!

I just want to hug you all. Thank you sooo much for all the info and help!

Smiley - AH..I get it Yes, my CEL has been on for a LONG time. My shop had a hard time figuring out what the issue is so we've just left it alone for now. They aren't VW experts..but they are honest at least!

Cori - I have no problems driving to Ft Collins...it's just getting back that's the problem! haha

Yello - Where can we find this guy?

Anyways... Yesterday I posted an ad on Craigslist AND emailed a Specialist shop here in the Springs. The European Specialists are happy to look at my Beetle for a 3rd opinion. It'll be $100 to diagnose. Another gentleman emailed me and said he'd love to look at my Beetle. He has a shop and is available. I just haven't heard back to hear where the shop is and how much he'll charge to look at. But I'm leaning more towards the Specialists...for obvious reasons.

My next question. Can I fight the VW Dealership and try to get out of paying their stupid $99 diagnosis fee? They told me that they didn't even hook the car up to the machine...that they did a pressure check first (what does that intale..does anyone know?) Do I fight and try to get out of the $99 or just pay it and grip to the questionaire people who are bound to call me to see how my service was....

[Yello_jellybean]

Hi,

Just PM DZLBUG, he is on the forum. He seems really nice. He usually hangs out on the TDI side. I bet if you look at some of the threads on there, he has posted something recently. You can just click on his name and it will give a menu with an option to private message him.(PM) There are other guys on here that know a lot of stuff too, but DZLBUG seems like he really knowledgeable. If it was my car, I would go to him first. I have a TDI though. Even so, I would give it a shot, what have you got to lose? Good luck.

[Smileybug]

So I assume the dealer never scanned the car? If the CEL is on, they should have. If not, you need to get it scanned. The codes you get can really help you out. The dealer will charge you to get it scanned but somewhere like Autozone should do it for free.

[mogwai]

I think she's gonna live!!!!

I picked her up at the VW dealership and drove her over to the European Specialist shop. They had told me over email that they'd probably be able to look at it tomorrow or Friday.

I just got a call. It's the Mass Air Flow Sensor! They read off a bunch of stuff to me...I tried writing it down but he went to fast. I'm going to have him fax me a copy of everything. Anyways... He said they put it on some sort of "auto" mode which turns off the MAF and it worked fine - no issues. So...I'm having the sensor replaced $230 + $100 diagnosis. It'll be done tomorrow and we're gonna go from there. yippie!!!!

I seriously want to hug you all. Thank you so much for all your help. I'm so excited that there is great chance that I can keep her!!! Please keep my little "mogwai" in your thoughts!!!

[Yello_jellybean]

Yeay! Good News! I am so happy for you. Now you can afford to come visit us down here in Denver!

[mogwai]

This will completely make my year if I don't have to buy a new car!

And I'm in Denver EVERY weekend!! I'm actually trying to relocate up there.

I wanna be in your bugclub!! hehe

[mogwai]

Here are the deets. Let me know what you think.

- we found fuel pressure ok - on the low side of normal, but is normal.
- cam timing okay
- found trouble codes for random misfire, cyl 1,2 & 3 misfires (p0300, p0303, p0302, p0301)
- checked engine temp sensor, throttle position sensor and mass air flow sensor readings.
all okay except mass air flow sensor - reading low (measuring less air than is actually going through it).
- recommend replacing Mass Air Flow sensor and retest vehicle operation.

[Yello_jellybean]

I really don't know. That's why I suggested to ask someone else.
I wish I was a car guru, but I'm not.
I will say that at least the guys that looked at it this time seem honest. I guess, you really can't tell, but still a whole lot better than the dealer. I must say, I hate the dealer. DO NOT take your beetle to Osborn on Colfax. I am positive that I have more car knowledge and brain cells than they do. I do not trust then at all. My car is just barely out of warranty, but I will NEVER take my car to them now. I will drive clear to BFE before I take my car to them. BTW, did you catch my note earlier, about auto body guys? I know two terrific places up in Colo. Springs if you ever need body work done.

[mogwai]

I did see your note! I just had a friend get some body work done on her car up in Denver. And I agree, dealerships are worthless! I hope I never have to go there again. I am thankful to have found these guys...they were super nice, fast and affordable! Just hoping she is good to go tomorrow.

[CoriBug]

That is great news!! YAY!! I hope you two are reunited tomorrow. I'm in Brighton almost every weekend. Maybe a GTG is in order??

[Punchbuggybluenoreturns!!]

Originally Posted by mogwai

all okay except mass air flow sensor - reading low (measuring less air than is actually going through it).
- recommend replacing Mass Air Flow sensor and retest vehicle operation.

Just clean the MAF sensor, or have a mechanic do it.

They even sell "Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner" @ the auto parts stores.

[punchbuggy]

I knew your problems sounded familiar...been there myself twice. Had the MAF cleaned the first time and it lasted eight months. Second time I had it replaced, and I have been very happy since. Glad you will be getting your car fixed up at a reasonable price, and really glad you found a good shop for any future needs!

Punchbuggy

[mogwai]

Thanks everyone! I drove Miss Mogwai to work today and she did great!! I'm sooo happy! I'm going to take her to get a good wash inside and out today so that she feels good and looks pretty! I've missed her so much. I can't beleive she's been gone for a whole month!

A Denver GTG sounds fabulous My boyfriend lives in Aurora so I'm up there every weekend and I'm currently looking for a job in Denver so that I can hopefully move up there over the summer. I own my townhouse though so I need to find a good honest responsible renter....eek.