The latest "modification"

Phil W · 19 Jun 2008 at 14:59

Apparantly dreamed up by the VAG forum chaps...

Hi guys, ive been a bit weary about this mod for ages, but after seeing almost 100 testimonials on Briskoda and TDICLUB i decided to give it a go.

Basically the mod (also called 'Cagemod' on TDIClub after the person who thought it up) is cleaning the contacts of the MAF (can be done by plugging in and unplugging a few times!) and then smearing some dielectric grease on the electrical connections.

As the MAF is very sensetive, the arcing caused by movements of the plug can make the reading vary considerably - couple this with a clattery diesel engine shaking it and youve got a lot of interference! The dielectric grease prevents the arcing of the connections and also repels any water from potentially corroding the contacts.

Ive just bitten the bullet and bought a tube - 56g for £6. I Slightly coated the female connectors, plugged/unplugged a few times, re-applied grease and then finally plugged in. The difference is remarkable! The car starts in a single engine revolution and is much more willing at low revs - absolutely no hesitation as i previously found. I always found my mates Ibiza FR's a lot smoother below 2.5k but now mine is smoother and quieter than that! Ive not really had it above 3k yet due to only a 10mile commute so will report back with more longer term findings!

Surely, if it worked, it would work on Petrol cars too?

Firestar_3x · 19 Jun 2008 at 15:01

If the MAF signal was out of spec the cars dash would light up like a christmas tree, its all in his head imho.

Clarkey · 19 Jun 2008 at 15:01

How can you call this a mod? It's just fixing a dodgy connector :/

Phil W · 19 Jun 2008 at 15:02

Clarkey said:
How can you call this a mod? It's just fixing a dodgy connector :/

I haven't, VAG muppets have

Malt_Vinegar · 19 Jun 2008 at 15:04

Clarkey said:
How can you call this a mod? It's just fixing a dodgy connector :/

Technically you are adding something that was not there before, so its a mod (devils advocate)

[TW]Fox · 19 Jun 2008 at 15:07

VAG - for when your inferiority complex makes you ashamed to say you drive a Seat or a Skoda :confused:

Clarkey · 19 Jun 2008 at 15:07

In that case my 300 must be super uber modded and run 1000bhp, I mean I cleaned and greased all the connectors and there are tonnes of them!

Phil W · 19 Jun 2008 at 15:10

Clarkey said:
In that case my 300 must be super uber modded and run 1000bhp, I mean I cleaned and greased all the connectors and there are tonnes of them!

I'm going out there armed with Wd40, 3-in-1 and Copper Grease as we speak

Jonnycoupe · 19 Jun 2008 at 15:12

Dont they put MAF sensors on rubber hoses in 'VAG' cars?

Firestar_3x · 19 Jun 2008 at 15:17

Not sure, mine is screwed into the Stock airbox fed via a cold air intake and output to the turbo via a rubber pipe.

[DOD]Asprilla · 19 Jun 2008 at 15:19

He bought a diesel for a 10 mile commute!

Defcon5 · 19 Jun 2008 at 15:22

[DOD]Asprilla;11922568 said:
He bought a diesel for a 10 mile commute!

He must be saving thousands!

Bear · 19 Jun 2008 at 15:37

I cant see how putting dielectric grease on your electrical connections would help as dielectric grease is an insulator :confused:

Nomisf · 19 Jun 2008 at 15:45

Bear said:
I cant see how putting dielectric grease on your electrical connections would help as dielectric grease is an insulator

He speaks the truth

Wiki said:
A 'dielectric' is a nonconducting substance, i.e. an insulator.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dielectric

task · 19 Jun 2008 at 17:14

Nomisf said:
He speaks the truth

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dielectric

If you want to stop it arcing I can think of few better things than a non-conductor.

I think the idea is you clean the connectors to give least resistance and most reliability then surround them with a non-conductor to prevent arcing.

Over Clocker · 19 Jun 2008 at 17:23

Surely it is common sense that a clean electrical connection will be better?????

AND, i wouldn't use dielectric grease!!

AHarvey · 19 Jun 2008 at 17:36

Phil W said:
I haven't, VAG muppets have

So everyone with a VAG car is a muppet?

Phil W · 19 Jun 2008 at 17:49

AHarvey said:
So everyone with a VAG car is a muppet?

Yea, just as BMW drivers are.

Tomsk · 19 Jun 2008 at 17:54

AHarvey said:
So everyone with a VAG car is a muppet?

I'm a womble.

Bear · 19 Jun 2008 at 17:56

taske said:
If you want to stop it arcing I can think of few better things than a non-conductor.

I think the idea is you clean the connectors to give least resistance and most reliability then surround them with a non-conductor to prevent arcing.

If you coat the surround of the pin then perhaps, but if you get it on the pins themselves then all you are going to do is create greater resistance.

Anyway how close are the pins on this connector ?? Bearing in mind the dielectric constant of air is about 25000 volts per 10mm, the pins of the MAF are what 5V ??