MAF sensor fault after brushless car wash

KIMALEX35

MEMBER
2010 CITROEN PICASSO
1.6L
2WD
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

Hi,

Recently I took my car to the car wash, which is brushless (don’t know if that matters) But I think I made a huge mistake by not turning off my engine while the car was in the machine. Noticed the car suddenly had rough idle and when the wash was over, and I put the car in gear and hit the gas it just stopped. Spent quite a while before getting it started again but once it started it worked fine like nothing ever happened, but the next day I got a check engine light and a code that told me it was something wrong with my MAF sensor. Changed the sensor today and now the check engine light is gone. My question is, what happened? Did water destroy the sensor?

3 Replies

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

It is possible that water somehow got in through the intake system and got the mass air flow sensor wet.
A wet MAF sensor will not function properly and will likely turn on the check engine light.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-mass-air-flow-sensor-works-maf

So, since you have changed the sensor, is it running normal with no issues?

Also, it will be a good idea to check the oil and make sure you do not have any water in it.
I have not seen this issue before with the car wash, but it is possible if everything lines up just right to have water into the intake through the duct.

Let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.

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Friday, February 11th, 2022 AT 2:01 PM

KIMALEX35

MEMBER
2 POSTS

It’s running normally now. No problems at all. Still no check engine light! Haven’t checked for water in the oil jet. I will do that tomorrow. I’ve seen some people experience similar situations as me on forums. Link below:

https://mbworld.org/forums/c63-amg-w204/386046-engine-stall-during-touchless-car-wash.html

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Friday, February 11th, 2022 AT 5:31 PM

SQM