GIAC problems!!!!

[01Wolf]

I was wondering if anyone has experienced problems with the GIAC chip. Recently, (according to the mechanics at Norden) my chip has been blowing my Mass Air Flow sensor. Apparently, the chip is running my fuel mixture way too rich. I have had this my car chipped for around a year now and have not had problems until recently. I had the Mass sensor replaced two weeks ago and yesterday my engine light came on again. At a cost of around 300.00 + bucks a visit, the expense of smoking Honda's is becoming a little too great.

Is there a way to correct this through software or should I just remove the GIAC chip?

[VRado6]

Re: GIAC problems!!!!

I've never heard of a chip causing problems with a mass air flow, although there is a first time for everything. The usual culprit for killing mass-airflow sensors is an aftermarket air filter. Most aftermarket filters are oiled and sometimes the oil from the filter gets on the MAF and messes up its reading. Doesn't happen to everyone, but it does happen.

BTW, who did you see at Norden? Next time come see me, the mod-friendly serivce advisor

[01Wolf]

Re: GIAC problems!!!!

I saw Phil who has been very good with me. I am definitely not all that happy though, especially considering that I had two days left on my warranty and they finally decided to blame my chip and thus not cover the warranty.

At any rate, Norden has been outstanding when it comes to service quality and I am hoping that this engine light is nothing serious. I think that I might just ask for you though Mike, can you get me in early this week?

[Duby T]

Re: GIAC problems!!!!

I've never heard of a chip causing problems with a mass air flow, although there is a first time for everything. The usual culprit for killing mass-airflow sensors is an aftermarket air filter. Most aftermarket filters are oiled and sometimes the oil from the filter gets on the MAF and messes up its reading. Doesn't happen to everyone, but it does happen.

BTW, who did you see at Norden? Next time come see me, the mod-friendly serivce advisor

Mike nailed this on the head. MAF failure is usually a result of over oiled aftermarket filters. I have never heard of a chip causing MAF failure.

[Kor]

Re: GIAC problems!!!!

Running rich cannot possibly foul your mass air flow sensor. Rather, a bad mass air flow sensor could make you run rich!

Think about it- No matter how much fuel gets dumped into the cylinders how will this affect a mass air flow sensor that just detects how much air is being sucked in?

I'd say your sensor is causing you to run rich and the chip is fine. The chip is probably adding the right amount of fuel if it was getting the right readings from the sensor.

Alternatively the chip could be making you run rich AND the mass air sensor failure is unrelated. In this case you probably are getting not enough boost - you could have a tiny boost leak or surging or something, not enough boost and too much fuel = rich.

Your sensor most commonly fails from being filthy due to an oiled air filter as already mentioned.

BUT its been SO rainy here lately that I would not be surprised if moisture + fine dust created a film of grime around the sensor.

[01Wolf]

Re: GIAC problems!!!!

I really appreciate the feedback, this is all going to help a ton when I take this back to Norden.

[VRado6]

Re: GIAC problems!!!!

I'm pretty well booked until about thursday or friday, but I may be able to get you in then. What I would suggest in the mean time is to call Richard at Dubsport on Monday and he should be able to scan it for you and let you know whats going on. It may be something unrelated to the MAF this time and it could be something simple that you could fix without a dealership visit. Just a suggestion anyhow. If you still want me to get it in just give me a call sometime on monday.

[Khyron]

Re: GIAC problems!!!!

[QUOTE=01Wolf;115765]I was wondering if anyone has experienced problems with the GIAC chip. Recently, (according to the mechanics at Norden) my chip has been blowing my Mass Air Flow sensor.QUOTE]

As everyone else has said, unlikely. What air filter do you have? K&N? Filter on a stick CAI?

[01Wolf]

Re: GIAC problems!!!!

My filter is just the stock one. Nothing special.

[Khyron]

Re: GIAC problems!!!!

Then just shitty luck with the MAF. They are a weak part to begin with but usually not to bad with the stock airbox.

Can't be the chip (as mentioned above). You could try cleaning it with rubbing alcohol, and do some logs with a vag to see what air readings you're getting.

[Kordain]

Re: GIAC problems!!!!

If the faulty part is deffo coming up as the MAF and its repeating with new ones then you may want to have a look at the wiring and plug to check for possibly dodgy connections, could be an intermittent bad connection or a dirty one decreasing the signal

[ThePhil]

Re: GIAC problems!!!!

Hey man, I've had a talk with the guys who worked on your car and I think you got a bit of a backwards story from Phil F. The reason you were running rich was your MAF, after replacement everything was OK. I honestly think it was just bad luck with MAF's, they are common and you've had a couple go on u. I don't think it's software related as there is no possible way that any sort of enrichment value would foul a MAF. If you like you can bring it down on Tuesday or there after and we can do some Data logs and check all the fueling settings and correction factors. I'm pretty sure they will be spot on.

Enjoy the weekend and come see me later in the week, I'll be happy to help ya out.

Phil

[01Wolf]

Re: GIAC problems!!!!

Hey Phil,

Thanks man, I appreciate you looking into it for me. I was wondering then, should I be asking for my money back and having that MAF replacement put through on warranty??