Code P0101 and Indicator Lamp for Shift Electronics On

[Larry Horne]

1998 328i, A/T 150,000 miles (recently replaced all O2 sensors, plugs, wires)

I had a perfectly running perfectly tuned car until yesterday. I found a can of Amsoil Power Foam (intake and T/B cleaner) at my local auto parts store.

This is a foaming product that you spray into the intake, allow the engine to choke off, and let set for 10 minutes.

I sprayed the entire can into the air mass meter (I call it the Mass Airflow Sensor but the Haynes manual calls it the air mass meter) and let it set for 10 minutes.

I started the car and as I expected it smoked but cleared up shortly.

I had the Check Engine Light on and the Indicator Lamp for Shift Electronics (the gear with an ! inthe middle, not to be confused with the Automatic Stability Control light)

I pulled the code and its a P0101 (Mass Air Flow/Volume Air Flow). The car idles roughly and shifts VERY hard.

I cannot clear the P0101 code, it will not erase. (I have not pulled the battery yet)

What did I damage and how do I repair it. I want my perfectly running car BACK.

Lar

[mehumming]

if i was anyone i could remove the mass meter along with throttle components that are removable and inspect levers and hose attachments.
making sure nothing is stoping anything from working.
clean again whilst off car and re-install

[Hamfisted]

Larry it's probably just residue on the MAF sensor probes. Get a can of CRC electrical contact cleaner at the autoparts store and spray that on the MAF to clean it off. You didn't leave the MAF unplugged did you?





Mike

[Larry Horne]

Hey Mike,

What a bummer for the bimmer. I unplugged and replugged several times but I am going to remove the unit tonight maybe if time allows and inspect.

The local Bimmer guru said to unplug the battery since the OBDII code reader will not clear the codes.

But whats up with the autotrans shift light. You think its getting bum information from the MAF?

Over.

Lar

[Larry Horne]

Taking the MAF sensor off and cleaning it with CRC Electrical contact cleaner did not work, repeated just to make certain.

Next step replace the MAF?

Trans shift indicator light still on.

Lar