On and off Check Engine Light

[april_baobao]

Hi,

I am new to this forum, but I am hoping maybe someone can help me out on my problems. I have a 1995 318i with K miles on it. The check engine light is coming on and off, and the engine shakes and stalls when I start the car from time to time.

The dealer said I need to replace the idle valve and possibly the DME. Other shop told me the car needs a new air mass meter.

My questions are:

1. What's the difference between an idle valve and an air mass meter?

2. I replaced the idle valve, the vent valve and the accelerator cable back in 2004. How long do these things usually last?

Any opinions are appreciated.

Thank you.

aprilbaobao

[Hamfisted]

You probably just need to clean the mass airflow sensor (MAF). They get dirty and sometimes need to be cleaned with electrical contact cleaner or something. Don't let anyone tell you the DME needs to be replaced that's the main computer and big bucks. The MAF is that thing just down stream of the air filter box, an electrical plug is attached to it. Get some CRC Electrical Contact Cleaner (any autoparts store...) and remove the MAF and spray the sensor probe area clean.




Mike