What's up all... have an issue that just started up recently. Here's some back story and summary of whats happening:

I took a short drive to pick up some food about 2 weeks ago and took off without letting the engine warm at all... its was very jerky and bucking in 1st and 2nd but that happens a lot when I'm starting off cold. Never really thought much of it... but anyway it was bucking more than usual. I went and picked up the food then drove back home without incident, or at least I didn't notice anything different right at the time.

A few hours later I started my car up again to drive about an hour to work and noticed the CEL was on. It's happened before... no big deal. Until I start driving and notice that the car is unusually sluggish. After I get about halfway to work I finally notice that the boost will not exceed 5 or so lbs and the vacuum is below 20 (where it usually sits) and is around 24.

I drove it for about 4 or 5 days with no other issues other than the ones described above, until about 4 days ago the car started to accelerate and decelerate constantly (slight jerking) when lightly accelerating between -4 and 0 on the boost gauge, usually when in cruise control and going up a hill. It is still happening to this point in time.

At times the turbo will boost to about 8 PSI and other times it won't get past 3. Not sure what that could mean. The vacuum remains the same (around 24).

I had the CEL checked and it threw a p0101 code... so I read some things on the forum and figured its one of several things. First guess was the MAF sensor was shot or dirty so I used some CRC but haven't seen any results. My next step is to purchase a new sensor and replace the old one, but I'm not quite sure this is the issue. The issue may be a boost leak and I'm not exactly handy enough to do my own test (don't have an air compressor). I've read that the issue may also be related to the Evap Purge Solenoid amongst a slew of other possible causes.

I would love some feedback with any suggestions or ideas you guys may have on what the issue could be. I'm a pretty good DIYer but not a car expect by any means. Btw my motor is completely stock with the exception of the air filter which is just a K&N drop in. If it helps, I have noticed some oil residue on the block near the oil cap and by the MAF sensor... not sure if that means anything.

Appreciate your help in advance! Should I go with a new MAF? Does it sound like a boost leak?

 

bump... going to get a new MAF sensor in a little bit. If it doesn't sound like this is the issue, please let me know ASAP!

btw, can I return the MAF if it isnt the issue? Should be able to get away with it at autozone right lol

 

update: put new MAF in, didn't make a difference. I'm leaning towards boost leak at this point... feedback appreciated

question: does the CEL need to be cleared or do I need to disconnect the battery for the new MAF to have an effect? Not sure on this

 

If it was the maf the CEL should clear when its replaced.

Do a boost leak test

 

thanks... i guess thats next on the agenda

 

I had the same issue kinda. Got a new harness and it went away. When u connect the new harness make sure get the wires crimped well enough so they dont become lose. The orange connectors with 2 ports are the best u can get them at Home Depot. A way to tell turn the car on unplug the maf and put a volt tester in each of the five slots. Mine was the yellow single wire.

 

P0101 is always a boost leak. Find the leak and fix it. Most common is the ic end tanks splitting.

 

Yup I threw that a week or so ago when my charge pipe blew off the intercooler.

 

^what they said. Check all connections first. If not from a coupler connection, a crappy plastic part is probably cracked.

 

boost leak testing how-to in my sig

Also, OP, where you see the red line is about where two of my stock, plastic intercoolers cracked.