2000 VW Passat MAF problem

LOL! I love these posts...

Make sure you check the connector before you buy a new MAF. Checks will lead to a bad one when it could be the connector. Many dealer checks and two MAF replacements finally found the connector to be bad on our 2000 Jetta 1.8.

PS. Buy yourself a manual and learn the locations of the components if you plan on working on it yourself.

Thanks spiderman and lobo, but I was looking for a little help in locating the part. It may be inside a case or something? I know what the part looks like I just don't see it looking from the air intake to the throttle body but I'm sure it's there. I'm looking for some help, i.e. the O2 sensors are in the front and rear of the catalytic converter for example. I'm fully capable of doing the work, just thought rather than start tearing into the engine, I'd get a better idea of where to look. Thanks to anyone that can help.

lobo, when I find the MAF I'll definatly check the connectors first.

Hold on there, cowboy. Don't do one more thing until you've purchased the Bentley manual for your car. Sit down, take a deep breath, read the section in the manual that describes MAF location, removal and replacement, and then go to work. No offense, but if you were about to "tear into your engine" without any idea of where the MAF sensor is... well, let's just say, buy the manual first.

It's inside the air cleaner housing.

Hey Woodchuck - thanks for getting in the right place - that's all I needed. It took me about 20 mins to change it out (I could it again in about 10 mins). Bought the OEM part online for $60. If you can change out your air filter you can do this - easy. The MAF is in the housing with the air filter. Dealer here is trying to rip off people for $500. Hopefully this post will save someone else some big bucks.