Vitara X-EC 2.5 V6;158 bhp fuel issue

[Suzisuzuki]

I have 2004 (05 reg) X-EC. The emissions light came on and diagnosed as fuel running too lean. Local garage (out of their depth) put 6 new sparks plugs in at great expense. Got a diagnostic guy out who identified the faulty sensor at the top of the engine. Spoke to Suzuki main dealer who advised they cannot be bought separately from the whole unit (£844 + vat). Original was an Hitachi component. Researched info on sensor and found one with same part number. Is exactly the same in appearance and fits the car. Inside, what looks like a filament in a light bulb, is different, much thicker than the original. No improvement in fact seems worse. Stuck on the drive now. Car is low mileage, immaculate inside so would be a shame to scrap it. Any advice out there?

[ScottieJ]

Which sensor did you change?

[Suzisuzuki]

Passenger side top of engine. One (of two) furthest from windscreen. Can’t see how to add a photo on here…

[ScottieJ]

What’s the part number so I can look it up please?

[Suzisuzuki]

The original was an Hitachi 4512 but also has the code AFH55M‑13 above it. That’s what I ordered (not with any real hope)

[ScottieJ]

Ok so you have changed the MAF but it’s made it run worse. Are you 100% sure the Hitachi MAF that you bought is a genuine hitachi one as there are knockoff ones out there so I’d be suspicious if it looks different and was cheap. The knockoff ones are garbage.

Have you still got the old MAF?

[Suzisuzuki]

Hi the original was the Hitachi. Can’t find the Hitachi one now. I guess they no longer make them. The new one came from eBay as thought it was worth a punt.

[Suzisuzuki]

Hi the original was the Hitachi. Can’t find the Hitachi one now. I guess they no longer make them. The new one came from eBay as thought it was worth a punt.

[ScottieJ]

It might be worth just trying some MAF cleaner on your original one

Or

Finding a good used one if you have no luck finding a genuine Hitachi MAF. Have you tried your local motor factors for a MAF? They might be able to source one, those MAFs are used on multiple vehicles.

[Suzisuzuki]

Thanks my nephew is going to put the old one back in. It doesn’t look particularly corroded or broken. I tried some Suzuki breakers but no one has that particular engine. I will try some more tho. Such a shame as although 20 years old inside is immaculate.