Engine Cover switch removal

[slipd]

Hi guys,

I've been able to get the "circled in red" switch off in previous years just by wiggling, but today, it was having none of it...





What is the correct way, something to do with a screwdriver? I know the angle is really tight. I'm sure I was told, "small flathead, in at the side, push down." Wasn't working today anyway.

I did the oil change with the cover still connected by that switch, just moved it to one side 

[Lewo]

I might be stupid here but why do you need to remove the over/switch to do an oil change?

[mjmallia]

That is the MAF plug on the 1.6 FSI......but does not need to be removed for an oil change, unless you are doing the air filter as well?

[slipd]

I might be stupid here but why do you need to remove the over/switch to do an oil change?

No, fair point. I just like the cover completely out of the way to better access everything...

[slipd]

That is the MAF plug on the 1.6 FSI......but does not need to be removed for an oil change, unless you are doing the air filter as well?

Thanks! So what does it actually do?

And how do you "officially" remove it 

[brian_badonde]

Same as all VW electrical connectors - push the connector in first to release the tension on the latch (you should hear a click) then pull it out with one of your fingers pulling the tab back. There's some good videos on youtube if that explanation doesn't make sense. There's definitely a knack to it but once you get it, you get it.

[LC5F]

MAF - Mass air flow - tells ECU how much air is entering the engine

[mjmallia]

This may help

[slipd]

This may help

This.

Thank you so much, it's so easy now... "push the plug toward the engine cover, and pull back the clip at the same time - the plug just slides off at this point"

Nice one, I used to dread that job!

[pudding]

Indeed.  The force required to compress the weather seal when pushing these connectors home, ought to give people a clue that the same resistance needs to be relieved before disconnecting them.  The amount of these connectors that get wrecked from people levering on them with screwdrivers is unreal 

As the old adage goes, if you have to force something, stop.....you're doing it wrong     That tension is there to prevent the plugs from vibrating off, which would be a bad day if the crank sensor plug falls off