secondary mass air flow c.e.l. po411

i have a b6 (2002) 1.8t quattro w/149xxx miles on it.

my cel is on and i pulled the secondary mass air flow injection code. now, i know that it could be the pump or a vaccuum leak, correct? i have done some minor research and that is the concensus.

i have heard that the engine will sound like a diesel when the pump goes bad; mine sounds normal. i have searched through as many hoses as i can find myself, and get at w/out finding a brittle one.

i do notice a whining noise from the rear quarter of the vehicle when it is below 50 degrees outside. i don't know if this is the esp or what.

I need to pass the sniffer and if i clear the code i might not pass. i'd like to get this fixed and then sell the car, so any insight would be good.

i'd also like to see some air/vaccum system diagrams for the 1.8t engine bay.

i also hear a repetative clicking noise coming out of a sensor/canister right near the airbox. there are, i believe, one entering hose and two vaccum hoses leaving it. this may be normal, i just never noticed it before.


where are some key spots to look for the leak? will soap and water work for finding it?

thanks a bunck