Rough idle and P1417 code. Replace MAF?

[AldridgeZ4]

Hi. I have been having intermittent rough idle problems after the car has been left for a while. The revs hunt from 500 to 1200RPM and I get an EML light. My ebay reader comes up with code P1417 which is throttle body air supply fault. I am also getting a strong smell of petrol on a cold start up.
The fault clears after restarting the car a couple of times and the EML disappears after a few miles of driving. Although the idle can be a bit lumpy until car is warm.
I am thinking of replacing the MAF. A Bosch one on ebay is about 100 quid, so not cheap.
Does this sound like the correct course of action?
Thanks in advance

[RedUn]

You can always give the MAF a clean and see if that helps before you spend any real money?

From memory there's a common problem with lumpy idle, I think it was the ICV that needs cleaning, have a search on here there's loads of info

[AndyBeech]

Disconnect the MAF first and see if the car runs better would be my first course of action. If it does, MAF is probably to blame although look for any splits in any hoses running up to intake as well.

[ph001]

No, that sounds much more like an idle control valve problem to me. There is a hose that leads to it from the top of the engine, you can easily pop that off and squirt a load of carb cleaner down which will get to the icv. Leave it 30 mins, reconnect the hose and start the car...you will get a bit of smoke at first but then should clear and hopefully solve your problem.

[AldridgeZ4]

Thanks for the tips. I'll hold off buying the MAF and try these ideas first.