MAF Mass Air Flow Sensor - Replace before the Engine Light! (1 Viewer)

[kevin2i]

Summary:
MAF with 260k miles failed (stalling occasionally off-idle)
Replacement solved problem and:
1. Car runs better - noticeable increase in power.
2. Calculated about up to 1 MPG increase
3. Actual 15-20 extra miles per tankful - supports MPG increase
4. MAF readings on OBD display more stable with replacement.

Would recommend replacement prior to CEL warning - if you LC feels a little sluggish a new MAF could revive it.


I just replaced a coil - and a few days later my car dies off idle. Such as accelerating at a green light - dangerous. Engine light on - and since I just purchased a wireless OBD2 dongle - it shows bad MAF sensor. I actually drove another 660 miles (bi-weekly commute) and no issues after resetting codes - except pulling into station.

Got the Hitachi OEM replacement - figured this is a precision part and not worth saving $30 on a Chinese knockoff. For $65 (rock auto) or $80 (amazon) well worth considering the MAF as a wear item. I accepted lower performance due to high mileage - however the MAF was the cause. I would recommend replacing before 200k!

 

[Ayune]

Had you cleaned the MAF in the past?

 

[nissanh]

Good input. Was the coil you replace is an oem? Did you try to clean the maf? Any improvements after the clean? May be the connector pins were bad in yoyr old maf? I still got factory maf on my 212K mile 4r amd 235K mile LC and both runs good. LC is doing 17 mpg at 75 mph cruise.

 

[hickuptruck]

MAF cleaner on mine and power was much better. I wonder what difference a good cleaning vs brand new would make.

 

[Eicca]

MAF cleaner really improved my parents’ 100. Funny though, I tried it in my Lexus (not a Karman Vortex type) and it made it run worse.

But yes, a new MAF can do wonders, as I confirmed when I replaced the one in the Lexus with a used eBay one. Car feels so much healthier and gets way better mpg (on the highway at least... ain’t no conservation around town with a V8)

 

[Zero Emissions]

 

[Zero Emissions]

I have used this on a connector in the past

 

[kevin2i]

Had you cleaned the MAF in the past?

Yes, with MAF cleaner - I will continue cleaning it once a year. My guess is that a coil works or fails - while the sensor can degrade and still be “ok” for the ECU. 20 years and 260k miles on mine. ( with one coil failure)

 

[kevin2i]

Good input. Was the coil you replace is an oem? Did you try to clean the maf? Any improvements after the clean? May be the connector pins were bad in yoyr old maf? I still got factory maf on my 212K mile 4r amd 235K mile LC and both runs good. LC is doing 17 mpg at 75 mph cruise.

Yes, I used Hitachi and bought a spare. After the first time it died and problem code popped up, I used CRC MAF spray and got another 600 miles before code thrown again. My guess is that over time the wire corrodes a little and the MAF sensor loses accuracy. I noticed less fluctuation on air flow on my OBD scanner with the new unit, as well as less rpm variation.

Hitachi is the oem supplier - available from amazon and rock auto. maf0056.