Worth it to keep new MAF sensor? replaced original one "accidentally"
07-27-2015, 05:18 PM
#1
Race Director
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Worth it to keep new MAF sensor? replaced original one "accidentally"
I recently bought a new MAF sensor but turns out that wasn't the issue to solve a P0102. It was on my car for all of 2 minutes and never driven out of the garage since the code immediately re-appeared after I cleared it. I put the old MAF sensor back in and after solving the underlying issue (PCM), it runs great now. I understand the premise behind the MAF of how it's a heated wire type. My car has 205k miles and at 17 years its ingested alot of air in its lifetime 
Thus, I'm wondering if I should keep the new MAF (it's a black composite unit) and eat the $100 it cost, or should I return the new MAF and just stick with the OEM one (aluminum looking)? Due to the nature of the MAF sensor's operation, it seems like it would be a "it either works or it doesn't" type. I have cleaned it with MAF sensor cleaner and I'm careful not to over oil my honker's filter.
Thus, I'm wondering if I should keep the new MAF (it's a black composite unit) and eat the $100 it cost, or should I return the new MAF and just stick with the OEM one (aluminum looking)? Due to the nature of the MAF sensor's operation, it seems like it would be a "it either works or it doesn't" type. I have cleaned it with MAF sensor cleaner and I'm careful not to over oil my honker's filter.
07-27-2015, 10:45 PM
#2
Le Mans Master
I recently bought a new MAF sensor but turns out that wasn't the issue to solve a P0102. It was on my car for all of 2 minutes and never driven out of the garage since the code immediately re-appeared after I cleared it. I put the old MAF sensor back in and after solving the underlying issue (PCM), it runs great now. I understand the premise behind the MAF of how it's a heated wire type. My car has 205k miles and at 17 years its ingested alot of air in its lifetime Thus, I'm wondering if I should keep the new MAF (it's a black composite unit) and eat the $100 it cost, or should I return the new MAF and just stick with the OEM one (aluminum looking)? Due to the nature of the MAF sensor's operation, it seems like it would be a "it either works or it doesn't" type. I have cleaned it with MAF sensor cleaner and I'm careful not to over oil my honker's filter.
Thus, I'm wondering if I should keep the new MAF (it's a black composite unit) and eat the $100 it cost, or should I return the new MAF and just stick with the OEM one (aluminum looking)? Due to the nature of the MAF sensor's operation, it seems like it would be a "it either works or it doesn't" type. I have cleaned it with MAF sensor cleaner and I'm careful not to over oil my honker's filter.
07-28-2015, 10:20 AM
#3
Worth it to keep new MAF sensor? replaced original one "accidentally"
I would go ahead and replace it. MAF sensors are like O2 sensors and spark plugs. Their performance slowly degrades with time and mileage. It is not simply a " works or doesn't" type of sensor. It regulates your fuel/air ratio and as they age, this function slows down and becomes less precise.