Mass Air Flow Sensor
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: calgary alberta
Mass Air Flow Sensor
I had my 87 convertible in the shop before winter and was told that the engine light was on as the air sensor was very dirty. The mechanic also explained that this sensor correlated with the periodic hesitation when i let applied the accelerator when driving.
Is it best to get the mechanic to install a new sensor or is it possible to do it myself? The car, according to the previous owner was "chipped" to a degree for more performance.
I am planning a trip from Calgary to Bowling Green this July with Calgary Corvettes Unlimited. (car club).
I dont want any mechanical problems when going there. Can I replace it myself to save a few bucks or should I leave it to my mechanic?
Is it best to get the mechanic to install a new sensor or is it possible to do it myself? The car, according to the previous owner was "chipped" to a degree for more performance.
I am planning a trip from Calgary to Bowling Green this July with Calgary Corvettes Unlimited. (car club).
I dont want any mechanical problems when going there. Can I replace it myself to save a few bucks or should I leave it to my mechanic?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,043
Likes: 8
From: Tampa Florida
No need to pay someone for the work, you can fix this yourself with minimal effort on your part and some basic hand tools.
They sell a product to clean MAF sensor...look for it in auto parts stores next to the carb cleaner cans. Remove the sensor from the car and spray the crap out of the thing then let it dry. It wouldn't be a bad idea to pick up 2 new relays for the MAF sensor. One relay is for the MAF power the other is for the burn off function. These relays can/may be year specific so make sure you get the correct ones for your year model. Have a great road trip.
They sell a product to clean MAF sensor...look for it in auto parts stores next to the carb cleaner cans. Remove the sensor from the car and spray the crap out of the thing then let it dry. It wouldn't be a bad idea to pick up 2 new relays for the MAF sensor. One relay is for the MAF power the other is for the burn off function. These relays can/may be year specific so make sure you get the correct ones for your year model. Have a great road trip.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Beavercreek Ohio
My 87 did the same I called the dealer and they wanted and arm and a leg and part of the other leg. I bought one at a parts store and put it on myself. Saved about $800.00. Very easy to do. One hose clamp and 2 snaps You wont have any problem. Good Luck
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: calgary alberta
I will try the cleaner first..if not....will buy a unit. Thanks
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: calgary alberta
Will try doing the spray and if that doesnt work then I will replace the relays. Luckily I got a book when I bought the car which shows where all the parts are and what they look like. Thanks for the advice.
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Racer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
I replaced the MAF first on my '89 and no joy.
The problem went away after replacing all of the relays. One of the relays controls the burnoff which keeps the wire clean.
I had to use the FSM to find all the relays.
