"Check Engine" light = $260 (+tax) mass air flow sensor??

[Private_Joker]

Thank you MrShorty for clearing that up for me. I cleaned my MAF before, but all I did was clear the 'temp' memory...
I almost bought a new MAF, I'll redo it the way you guys have instructed.

Thanks again,
PJ

 

[97BlackX5.0]

heres an easy way to figure it out.... go to autozone and buy the mass air flow sensor for 90 bucks.... then take it home unhook your battery.... take off the old one.... you really only need a special screwdriver.... and put the new one on..... if it fixes your code great problem solved.... if not take it back to autzone after putting it back in the box and tell them that you ended up not needing it.... and start looking elsewhere.... cheapest easiest way to do it....cost you like 100 bucks total.

MAKE SURE YOU SAVE THE RECIEPT

 

[Private_Joker]

An update:...

I did as advised above and did the running code test...
I got the following...

998 (running in failure mode (something is screwed) accepting default values)

followed by

157 : Mass Air Flow sensor fault (low voltage)

Curiously, I did not see the 158 code this time (MAF fault high voltage)..

Anyways, I've cleaned this MAF a million times by now. :fire: :roll:

What do you think? I'm losing patience and am just about the buy another one.

BTW, I replaced my pcv valve, (major crud buildup on the old one)!!!

 

[MrShorty]

Circuit tests:
1) Does the MAF VPWR lead have ~12V?
2) PWR ground lead have a good ground connection?
(These two are the "excitation circuit" necessary for the MAF to operate)
3) What are the readings at the MAF and MAF return pins? This is where the computer reads the MAF, and sets the trouble code.

 

[Private_Joker]

sry (dumb question coming)...
What do I need to do these tests?
a) a cheap Multi-Tester and Circuit Tester Kit
ie:
http://www.canadiantire.ca/assortme...CT<>prd_id=845524442132077&assortment=primary

b) or a multimeter kit like this:
http://www.canadiantire.ca/assortme...CT<>prd_id=845524442202191&assortment=primary

Circuit tests:
1) Does the MAF VPWR lead have ~12V?
2) PWR ground lead have a good ground connection?
(These two are the "excitation circuit" necessary for the MAF to operate)
3) What are the readings at the MAF and MAF return pins? This is where the computer reads the MAF, and sets the trouble code.

 

[MrShorty]

Links don't take me to a description of the products you're looking at.
Basically, all you need is a decent DVOM (Digital Volt Ohm Meter. Search engines at tool store websites might prefer digital multimeter) and a means to backprobe the appropriate circuit (I use straight pins, but you have to be careful not to damage any connectors). Also when probing a part of the circuit, it's usually best to have a stable reference, so put the negative lead of the DVOM on the negative battery post, or other known good ground. Also, review the "how electricity works" section of a Chilton's manual.