MAF Sensor

Help! Yesterday the dreaded Service Engine Soon light came on in my car. I have a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix GT. I stopped by Autozone, and the code was p0102. I know I need to check all the hoses, but I am thinking it is the MAF sensor. Is there anyway to find out for sure if the MAF sensor is bad? Next my husband and I would like to replace this ourselves. Can you give me instructions on where it is in the car, and how to replace it?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Kim

The only way to really check the sensor is with a scanner that shows live data.

If its a 3.1, the sensor is in the air inlet tube between the air filter housing and the throttle body. If its a 3.8 it is mounted on top of the throttle body. Just unplug, unbolt and replace.

FYI, MAF= Mass Air Flow

The MAF sensor is located on the throttle body. You should see a black square object on the top of the body where the air hose comes from the cleaner. This is the MAF sensor. There will be a weather pac connector attached to it. If you got a light indicating that the sensor is going bad a replacement is probably in order. There is a possibility that it is just dirty. It can be cleaned by removing the sensor using a torx bit that has a hole in the middle. This is a security bit. Unplug the sensor remove the bolts and pull the sensor out of the throttle body. You must be very careful not to touch the wires. Go to an electronics store and purchase a can of electrical contact cleaner and gently spray the sensor. This should clean it. Let it dry completely and reinsert. Reconnect and start the car. Clear the light and if it does not come on then the sensor is still good. If the light comes on it will need to be replaced.

If you purchase a replacement go with NAPA or an OEM sensor. They are expensive but most of the reman units are junk especially the Cardone Sensors. Rockauto.com has AC Delco and Standard motor products for good prices so check them out for a new one. The Standard Motor Products one is inexpensive and should work well.