Mass Air Flow Sensor

My 2001 sable had the check engine light come on. I took it to auto zone where they said that the "code" was a mass air flow sensor and it had something to do with the air filter. Could someone explain what this code means and is it something that I could fix myself. Less than a year ago I had to replace the exhaust sensor...does this car typically have a problem with it's sensors?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

depending on what the code number was depends on the problem - the MAF measures the amount of air entering the engine to determine the proper amount of fuel to give the engine - the maf is easy to change - it mounts to the air cleaner cover - but in most cases you can remove the 2 screws from the sensor and use carb cleaner with an old tooth brush and clean the old one