MAF Sensor Failure

[stlwagon]

Well, gassed her up the other day and managed to only get about 100 yards from the station and she sputtered and quit. Had her towed to my mechanic and we discussed a number of possible causes (1) MAF, (2) CPS, (3), fuel pump resistor, (4) CAT or (5) fuel pump. Car threw no codes so it took awhile to diagnose. Turned out to be the MAF.

[BNaylor]

Bummer! At least you got her going. I guess the stock MAF sensors just don't seem to like the K&N style filter and filter oil.






Thrasher CAI, DHP v1.0 PCM, SLP Headers,
3.25 SC pulley, CAIT GMAF, 2.5 DP/Hi-Flow CAT,
u-bend delete, 160 TS, ZZP Stage 1 72mm TB,
TB spacer, MSD 8.5mm wires, Autolite 103,
Goodyear Gatorback Serp. & SC Belt,
Nitto NT555R Drag Radials
1/4 ET: 13.210 sec. @ 104.490 mph
0 - 60 ft: 1.945 sec.

[regalfriend]

i hear K&N is ok when installed out of the box...i think the problem mostly occurs when people clean them and over oil them...I was told after you spray them "LIGHTLY" you should spray it with compressed air to remove excess oil...BTW how much did it cost to have MAF replaced...Parts and Labor?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by regalfriend

i hear K&N is ok when installed out of the box...i think the problem mostly occurs when people clean them and over oil them...I was told after you spray them "LIGHTLY" you should spray it with compressed air to remove excess oil...BTW how much did it cost to have MAF replaced...Parts and Labor?

I suppose you could use a K&N style filter without oil but I would not recommend it. Most CAIs come with the S&B brand 9" cone filter which is just a K&N clone but the same requirement applies. Without filter oil the filter becomes ineffective and fine dust may get into the intake system.

I found out the key to operating successfully with this type air filter is to lightly oil using the aerosol oil spray. Then let dry for a few hours. This gives the chemical that makes the coating tacky a chance to setup.

Next, a higher frequency of maintenance should be applied to the intake system, specifically the MAF sensor and throttle body screen. The MAF is so easy to remove that it can be cleaned with electrical cleaner monthly or say like every 3 months to preclude damage. Just my 2 cents.






Thrasher CAI, DHP v1.0 PCM, SLP Headers,
3.25 SC pulley, CAIT GMAF, 2.5 DP/Hi-Flow CAT,
u-bend delete, 160 TS, ZZP Stage 1 72mm TB,
TB spacer, MSD 8.5mm wires, Autolite 103,
Goodyear Gatorback Serp. & SC Belt,
Nitto NT555R Drag Radials
1/4 ET: 13.210 sec. @ 104.490 mph
0 - 60 ft: 1.945 sec.

[richtazz]

I agree with Bnaylor, lightly spray only the fresh air side, not the side toward the engine ( I know it seems elementary, but I can't count how many people I know that have sprayed both sides and caused this problem). Clean the MAF sensor regularly, and you shouldn't have a problem.

[stlwagon]

It was $315 p&l with all the additional time to diagnose. I was surprised that it didn't throw any codes. If it had, it may not have taken so long to figure out. I've always been careful with the K&N maint. Guess I'll be oiling extra lightly this time. Think the MAF cleaning is also something I'll add to my list of things to do.