Used MAF sensors on Ebay

[Lokim]

I think my K&N screwed the MAF up. Ever since I put it in, my mileage has been in the toilet, but the car seems to run fine. I took the K&N out after a week and replaced it with a Napa Gold, but my mileage still blows. I see a used MAF on Ebay for $57 shipped, and the wire element looks intact. Should I snag it?

[bullittandy]

yes.

[NightRiderQ45]

I would take it out and clean it with MAF sensor cleaner. You are not having any jerking/stumble issues so your MAF isn't destroyed at this point...just soiled. Clean it first.

[Q45tech]

Just about every MAF eventually develops intermitents based on crystallized solder connections FROM AGE with use and vibration when hot [summer].
Just as the connector can develop oxidation and intermitents.

A used MAF may be as bad or worse than what you have!

Important to develop technical skills to allow internal inspection of solder joints and connections [with magnifying glass/microscope] and the ability to resolder and replace defective connections.

[Lokim]

I already gave it a thorough cleaning w/ CRC's MAF sensor cleaner.

[NightRiderQ45]

Honestly I wouldn't replace with a used MAF when yours is working fine. Maybe run a fuel injector cleaner (Redline S1, Gumout Regane, Cheveron Techron) in to see if that helps clean things up. Like Tech said, you don't know how many miles that used one has on it or the actual condition. I bought a used one with 71k on it from ebay for $50 shipped because mine was destroyed.

[Lokim]

The car's been running a bit rough at idle, and I get some surging at idle intermittently. I have already cleaned the MAF, run 2 bottles of Techron through the tank, and have replaced 2 injectors. The car runs fine otherwise. I am actually currently in the market for a replacement connector for the MAF, as the PO took it to a shop and they hacked up the harness pretty good. They actually used BUTT CONNECTORS! Once I get a replacement harness w/ about 8" or so of wire, I'm gonna splice it in properly. Meanwhile, I found a JDM MAF on ebay w/ the OEM part number for $39 shipped, so I grabbed it. Best case scenario, it solves my problem in conjunction w/ the re-spliced harness. Worst case, I'm out $40.

[Q45tech]

" gave it a thorough cleaning w/ CRC's MAF sensor cleaner"
means you didn't understand a word I said!

[Lokim]

" gave it a thorough cleaning w/ CRC's MAF sensor cleaner"
means you didn't understand a word I said!

I understood just fine, but I can't afford to go buy another MAF new or remanned at the parts store. Therefore, prior to taking it apart and risking damage to it and having a non-working car, I wanted a spare handy. Everyone says the oil from the K&N fouls the wire element, so I cleaned it. I am fully capable and qualified to disassemble, inspect, and repair the circuitry provided the board itself is intact. As we all know, sh*t happens, and I don't wanna get stuck w/ a 4200lb paperweight for a week or two. I truly value your advice, Tech, but cut me some slack! There is a method to my madness...

[Q45tech]

A dirty thermal or thermistor element in MAF has a very unique signature. It is very different from a intermittent solder joint on the board or from the board to connector.

A dirty sensor element just behaves sluggishly and eventually produces the correct voltage. [1.2> 4.00].

At a steady cruise rpm/speed the MAF voltage is stable whereas with bad solder joints there will be sudden unexplained drops of 0.5 volts or >.


The real air flow SAYS 1.8 volts yet the MAF suddenly drops to idle or worse [1.2 volts] then comes and goes.

[Infinitiguy19]

To get an idea Lokim of what Q45Tech is saying see this pictures of the MAF sensors: http://picasaweb.google.com/ppastos/Bad ... MAFSensors#

All three gave me problems and then I cleaned them and screwed them up even more.

[Lokim]

Well, I've been sitting on this MAF sensor I got from ebay and finally installed it today. The car idles much smoother! I'm heading out on a road trip today and will see if my mileage has improved...

[Lokim]

So I took a little 90-mile road trip today, and didn't even get to the quarter-tank mark from full, so it would seem the MAF replacement solved the better part of the mileage issue. The surging at idle has ceased as well. YAY EBAY!

[lino]

Glad to hear you problem has been solved.