MAF Trick, Reset & What to Do After Replacing Mass Air Flow Sensor

Last updated on July 13th, 2023 at 05:06 pm

If you find what to do after replacing mass air flow sensor or maybe you like to know how to reset mass air flow sensor after replacement and how to trick a mass air flow sensor and if you should even perform the tricking in the first place, then you have come to the right place. I also discussed the Mass airflow sensor replacement cost and much more.

The mass airflow sensor is the component used for detecting the flow of air that is entering the engine of a car.

The airflow sensor collects details to determine the amount of needed fuel. After collecting the information, the details will be sent to the Engine Control Unit. read also the 8 Symptoms of bad mass air flow sensor in my previous article.

The ECU will then deliver the required amount of fuel to the engine. The MAF as it is commonly called is usually placed between the throttle and air cleaner.

The MAF can get damaged and once it does, it causes many problems which could lead to engine failure or a drastic reduction in performance.

A faulty or damaged mass airflow sensor can cause rough idling to the engine and difficulties in starting. The MAF can also get dirty as time goes on due to an old or clogged air filter.

A dirty filter will serve as a passage for dirt to enter the airflow sensor. If you change the air filter regularly, it will help to ensure your mass airflow sensor works perfectly and has a long life span.

Does A Mass Airflow Sensor Need To Be Programmed After Replacement

What to do after replacing mass air flow sensor

After you finish replacing your mass airflow sensor, you will have to let your car idle for about 30 minutes to an hour or you disconnect your car battery for some minutes (I recommend 10 to 15) and then reconnect it back again. The reason you need to do this is for the car computer to reset to its factory setting and forget previously learned parameters.

Once you disconnect the battery for ten minutes and replace it back, the computer will begin to learn all the parameters of the newly replaced MAF sensor.

There are so many reasons why you might be required to change your MAF. If you notice the engine idling is lean or it is getting hard to turn it over, you can consider changing it.

Another reason is the engine starts stalling once it starts or it begins to jerk or hesitate.

If you encounter any of these problems, you might consider replacing or cleaning the mass airflow sensor.

how to trick a mass air flow sensor

You can trick your vehicle’s mass airflow sensor at any time, but since we are keen on providing you with the best advice, we do not recommend that you trick the mass airflow sensor (MAF). Here’s why.

This sensor measures the volume and temperature of the air entering your engine (depending on car type) so that the PCM can adjust the fuel required for your car to run at a given time.

If the sensor doesn’t work properly, everything can get confused. You can clean the sensor using an electrical components cleaner. This will remove any dirt and debris that may be present and allow it to work properly.

Assuming you did a scan and found a P-code to the MAF sensor, or that someone claimed it was the cause of the problem. Further complications can only be avoided or deleted by removing the sensor.

And is you still decide to trick your car MAF (mass air flow sensor) after I tried talking you out of it, then here is how to trick a mass air flow sensor?

To trick your car’s mass air flow sensor, you will need a special type of tube that should have a similar size and shape to that of the MAF sensor. This tube is the same as the airflow sensor, but it should be made with metal and not plastic like the mass air flow sensor.

when you have this tube, it should be placed in front of your vehicle’s ignition source. Placing it there will heat up the MAF sensor to the same temperature as the fuel air mixture that usually comes out of your vehicle’s tailpipe.

It doesn’t matter what gas is used; it does not matter how hot it gets or how much fuel-air combination it can produce. Air mass flow sensors, however, are sensitive to heat.

However, you should note that the little amount of heat coming from an open flame could trick the sensor into reading higher than it should. This can be dangerous for your engine.

What happens if you disconnect the mass airflow sensor

When you disconnect the air flow sensor from your vehicle, it will still be able to start and work well enough to take it to a repair shop. however, if it is left unattended for a prolonged time, it can become disoriented and will not be repaired, and will start affecting your vehicle’s spark plug, making your car to malfunction

You should hire the services of an experienced mechanic to replace your mass airflow sensor or you can do it yourself by following the steps below on how to replace a mass air flow sensor.

When should you replace the MAF sensor?

It really can be hard to know when the mass airflow sensor needs a replacement. However, you can take steps to prevent the need to replace your MAF sensor frequently. For instance, a good cleaning routine will help extend the life of your car’s MAF sensors. I will also advise that try this Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner Alternative before attempting replacement because it is way more cost efficient.

If your car starts exhibiting sporadic hiccups, or chugs, you may need to replace the airflow sensor. Additionally, here is how you determine if the MAF was at fault before considering replacement? Let’s look at some possible scenarios:

Engine sounds
Insufficient maintenance

1. Engine sounds

The number one scenario is the sound of your vehicle’s engine. A faulty MAF sensor is mainly a sign that the engine is not functioning properly. A faulty airflow sensor is most often characterized by difficulty starting the engine.

To diagnose the problem quickly, there are some things you should be aware of:

After starting, the engine will stop running.
Under load, The vehicle dries out or slacks when it is dragging
When you accelerate, the car jerks quite a bit
if a Prolonged idling of your car occurs when starting

2. Insufficient maintenance

You need to prioritize taking care of your vehicle and prolonging its life span. Many sensors can indicate problems under your vehicle’s hood. These sensors can fail for a variety of reasons.

Dirty filters are often the cause of a malfunctioning MAF sensor. They accumulate dirt and block the airflow sensor. This will also be a major cause of a failed MAF sensor. These problems will make it impossible for the sensor to detect how much air is flowing. This could put at risk the fuel-air co-dependence system.

The correct flow of air and the amount of fuel are crucial components of the ignition chamber. It is important that you maintain a balance between fuel flow and air. Your engine will be damaged if there is too much fuel flowing and not enough air, or vice versa.

Warning: Before you try replacing your car’s MAF sensor, you should be aware of false alarms. You have to double-check to make sure it is truly the mass air flow sensor that is the cause here…

False Alarms

A faulty hose can leak into your engine and cause sudden air infiltration. The ECU may send a faulty MAF code, even though it is not the mass air flow that is at fault here. So you check for this A.K.A false Alarm and trying to resolve the trigger for the false alarm.

How to Replace a Mass Airflow Sensor

Tips on Pre-Instalment

1. Disconnect the mass airflow sensor from the electrical connector

While pulling the connector, squeeze the tab on either side of the harness. Make sure you only pull on the connector and not the wires. If your hands slip off the connector, it is good to wear gloves with a rubberized coating.

2. Step to Disconnecting the mass airflow sensor

You can loosen the screws that attach the MAF to the intake pipe and air filter with any suitable screwdriver. You can pull the MAF from the intake pipe and air filter by removing the clamps.

3.Connect the mass airflow sensor

Now you just have simply slide the MAF sensor and have it installed in the intake onto the airbox end. It may have bolts on the side that connects to the intake or may have the same connection as the intake side depending on your vehicle model. You should tighten all the screws but do not over tighten them. The sensor is made of plastic and can break easily if it is handled too hard.

4. Connect the electrical connector

Connect the electrical connector to the MAF sensor by sliding the female connector over to the male end of the connector. Press it strong till there is a click sound to ensure that the connector is securely seated.

Installment Tips

There are many ways to secure a MAF sensor. Some MAF sensors are secured with screws to attach to adapter plates that can be attached directly to the airbox. Others have clamps that keep the sensor in line with the intake tube.
Note the connections on your replacement MAF sensor and make sure you have the right tools to remove and reconnect it to the intake pipe and airbox.
Double-check everything to ensure you don’t leave anything out and that the job is done correctly.
You must take extra care not to touch the sensor element on the inside of your MAF. You must be careful as the element will be exposed once the sensor has been removed.

How to reset mass air flow sensor

So how do you reset the Mass Air Flow Sensor? Well, to reset the mass air flow sensor, these are the easy steps that walk you through the resetting of your vehicle’s MAF sensor.

Before you do anything, start up your car and let it run for a while to get warm to its normal temperature before continuing with everything else.
When the temperature is right, it is then time for the ignition switch to be turned to the OFF position.
Now the mass airflow sensor connection to the harness should be disconnected.
Please turn on your car’s engine, and let it idle for at most 5 seconds before continuing.
Restart the engine and connect the mass airflow sensor to the harness connector.
Verify that DTC P0102 is displaying on your dashboard.
You have to delete the DTC memory from your computer now. You have to confirm that this last step applies to your particular vehicle because “I’m not sure if this applies to every car.

How to Test Mass Airflow sensor with a Multimeter

The mass airflow sensor is an important component of a vehicle. If you want to test your sensor with a multimeter, you should get one with a minimum of 10 Megaohm.

This ensures that the meter does not damage sensitive devices while drawing lots of currents.

To begin testing, the first thing to do is to locate it in the car. Open the car hood and you can find it just between the throttle body and air filter.

It is inside the filter house in some car models. However, it is expected to be mounted around the air duct area.

Now, you need to inspect it visually, Check the MAF sensor, connectors, and throttle for any corrosion or disconnected wiring.

Check the electrical connector for any damages or obstruction. You can also check wires to know if they are tight enough because a loose or burnt wire will affect the signals of the sensor.

Now, set your meter to 20 volts of direct current. After doing this, connect the meter’s black probe to the ground and its red probe to the connector power terminal.

Put the ignition to the ON position without starting the car engine. The meter should be reading about 10 to 13 volts now.

If it does not, there may be wrong between the car computer and the electrical connector.

You can now connect the meter’s red probe to the positive battery terminal and the black to the ground on the terminal of the connector.

The readings should be about 10 to 13 volts. If the volt does not read between those two figures, there is a fault in the circuit. You can now switch off your ignition.

Delphi AF10043 Mass Air Flow Sensor

Mass airflow sensor cost to replace

The cost of replacing the mass airflow sensor depends on the model of your car, your location, and the labor cost of the mechanic you are using.

If you need to replace the MAF sensor, you can save about $120 to $200. This includes the labor cost and that of the parts you need to purchase.

Determinants of these prices are mainly the make and model of your car. Some sensors might be about $400 while others can cost about $100 to $200.

The labor cost should be around $20 to $50 depending on the mechanic you are going to. It might be a little bit higher depending on the charges of the mechanic and the model of your vehicle.

Mass airflow sensor replacement cost

If your mass airflow sensor is damaged then, you will have to repair or replace it. One of the factors that determine the cost of replacing a mass airflow sensor is the make and model of the vehicle.

The cost of the mass airflow sensor also depends on the model of the car. Some sensors cost about $100 while some are about $400.

When you seek the services of a professional, you will need to consider the labor fee. There is no reason to worry as the bill is not expensive.

For the models of some cars, you should have about $50. It might be lower than that depending on the mechanic fixing it for you.

However, there are exceptions. The labor cost of installing the mass airflow sensor on some cars is about $100.

There are various factors to consider when fixing or replacing the mass airflow sensor of your vehicle.

You need to consider the model of the car and your location. If you are concerned about the cost, you can always compare the pricing of different mechanics.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is it wrong to drive a car with the MAF unplugged?

It is safe to drive with the unplugged MAF sensor; however, you wouldn’t want to do this for too long because it can cause damage to other car parts like the spark plug. If the mass air flow sensor is unplugged, it’s best not to drive your car for more than a few weeks.

What do you do after installing a new MAF?

It is recommended that you disconnect the battery from the engine after installing the MAF. This will allow the engine and vehicle computer to forget previous parameters. Finally, the engine should be left idle for between 20-30 minutes to prevent rough driving.

What is the average time it takes for a mass air flow sensor reset?

When the battery is removed, all MAF sensors will be reset in about 10 to 15minutes time. but if you let the car idle instead, then the mass air flow sensor should reset in around 30 minutes to one hour.

Is it necessary to reset the ECU following the replacement of the MAF sensor?

While not all car make and models will require the ECU reset following the replacement of the MAF sensors, the majority will.

Is it necessary to reset a mass flow sensor?

After replacing the MAF sensor, it is important to disconnect the battery for about 10 to 15 minutes to ensure that the MAF sensor resets. The computer will then forget what parameters it has previously learned and adapt to the new settings.

Does a mass airflow sensor need to be programmed after replacement?

Whether you are to reprogram the mass airflow sensor or not after replacing, it depends on the model of your car.

Most cars might require ECM reprogramming once the mass airflow sensor has been changed.

You will have to check the manual that comes with your MAF sensor to determine if it needs to be reprogrammed.

Conclusion

The mass airflow sensor is an important part of a car system. Whenever it gets faulty, it needs to be replaced as quickly as possible to avoid further damage.