Mass airflow sensor 2001 Grand Prix question

[waxworm09]

My Grand Prix stalled on me the other day, so we hooked up the computer and it came up with the code for a mass airflow sensor. I was surprised to find out after calling every parts store in town, the cheapest I could find was $130 for a remanufatured sensor, $150 for a new one. However I did find one at a salvage yard for $85. Would you recommend saving the 45 bucks and buying it at the salvage yard, or paying extra at the parts store? I think it has a one year warranty at the parts store. Or any other suggestions on where to look for one? I had no idea that little sensor would cost so much, and it's in my work car with 221k so I would like to fix it as cheap as possible. Thanks for any suggestions.

[VENESS_BAIT_1]

Common problem with those cars..Do not get a reman there are more touble than they are worth...go with a new one as you may end up with the same problems from the junk yard one soner or later

[Jeremy airjer W]

Yup. the remanufactured ones are junk! At one time the NAPA new ones where the A/C delco part with a NAPA sticker over the A/C delco part. You can't beat genuine O.E. for this part.

[leech~~]

Did you try and clean the little wires on the old one first before replacing it? Try shooting some Gum-out and wipping them lightly with a clean rag before replacing it.

[waxworm09]

I didn't try cleaning it, I will try that tonight. I did some more searching and found another one at a salvage yard for 60 bucks in the local area. Maybe I'll try the used one for 60, that would save 90 bucks compared to the new one. Either way ill stay away from the remanufatured ones. When I install a new one, do I disconnect the battery or have to do anything other than just plugging it in? Not sure if the computer needs to be reset or anything like that..

[leech~~]

I didn't try cleaning it, I will try that tonight. I did some more searching and found another one at a salvage yard for 60 bucks in the local area. Maybe I'll try the used one for 60, that would save 90 bucks compared to the new one. Either way ill stay away from the remanufatured ones. When I install a new one, do I disconnect the battery or have to do anything other than just plugging it in? Not sure if the computer needs to be reset or anything like that..

I think that I would unplug it to give it a reset to the cleaned one or new one.

[JOHNBIGDOG]

I think that I would unplug it to give it a reset to the cleaned one or new one.

Disconnecting the sensor with the key off will do nothing. Disconnecting the sensor with the car running will set the MIL. Disconnecting the battery for some time will / can turn off the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light)

On a side not the car will run and drive with out the MAF (Mass Air Flow)connected. So If need be you can drive it, but It will turn on the MIL.

[leech~~]

Disconnecting the battery for some time will / can turn off the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light)

Yep that's what I ment but didn't state clearly. It will run on the "default" setting but the eng light will come back on and stay on!

[leech~~]

So, Waxworm, what did you find out on this? Did you get it fixed?

[waxworm09]

Well, I bought a can of electronic cleaner, took out the sensor and sprayed it and let it dry. I put the sensor back in and the service engine light went off so I thought I was good to go. saturday night the light came back on. so i have since removed the sensor twice and sprayed it with the cleaner, but the service engine light is still on. The car still runs fine, but not sure for how long. So im going to buy the sensor for $60 at the junk yard and give that a shot i think. If that doesnt work ill have to pay $150 for a new one i guess.. Cant believe they cost that dam much!

[leech~~]

Do you have a code reader? If so is that what it is saying is the issue? Have you tried to clear it when it comes on? Well thanks for getting back to us always worth a shot cleaning them.

[waxworm09]

Yes we used the code reader, it came up as mass airflow sensor, that was the only code that came up on the car.