Mass Air Flow Sensor (vehicle, idle, best, mileage)

[eimat21]

I just had a diagnostic meter read my car because of the check engine light. It showed code P0101 MAF sensor and P0171 Bank 1 system too lean. Is this something critical or is it okay to drive it and get it fixed in about a week?

[GlobeGuy]

What year is your car and what's the last time you had your MAF sensor cleaned? I would start with cleaning it, a can of MAF cleaner runs about $8.

[Volvo Driver]

Originally Posted by GlobeGuy

What year is your car and what's the last time you had your MAF sensor cleaned? I would start with cleaning it, a can of MAF cleaner runs about $8.

This is where you START.

Just be aware that, at best, cleaning the MAF sensor is only buying you some time.

Also, be ABSOLUTELY SURE that you get MAF Sensor Cleaner - not carb cleaner, or any other kind of cleaner.

[mclasser]

The car will run like crap and give poor gas mileage if you continue driving it.

[creeksitter]

I was stranded due to a MAF sensor. Twice in one year. The first one was a rebuild and lasted about 9 months.

[IGoZoom]

Originally Posted by Volvo Driver

This is where you START.

Just be aware that, at best, cleaning the MAF sensor is only buying you some time.

Also, be ABSOLUTELY SURE that you get MAF Sensor Cleaner - not carb cleaner, or any other kind of cleaner.

I had the same issue on my 2006 Mazda3 about five months ago. Cleaning the MAF sensor (using MAF Sensor Cleaner) fixed the problem (Check Engine light has stayed off and engine idles normally now). It has worked for over 8k miles now. But I am prepared to replace the MAF sensor if/when it happens again.

[Volvo Driver]

Originally Posted by IGoZoom

I had the same issue on my 2006 Mazda3 about five months ago. Cleaning the MAF sensor (using MAF Sensor Cleaner) fixed the problem (Check Engine light has stayed off and engine idles normally now). It has worked for over 8k miles now. But I am prepared to replace the MAF sensor if/when it happens again.

That's great - glad to hear it has lasted this long!

The nice thing about that Mazda is that the sensor isn't horribly expensive, and you can easily replace it yourself.

[Don in Austin]

Originally Posted by Volvo Driver

This is where you START.

Just be aware that, at best, cleaning the MAF sensor is only buying you some time.

.

This doesn't make any sense. Frequently there is nothing wrong with the MAF except that it became contaminated, so cleaning it a totally viable fix. Good idea to check the integrity of the air filter to protect the MAF.

Don in Austin

[Volvo Driver]

Originally Posted by Don in Austin

This doesn't make any sense. Frequently there is nothing wrong with the MAF except that it became contaminated, so cleaning it a totally viable fix. Good idea to check the integrity of the air filter to protect the MAF.

Don in Austin

You're saying that you're able to thoroughly clean, and remove all baked-on contaminants from a MAF Sensor?

[unit731]

The MAF very by manufacturer.

On my vehicle easy replacement and not that much money. Changed it when I purchased used car.
Also changed the IAC and the EGR valve. Cheap money.