The check engine light has lit up and on checking the codes I found out that its the Mass air flow sensor. I also noticed that the idling has become erratic since the light came on. Are they related?

Also, I had changed the air filter, fuel filter and cleaned the fuel line just before the Check engine light came on. Is it possible that the auto mechanic screwed something up in the sensor while doing this?

Finally, is it an easy task to change the air flow sensor? I am not very good with my hands!

 

Try to find some tests to don on the MAF, usually in the haynes or chilton repair manual.

Since you already have a code you could run your car, then while running unplug the sensor your car should die right away or run worse. If it doesnt its 50/50 on the MAF. BE AWARE as a mechanic Ive seen people replaic these only to have it be a lose wire that would have been pennies to fix.




QUICK FACT: without the MAF your car is probably running in multyport injection instead of seqential.=bag gas mileage

 

Check to make sure your connection to the MAF is tight, meaning that the plug that goes to it is on all the way. When I changed my intake I pulled out of the driveway and my car's idle was very irradic and it would just turn off. I then checked the connections and finally pushed in the connector all the way until I heard the click. That solved the problem for me. Funny thing is that yesterday I changed my starter and took out my intake plumbing to get to the starter. I turned on the car and my CEL came on. I then said to myself what now. I already had to deal with the car not wanting to start after taking my family to breakfast(a few whacks to the starter got the car going again ), and then this. Well I forgot to connect the MAF at all. Now all is good.

 

what codes are you getting?