skatehorse_01

My 95 max's check engine light came on awhile ago so I had it checked, and apparently the mass air flow meter needs to be replaced. Anyone know what this is and how long I can drive it until it really needs to be fixed? The reason I ask is because they are asking $600 for the part and labor so I am trying to drive it until it desperately needs to be replaced, and plus the guy that checked it out told me to drive it until it got really, really bad, then bring it in. I have been driving it in its 'defective' state for about a month and it hasn't gotten any worse; just occassional hesitation during acceleration and some weird humming noise while I am cruising on the highway once and awhile. Any input would be great!

SlackR237

Wow. Whoever "they" are, they're ripping you off like you wouldn't believe. If you're talking about the mass air flow sensor, which will trip the check engine light if it's defective (code 0102, and if you don't know what that means, check the stickies), it's really easy to replace.

Just find one on eBay (no auctions are going right now, but there have been a few for one), they're about $50 give or take. Just buy one, take your current one out, you should be able to spot it in your engine bay, and swap.

I don't think you should be in trouble by not replacing it for a little while, but just replace it ASAP I guess.

$600... sheesh, don't ever go to those guys again....

Nealoc187

iTrader: (23)

Don't ever go back to the place that diagnosed your problem for you. That price is highway robbery. Even brand new from the dealer, a new MAF is probably like $350... and the install would take about 10-20 minutes. It's eight 10mm bolts. You can get a working maf for $50-75 like the other guy said, people sell them all the time on here out of wrecked cars, spare ones from upgrading to larger MAF, etc. If you know how to turn a wrench you can replace yours in 30 minutes tops.