bad air flow ratio sensor - easy to replace?

[amheck]

Hey guys, I took my 2004 4Runner Limited V8 into the dealer yesterday for a check engine light. They said the problem was the air flow ratio sensor. I ended up having them do about $1200 work of work (ugh) but didn't have them replace the sensor, which was $350.

Is this something that you can easily replace? Would AutoZone, etc stores be able to get this? I found a few places online that seem to sell the OEM one for around $130.

Thanks in advance,
Aaron

 

[James_T]

$1200 for an air flow sensor fix? 0.0

The Mass Air Flow sensor is a very easy fix, if you remove your engine cover, it's just two screws, and one wiring clip that holds it in place. Remove the wiring harness from the sensor, unscrew the two screws, and pull it straight up, nice and easy.

There should be forum posts on the location for the MAF under the hood, I couldn't tell you since I have an cold air intake.

I'd imagine those stores could order them in, I'm not sure of them carrying them on stock.

Word of warning, when you are replacing it - do NOT let the sensor touch anything, especially your fingertips. Hold it by the top, where it's naturally exposed to the engine bay, and set it down on a nice clean surface. If you're replacing it, it's not much of a worry, but it's good habit, since lots of these sensors are super sensitive to contaminates.

 

[amheck]

Thanks - I think I'll try this myself.

$1200 was for a bunch of other crap. Timing belt, injector service, induction service, AC service, front engine seal, and a water pump that was leaking (I was having to add coolant every 6 months). It's a 2004 with 90k miles on it. This is my first really big repair. Who knows what all of that was really needed, but I'm hoping that should buy me another good couple of years.

I'm glad I decided to wait on the air flow sensor. Sound easy.

The other big thing was that my rear hatch door was filling up with water. We park under a big cuban laurel tree that drops leaves and berries like crazy. Apparently the drain channels had filled up. They wanted $350 to replace all those seals. I said to not do that either. Now I know there are some holes at the bottom (that were clogged) so now I can keep those clean so hopefully it will drain.

 

[chaz]

u might try cleaning it first Cleaning of MAF and Throttle Body - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum this will show ya were it is & what it looks like, price should be around - 70 to 100+ http://www.discountairintake.com/st...y:Fuel Delivery),universal:0)&Ntt=maf+sensors

 

[amheck]

u might try cleaning it first. Toyota 4Runner Highlander Mass Air Flow Sensor MAF cleaning Cleaning of MAF and Throttle Body - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

I'll try that. I assume I need to reset the computer to see if that worked? I think I saw something about disconnecting the battery for 30 sec? And maybe a fuse?

 

[chaz]

follow the instruction on the link for cleaning the maf on the v8, & yes u should disconect the - battery term. when doing it, it will also reset the ecu so it will take awhile to relearn (mpg reout may be a little down at first but should improve unless u need a new sensor) u can pic um up at advance auto , etc. like i said tho, id try cleaning it first before dishing out more $ then u already spent, i have a habit of always discconecting the battery when doing work on my vec. i just feel safer that way, u'll just have to reset ur radio stations, etc. goodluck

 

[amheck]

Great guys, again, thanks.