Does it have to match!?

[Gabriel33]

I have an 88 4runner 4cly and I have a bad mass airflow sensor do I need an exact match to replace it? I bought an sensor off an 87 but it's still not running right but running better.

 

[DC runner]

Not match, so much as send the same info. The ecu in your car is calibrated to a specific set of signals sent to it. Toyota, and other makers, will do some minor tinkering year to year. Some years not, some they do. So, it is possible the MAF from the other year has different voltage values associated with the position of the sensor (door flap)....

Or, the new sensor could be dirty, broken.. etc.

You need a multimeter and a spec book. Find the service manual for your year, and track down the line that the maf sends its electrical signal down to the ECU. Should be easy. Tinker with sensor door opening and record the electrical values. If they ARE off of what your year spec is, then either your MAF is bad or it is calibrated differently.

Also. Your MAF might not have been the ONLY sensor bad or thing wrong. You could have corrected 1 but not fixed another. Happy gremlin hunting.

 

[fourwd1]

I have an 88 4runner 4cly and I have a bad mass airflow sensor do I need an exact match to replace it? I bought an sensor off an 87 but it's still not running right but running better.

Have you checked the ECM for error codes?

 

[the_dingman]

The 88 MAF has a 2nd hose coming off of it that the 87 does not. I don't know what it's for (smog pump maybe?).

I have a spare from an '88 from the parts truck I bought and scrapped. Make an offer if you're interested.

According to AutoZone's system, the aftermarket replacement is the same however.