Mass Airflow sensor: Aftermarket or Toyota?

[adder70]

I have a 2000 4Runner with about 150k miles on it. My MAS tripped the sensor a few months ago, and 2 extensive cleaning later, it's still tripping the sensor, so apparently it's more than just dirty, or at least more than electronics cleaner can clear.

Toyota part and AutoZone part are similar in price, but AZ part has $65 core charge that I can recover.

I live in Atlanta area so I need to pass emissions by early August.

What are the ramifications of an aftermarket MAS, and are there any horror stories (engine damage, etc) that anyone here has heard with aftermarket pieces?

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I just want to double check your math: The way I read it you're saying the Toyota part costs XXX.XX and the AZ part costs the same minus $65 when all is said and done. Double check and make sure that AZ isn't going to charge you XXX.XX plus $65 and then refund it making both MAS have the same 'out-the-door' price. If they're close do the Toyota one.

I'd say go for one of the supporting Toyota Dealers here or try www.rockauto.com for an aftermarket one. If the money difference isn't outrageous I'd do the Toyota one... Just my 2cents.
:cheers:

 

[adder70]

I just want to double check your math: The way I read it you're saying the Toyota part costs XXX.XX and the AZ part costs the same minus $65 when all is said and done. Double check and make sure that AZ isn't going to charge you XXX.XX plus $65 and then refund it making both MAS have the same 'out-the-door' price. If they're close do the Toyota one.

I'd say go for one of the supporting Toyota Dealers here or try www.rockauto.com for an aftermarket one. If the money difference isn't outrageous I'd do the Toyota one... Just my 2cents.
:cheers:

Toyota: $153.
AZ: $79.99 plus $65 core charge.

So, with no core refund the toyota part is nearly twice as much. I also just checked rockauto which is very nice especially with pics of everything. I didn't check if shipping is included, but for this part AZ is actually lower (for part only), although core charges are much lower through rockauto.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Toyota: $153.
AZ: $79.99 plus $65 core charge.

So, with no core refund the toyota part is nearly twice as much. I also just checked rockauto which is very nice especially with pics of everything. I didn't check if shipping is included, but for this part AZ is actually lower (for part only), although core charges are much lower through rockauto.

Got it... What kind of warranty comes with the AZ? Usually it'll be ok but you need to keep the reciept ('cause you'll need the warranty). For that much difference I might do the AZ. If hassle factor is worth real money to you get the Toyota part. Fortunately it's not like a water pump or something real hard to get to...
:cheers:

 

[adder70]

Update

Well, I got the AZ part (turns out I actually went to advance auto parts! ) and put it in, only to see the light come on the next day. I was completely frustrated and just drove it with the light for several more days and finally went to advance last night. Turns out there's a new warning code, so I need to check out the EVAP emissions system. Advance guy says it sometimes means needing a new gas cap.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I have heard of the gas cap thing. Hopefully that's it. Good Luck!
:cheers:

 

[olhobbler]

mass flow sensor issue

had the same dilema, dealer price has gone up..they wanted 235.00...so aftermarket was purchased, worked perfectly. Was unsuccessful with cleaning the old one..guess it doesnt work every time...the core issue was not a biggie...so my vote is aftermarket.

 

[ChaosStarter]

The Toyota one may be twice as expensive, but it's not a remanufactured unit like the autozone piece, which in my opinion, makes it worth the money.

 

[goohead]

I always like Oem parts but for something that is so easy to change as a maf aftermarket is not so bad.

 

[TegoXR]

Brand new MAF sensor on ebay is just over $40 shipped and they're rating is almost 100%.

 

[TegoXR]

TOYOTA CELICA CAMRY TACOMA MR2 MAF MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR 22204-22010 197400-2120 | eBay

 

[Brian757]

I went mudding last year and broke the MAF near my Air intake. Local Toyota dealership wanted $200 for the sensor. I went to AdvanceAutoParts and got it for $60. I compared the factory sensor to my Remanufactured new sensor, both had the EXACT same "Denso" stamp and numbering. Not a single difference and I havent had ANNY problems with the remanufactured. DO NOT PAY MORE for Run-of-the-mill parts that you can get cheaper. Save where you can!