Mass air flow

[Solid_speed]

My car is stalling out at random times. Sometimes it will be days or hours in between. I've had codes run on the vehicle and I'm pulling up mass or flow sensor. I've read on a few other sites that unplugging the sensor will default the system for a temporary fix. I'm about an hr away from home so well I guess I'm asking if I unplug my maf will the engine be better off since running with it plugged in could cause me to run lean and damage the engine? I do plan on getting it replaced but I also need to get home lol so I'm just trying to see what my options are and what to do. I thought it may have been my fuel pump causing the problem so I just ran it like this, this past week. If you're wondering why I've just now checked the codes. 2002 pontiac bonneville ssei

[96 SSEi]

hi, wont make much difference if your driving only 60 - 100 miles - I would just take it easy and dont go past 25 % throttle

[RJolly87]

If it's still running, I would rather deal with stalling for the trip home, assuming it restarts without much drama, and only use this method as a last resort.

Also, while doing it, DO NOT build boost.

[Solid_speed]

Just wanted to update you guys and tell you thanks for giving me the confidence to drive her home. We are both home safe and sound and she will be getting a new maf sensor tomorrow

[MKMike]

Just make sure that you either buy a premium brand like ACDelco or Delphi or get a good used OE MAF from a junkyard.

Be aware that ACDelco has a few product lines---according to the quality of the part. The best is Original Equipment; Middle grade is Professional ; Worst is Advantage.

If going used, then buy some MAF sensor cleaner spray to clean the sensor elements before installing it.
Other cleaners leave residue that prevents the sensor from working right or actually damages the sensor.

Many here have found other brand MAFs seem to have a high failure rate.

[nos4blood70]

Agree with the above, always try and find an OEM sensor that is known to be good.

[Solid_speed]

So I was unable to find a used known to be good maf sensor. Called around and wow, a brand new acdelco is 418$. So I am going to settle for a delphi brand that needs to be special ordered from AutoZone for 145$. Is this going to serve my car good? My other options are sparxs brand I think they said and some other brand for 118$

[MKMike]

...or you could spend $90 for the same exact part at Rockauto lookup DELPHI AF10126
Use the discount code from the vendor's forum to get an additional 5% off

[RJolly87]

...Or hit up Harofreak00

[Solid_speed]

Will any 3.8 maf sensor work or do I need to have one that came off a supercharged 3.8? The reason asking is because ive found a treasure trove of 3.8 maf sensors but they are on impalas, regals and grand prix, etc...

[J Wikoff]

I'm not sure if the L67 and L36 have different sensors or not, but d look for ACDelco, Delphi, Hitachi, or maybe even Dorman brand.

[MattStrike]

There is a part number on the middle of the sensor, if you find one that matches on any other 3800 car then it's the same sensor.