How to Change a Mass Air Flow Sensor in a 1999 Buick Park Avenue

The 1999 Buick Park Avenue has the 3800 Series II V-6 engine. The electronic control module governs the engine's auxiliary systems. The ECM commands the fuel and emissions systems while monitoring a variety of sensors to ensure everything works as designed. The mass air flow sensor reads the amount of incoming air so the ECM can adjust the fuel input accordingly. More airflow means a need for more fuel to achieve a proper air-to-fuel ratio during acceleration or high-rpm operation. If the MAF sensor malfunctions, the Park Avenue may experience poor fuel economy, rough running and stalling.

Instructions

1

Turn off the Park Avenue's engine. Open the hood and grab the oil filler neck. Turn the neck counterclockwise to unlock it and then remove it.

2

Lift the plastic engine cover off the engine to expose the intake and MAF sensor. Unplug the MAF wiring connector from the sensor.

3

Loosen the clamps on the air inlet hose, using a flat-head screwdriver. Pull the hose off the MAF sensor and the air cleaner box and set it aside.

4

Remove the three screws holding the MAF sensor to the throttle body with a Phillips screwdriver. Lift the MAF sensor out of the Park Avenue's engine well and set it aside. Do not attempt to remove the MAF sensor gasket from the sealing surface as it is not serviceable.

5

Position the new MAF sensor on the throttle body and thread the three screws in by hand to avoid cross-threading them. Tighten the screws with the Phillips screwdriver.

6

Slip the inlet hose onto the MAF sensor and then onto the air cleaner box. Tighten the clamps on the inlet hose. Plug the MAF sensor wiring connector into the new unit.

7

Snap the engine cover back onto the engine. Place the oil filler neck in place and turn it clockwise to lock it in place. Close the hood.