How to Replace the Mass Air Flow Sensor in a 1989 Trans Am

While the early to mid 1980s weren't a heyday for any American muscle cars, Pontiac began reasserting its dominance by the end of the decade with the Trans Am. In 1989, Pontiac offered the Trans Am with a 350-cubic-inch, tuned-port injected engine, as well as a 20th anniversary edition featuring a turbocharged V-6 that won Pontiac the honors of fastest American production car for 1989. Both engines use a mass air flow sensor to provide air metering information to the onboard computer. If the mass air flow sensor malfunctions, replacement is necessary as the sensors are not repairable.

Instructions

1

Stop the engine and open the Trans Am's hood.

2

Locate the mass air flow sensor, mounted in the ductwork tube between the air cleaner assembly and the engine's intake manifold. Unplug the mass air flow sensor wiring harness from the sensor.

3

Loosen the two hose clamps holding the mass air flow sensor in line with the air cleaner-to-engine ductwork, using a screwdriver. Pull the inlet and outlet ductwork off the mass air flow sensor.

4

Lift the old sensor out of the engine bay and place it in the box the new sensor came in. Set the new mass air flow sensor in place. Connect the inlet and outlet tubes to the new sensor.

5

Tighten the clamps on the inlet and outlet tubes, after checking to make sure both tubes connect to the mass air flow sensor completely all the way around.

6

Plug the wiring harness into the new mass air flow sensor. Close the Trans Am's hood.