2001 V70 T5 Bad Gas Mileage

[arls116]

I have a 2001 V70 T5 with about 117k on it. I've had it for just short of a year now and up until the last two tanks of 87 I've ran I enjoyed relatively good gas mileage. Something in the neighboor hood of 22-23 MPG AVG and a typical range of 400-460 miles per tank. Lately I've noticed that the mileage average is down to the 18-20MPG AVG and that my range has dropped dramatically. Additionally, I've noticed quite often that on cold starts if I don't let it warm up for a bit (~5-10) it runs real rough at take-off and doesn't shift up properly. It's hard to describe but the best I can say is it feels like its stuttering and hesitating.
It's getting close to oil change time, but I checked my air filter and it was acceptable, i vaccummed out the debris in the airbox and ensured that all intake hoses were connected properly, tire pressures are fine and I check regularly. The MIL is lit and it eludes to a MAF Sensor issue. Is there someplace I can look to for some clues as to why this might be happening? I have access to ODBII software that can read codes, I can pull them down later today if it helps.

thanks in advance!

[MadeInJapan]

If the MAF code is coming up, it probably is your MAF sensor. You can take it loose and spray MAF cleaner on the sensor and let it dry (don't touch the sensor) to see if this helps. Even if it does, you may be in for a new one soon. Sooner or later all MAF sensor on Volvo's have to be replaced.

[zacharyt]

i know this reply may be a little late, but I recently had similar issues. in my case, the plugs needed replacing badly. performance began to improve with new plugs (big surprise!). i had let old ones go 50K miles and they were in very bad shape.

[SHS850]

Is it good to periodically clean the MAF sensor even though my car is running fine? I seem to be able to get around 30-33MPG with a very light throttle at 55-60MPH on extended trips.

Thanks,
Steven.