How to test Mass Air Flow sensor (MAF) on a 1995 850?

mishagos · Post by **mishagos** » 29 Jul 2009, 13:31

Hi,

I have a great 1995 850 (non-turbo) that suddenly started to cough and sputter, smoke black, stall out, and run rougher and rougher over about 2 days.

After poking around to make sure I didn't have a vacuum leak anywhere, I used the testing box to get a 1-2-1 code Mass Air Flow sensor (MAF not connected or damaged).

So I disconnected the MAF to test. It now runs ok, though varies idle speed at regular intervals up and down. I suspect that's compensating for not having the MAF connected?

How can I test the MAF to make sure it's bad before spending another $150? I can't seem to find any directions on how to do this.

Is there a way to clean it? And how bad is it to drive without the MAF connected? Is a week ok while the parts come in?

Thanks!

Post by **billofdurham** » 29 Jul 2009, 15:33

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

You can buy a spray on MAF cleaner at most parts stores.

To test the MAF go to page 8 of the attached.

tests with codes.pdf: (145.19 KiB) Downloaded 2370 times

Bill.

mishagos · Post by **mishagos** » 29 Jul 2009, 15:44

Thanks. I'll give that a shot -- but where does one get a "measuring unit?"
[Connecting Measuring Unit (9813190) & Adapter (9813195)]

Ian of Durham, North Carolina

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 29 Jul 2009, 18:55

You can get the test units from a Volvo dealer but they will cost you at least 10 times what the replacement part that you are trying to diagnose costs.

You can try to clean the MAF, just spray it with MAF cleaner - don't scrub it or even touch it - it is very sensitive. A can of MAF cleaner is cheap.

As cheap as the cleaner is when they get to the point that you describe you normally need a new MAF sensor. Try Don or Jamie at Darrell Waltrip Volvo for the parts - they have excellent pricing and terrific service. Call (800) 269-0021 and let them know that you got their number from the forum and you supposedly get a better price.

You can run for a little while without the MAF plugged in but your fuel mileage will be awful since it goes into a closed loop limp mode.

...Lee

Brutus Maximus · Post by **Brutus Maximus** » 02 Aug 2009, 01:13

I recently replaced a bad MAF sensor on my '94 850 N.A. I shopped around on the Internet and found the best deal at www.autopartswarehouse.com. OEM Bosch part, brand new in the box, for $139, free shipping. Good luck!

mishagos · Post by **mishagos** » 02 Aug 2009, 10:47

Brutus Maximus wrote:I recently replaced a bad MAF sensor on my '94 850 N.A. I shopped around on the Internet and found the best deal at http://www.autopartswarehouse.com. OEM Bosch part, brand new in the box, for $139, free shipping. Good luck!

Et tu? Thanks Brutus.