2021 HONDA ACCORD

1.5L I4 TurboFWDCVTgasturbo
3 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
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engine

Mass Air Flow Sensor

for 2021 Honda Accord 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
18 min
Tools
5
Steps
9

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor on the 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo engine, located in the air intake duct between the air filter box and turbocharger inlet.

Warnings

Do not touch the sensing element inside the MAF sensor with your fingers or any tools, as contamination will cause inaccurate readings
Allow engine to cool for at least 15 minutes before starting work to avoid burns from hot intake components
ℹ️Disconnecting the battery will reset ECU adaptations and may cause rough idle for the first few drive cycles

Tools required

Phillips screwdriver #2Essential
Flathead screwdriver (small)
Torque wrench (1-10 Nm range)Essential
MAF sensor cleaner spray
Clean lint-free cloth

Parts

  • Mass Air Flow Sensor × 1 — Honda OEM 37980-5BA-A01 or equivalent

Preparation

  1. Ensure engine is off and cool to the touch
  2. Open hood and secure with prop rod
  3. Locate the MAF sensor in the air intake duct between the air filter housing and turbocharger inlet on the driver's side of the engine bay
  4. Optional: Disconnect negative battery terminal if clearing diagnostic codes is desired

Procedure

  1. 1
    Disconnect MAF sensor electrical connector
    Press down on the locking tab of the electrical connector attached to the MAF sensor body and pull the connector straight off. The connector may require slight wiggling if it has not been removed before. Do not pull on the wiring harness itself.
  2. 2
    Loosen intake duct clamps
    Loosen the worm-drive clamps on both sides of the MAF sensor housing using a flathead screwdriver or Phillips screwdriver depending on clamp type. The clamps secure the intake duct to the air filter box and the turbocharger inlet pipe. Do not fully remove the clamps unless necessary.
    Torque spec
    Air Intake Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
  3. 3
    Remove MAF sensor mounting screws
    Remove the two Phillips head screws securing the MAF sensor to the intake duct housing. These screws are typically located on opposite sides of the sensor body. Keep the screws in a safe location as they may be reused if not corroded.
    Torque spec
    MAF Sensor Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
  4. 4
    Extract MAF sensor from intake duct
    Carefully pull the MAF sensor straight out of the intake duct. The sensor may have an O-ring seal that creates resistance. Avoid twisting or forcing the sensor to prevent damage to the sensing element inside.
    Inspect the intake duct for debris or contamination that may have damaged the sensor. Clean if necessary before installing new sensor.
  5. 5
    Inspect and prepare new MAF sensor
    Remove the new MAF sensor from packaging. Verify the sensor part number matches the original. Check that the O-ring seal (if equipped) is properly seated in the groove on the sensor body. Do not remove any protective covers until ready to install.
  6. 6
    Install new MAF sensor
    Carefully insert the new MAF sensor into the intake duct opening, aligning the screw holes. Ensure the sensor is oriented correctly with the arrow on the sensor body pointing in the direction of airflow (toward the turbocharger). Push the sensor in until it seats fully against the duct.
  7. 7
    Secure MAF sensor with mounting screws
    Install the two Phillips head screws and tighten using a torque wrench to the specified torque. Tighten in a cross pattern to ensure even seating. Over-tightening can crack the plastic sensor housing.
    Torque spec
    MAF Sensor Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
  8. 8
    Tighten intake duct clamps
    Tighten the worm-drive clamps on both sides of the MAF sensor housing to secure the intake duct. Ensure the duct is properly seated on both the air filter box and turbocharger inlet before fully tightening. Torque to specification if using a torque screwdriver.
    Torque spec
    Air Intake Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
  9. 9
    Reconnect electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector onto the MAF sensor until you hear and feel a distinct click, indicating the locking tab has engaged. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is securely locked in place.

Reassembly

  1. If battery was disconnected, reconnect the negative terminal and tighten securely
  2. Verify all intake duct connections are secure and properly sealed to prevent unmetered air leaks
  3. Double-check that no tools or parts were left in the engine bay

Verification

  • Start the engine and listen for any air leak hissing sounds around the intake duct connections
  • Verify the Check Engine Light does not illuminate. If it does, use an OBD-II scanner to check for MAF sensor-related codes (P0101, P0102, P0103)
  • Allow engine to idle for 2-3 minutes and confirm smooth idle operation
  • Test drive the vehicle for at least 10 minutes, including highway speeds, to allow the ECU to adapt to the new sensor
  • Monitor for proper throttle response and acceleration with no hesitation or surging

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