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
- Ensure engine is off and cool to the touch
- Open hood and secure with prop rod
- 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
- Optional: Disconnect negative battery terminal if clearing diagnostic codes is desired
Procedure
- 1Disconnect MAF sensor electrical connectorPress 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.
- 2Loosen intake duct clampsLoosen 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 specAir Intake Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
- 3Remove MAF sensor mounting screwsRemove 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 specMAF Sensor Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
- 4Extract MAF sensor from intake ductCarefully 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.
- 5Inspect and prepare new MAF sensorRemove 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.
- 6Install new MAF sensorCarefully 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.
- 7Secure MAF sensor with mounting screwsInstall 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 specMAF Sensor Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
- 8Tighten intake duct clampsTighten 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 specAir Intake Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
- 9Reconnect electrical connectorPush 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
- If battery was disconnected, reconnect the negative terminal and tighten securely
- Verify all intake duct connections are secure and properly sealed to prevent unmetered air leaks
- 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