This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor on a 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson with the 2.5L I4 gasoline engine and AWD.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Mass Air Flow Sensor × 1 — 28164-2GGA0 or equivalent OEM

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Open hood and secure with prop rod
4. Locate the MAF sensor in the air intake tube between the air filter box and throttle body on the driver's side of the engine bay

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect MAF sensor electrical connector
   Press down on the locking tab on the electrical connector attached to the MAF sensor body. Pull the connector straight away from the sensor to disconnect. Do not pull on the wiring harness itself.
2. 2

   Loosen downstream air intake clamp
   Locate the hose clamp on the throttle body side of the MAF sensor (downstream). Loosen the clamp screw completely but do not remove it. This allows the intake tube to be shifted slightly for easier MAF removal.
   Torque spec

   Air Intake Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove MAF sensor mounting screws
   Using a Torx T20 screwdriver, remove the two screws securing the MAF sensor to the air intake tube. These screws are typically located 180 degrees apart on the sensor housing. Keep screws in a safe location.
   Torque spec

   MAF Sensor Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Extract MAF sensor from intake tube
   Carefully pull the MAF sensor straight out of the intake tube. The sensor may have an O-ring seal that creates slight resistance. Wiggle gently if needed but do not force or twist excessively.
   ⚠Inspect the O-ring seal on the sensor. Replace if cracked, hardened, or damaged to prevent unmetered air leaks
5. 5

   Inspect intake tube and prepare new sensor
   Check the inside of the intake tube for debris, oil contamination, or damage. Wipe clean with a lint-free cloth if needed. Verify the new MAF sensor has an intact O-ring seal properly seated in its groove. Compare new sensor to old to confirm correct replacement part.
6. 6

   Install new MAF sensor
   Insert the new MAF sensor into the intake tube, aligning the screw holes. Ensure the sensor is oriented correctly with the arrow on the sensor body pointing toward the engine (direction of airflow). Push firmly until the sensor seats completely flush against the intake tube.
   ⚠Verify correct orientation before installation. The MAF must be installed with airflow arrow pointing toward throttle body
7. 7

   Install and torque MAF sensor screws
   Thread both Torx T20 screws by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement. Using a torque wrench, tighten both screws in a cross pattern to the specified torque of 3.0 Nm (2.0 lb-ft). Do not overtighten as this can crack the sensor housing.
   Torque spec

   MAF Sensor Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Tighten air intake clamp
   Reposition the intake tube if it was moved during removal. Tighten the downstream air intake clamp screw to 3.0 Nm (2.0 lb-ft) using a torque wrench. Ensure the hose is fully seated on the connection before tightening.
   Torque spec

   Air Intake Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Push the electrical connector firmly 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 locked in place.

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connections are secure and fully locked
2. Confirm all intake clamps are properly tightened to prevent air leaks
3. Double-check that no tools or parts were left in the engine bay

Verification

• Start the engine and verify it idles smoothly without hesitation or rough running
• Check for any hissing sounds indicating air leaks around the MAF sensor or intake connections
• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes using an OBD-II scanner. No MAF-related codes should be present after a brief drive cycle
• Test drive the vehicle and confirm normal throttle response and acceleration with no check engine light illumination

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