mass air sensor performance code

[BUCKMASTER]

I own a 2003 5.3l silverado. The aftermarket mods include KN intake, summit headers, flowmaster exhust, hypertech program, hypertech 160 degree stat and a granatelli mass air sensor. Recently, under heavy acceleration the engine light came on. I put the scanner on and it gave me a code for mass air sensor performance. The air sensor on the truck has about 45,000 miles on it. Is this a common thing? Also, how can you tell if the air sensor needs replacement? Thanks for any help.

[Chevy808]

Originally Posted by BUCKMASTER

I own a 2003 5.3l silverado. The aftermarket mods include KN intake, summit headers, flowmaster exhust, hypertech program, hypertech 160 degree stat and a granatelli mass air sensor. Recently, under heavy acceleration the engine light came on. I put the scanner on and it gave me a code for mass air sensor performance. The air sensor on the truck has about 45,000 miles on it. Is this a common thing? Also, how can you tell if the air sensor needs replacement? Thanks for any help.

I'm guessing your granatelli mass air sensor uses a "hot wire" type of sensor. GM's MAFs are "hot wire" types. I know some MAFs has that "cleaning feature" for the hot wire. What it does is it burns off any impurities that may have gotten through your air filter. Over time these microscopic impurities can build up on that hot wire. Since K&N allows more flow, maybe some things got through along with that oil. It does'nt take much to code that sensor.

[Chevy808]

Got back this morning on this post was falling asleep while typing the last post. Realized I didn't offer suggestions I doubt it your aftermarket MAF has that cleaning feature so try this. Turn on the MAF without it attached (no air passing through) for a couple of seconds. That hot wire will get red like a stove then turn it off - don't know how long that wire can stay red because its a thin filament. Then get a "dry" type performance filter because the oil from that K&N do pass through, not a whole lot but just enough to get inside "sticky" or "oily" and this occurs over time. Erase the code and see what happens.

[Russ Weaver]

Originally Posted by Chevy808

Got back this morning on this post was falling asleep while typing the last post. Realized I didn't offer suggestions I doubt it your aftermarket MAF has that cleaning feature so try this. Turn on the MAF without it attached (no air passing through) for a couple of seconds. That hot wire will get red like a stove then turn it off - don't know how long that wire can stay red because its a thin filament. Then get a "dry" type performance filter because the oil from that K&N do pass through, not a whole lot but just enough to get inside "sticky" or "oily" and this occurs over time. Erase the code and see what happens.

I posed this question to my local dealer and he told me if the K&N was over-oiled it could gum up the MAS and would not be covered by warranty. Subsequently spoke to friendly mechanic who told me to just clean the MAS with solvent (carefully) and reset the light (Dealer can tell you how). I went for the Air Raid non-oil type with good results.

[Chevy808]

Originally Posted by Russ Weaver

I posed this question to my local dealer and he told me if the K&N was over-oiled it could gum up the MAS and would not be covered by warranty. Subsequently spoke to friendly mechanic who told me to just clean the MAS with solvent (carefully) and reset the light (Dealer can tell you how). I went for the Air Raid non-oil type with good results.

Cool, I couldn't figure out who makes those "dry" performance filter I only knew that it was on the market. I guess "oil-type" performance filters are better suited for TBIs, carbs or non-mass flow type huh.

[BUCKMASTER]

Chvy808, Russ Weaver, Whats up fellas,
Thanks for the help. The code has gone out and has not come back since I posted this. I do run a granatelli Mass Air Sensor. I would figure it could handle extra dirt coming threw due to the extra air flow. Also I have yet to clean or recharge my KN. Any help appreciated.