How to Repair the Air Mass Sensor on a Dodge Stratus
by Jeffrey Caldwell
The air mass sensor, also known as the mass airflow sensor, or MAF, is located in the air intake tract on a Dodge Stratus and measures the molecular weight of air entering the engine. This information is relayed to the engine computer and helps to determine fuel injector pulse width by turning the injectors on and off. Replacing the air mass sensor on a Dodge Stratus can be accomplished with a few simple tools.
Removing the Air Mass Sensor
Step 1
Loosen the bolt that secures the negative battery cable to the battery, using a wrench. Then pull the cable off the battery.
Step 2
Locate the air mass sensor. It will be located on the air intake tract.
Step 3
Separate the wiring harness from the air mass sensor. Pry the retaining clip away from the sensor, using a flat blade screwdriver. Then pull the wiring connector off the sensor.
Step 4
Loosen the hose clamp that secures the intake tract to the intake housing, using a socket. Then pull the tract away from the housing.
Step 5
Unhook the latches that secure the air filter housing lid to the base with your hand. Then pull the lid and air filter off the base and remove it from the vehicle.
Step 6
Unscrew the three bolts on the bottom of the air filter base, using a socket. Then pull the base from the engine bay.
Step 7
Unscrew the bolts that secure the sensor to the intake tract. Then pull the sensor from the intake tract.
Installing the Air Mass Sensor
Step 1
Lay a new gasket between the intake tract and the air mass sensor. Then screw in the bolts that connect the sensor to the tract, using a socket.
Step 2
Drop the air filter housing base into position and screw in the bolts that secure it to the vehicle’s chassis, using a socket.
Step 3
Drop the air filter and cover into position. Close the latches that secure the air filter cover to the base, using your hand.
Step 4
Slide the air intake tract onto the air filter housing cover. Tighten the hose clamp, using a socket.
Step 5
Press the wiring harness onto the air mass sensor.
Step 6
Slide the negative battery cable onto the negative battery post. Tighten the retaining bolt, using a wrench.
References
- Haynes Chrysler Sebring Dodge Stratus & Avenger 1995 thru 2005; John A Wegmann and John H. Haynes; 2006
- Chilton Chrysler Cirrus/Stratus/Sebring/Avenger/Breeze Repair Manual; the Nichols/Chilton Editor; 1998
Tips
- Be careful when separating the plastic wiring connector from the sensor. As the plastic ages, it can become brittle.
Things You'll Need
- Wrench set
- Flat blade screwdriver
- Socket set
- Replacement air mass sensor gasket
- Replacement air mass sensor
Warnings
- Always disconnect the ground cable from the negative battery post before servicing any vehicle's electrical system. Failure to do so could cause injury or death.
Writer Bio
Jeffrey Caldwell has been a freelance writer for over five months and has published over 250 articles on websites like eHow and Trails.com. Caldwell writes articles on a wide range of topics including travel, camping and automotive mechanics. He has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Millersville University.
