What are the symptoms of a "mass flow intake sensor"? I have a 2009 LR3. Thanks in advance.

 

I'm guessing you mean Mass Airflow Sensor.

Sluggishness, hesitation, not-smooth acceleration, lack of power.

I think, anyway....I'm sure someone will confirm this and/or add more info.

 

Easy to remove and clean it using a MAF sensor spray (be careful). Whilst you're in there, clean the throttle body. Some good vids on YT. Clean first and see what difference you feel.

 

Lean codes, and /or stumbling idle. I currently have lean codes

 

Check the spark plugs to see whether it's running lean and for gap/condition. Clean the MAF and throttle body. Report back.

 

So, as a "new to me" owner of a 2006 LR3 with 162k miles, I'm happy to report I think I resolved the performance issues I was having, part of it might have been MAF related. I know it is a heavy vehicle, but with a 4.4L engine, I was expecting a bit more power while on the highway in overdrive encountering some inclines. Previously, the engine just felt bogged down having to downshift to climb the slightest of inclines.

So, I did a full Sea Foam cleaning... gas treatment, oil treatment, and intake treatment. Ran for 500 miles, then changed oil/filter to Rotella T6 5W-40 synthetic, which I use in pretty much all my vehicles. Not knowing the previous service history, I installed a brand new set of plugs too. Next, the previous owner had installed an aftermarket Delphi MAF sensor. While researching MAFs, I saw this product from JET Performance:


I was doubtful... they claim they have improved electronics with enhanced MAF tables that help improve performance. Hmmm.

https://jetchip.com/shop/performance...air-sensor-33/

At $212, about 2x the cost of a normal MAF, I wasn't that interested. But then I found a new one on amazon for $99. Decided to give it a shot. It appears to work great... my butt dyno feels a difference from the Delphi MAF, but it might be placebo effect or improvements from the cleaning and new plugs...

Anyway, my LR3 is running much better now. on country road 65mph highway driving, MPG computer says I'm averaging 19MPG, and that is with a roof rack installed. When I first bought the vehicle, it was reading 11.

So, I'm a happy camper for now.

 

oh, and if you are seeing lean codes, check your throttle body plastics... I had a slight crack in mine that was letting air in after the MAF... I think that could lean things out?

 

Thats not a slight crack, just suck into a straw with a small hole. Does not take much!

The only MAF that should be used is OEM/Denso. Dephi probably fine. Those others are just marketing. There are a TON of fake MAFs out there, always buy from a legit source. Denso MAFs are about $70USD at the Toyota dealer.

Also that's the wrong oil, 40 weight is too heavy. But if you are in a warm climate probably. not a huge deal, just don't use it in cold climates. With that said, Rotella T6 5W-40 is not good for the cats which on more cars is not a huge deal either, but the 4.4 is know to consume oil more than equivalent engines. Again, go with what is proven/recommended is best practice.

 

Ya, I live in AZ, so in the hot months I run T6 5W40.... should be fine for an engine with this many miles. As for the JET Performance MAF, gonna keep it... my MPG is continuing to increase, so pretty happy with everything so far.