Owners of other Mitsubishi vehicles such as the Outlander Sport, Eclipse Cross, Mirage, Mirage G4, Lancer, ASX, Montero Sport, Pajero, Xpander, Strada and RVR may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

A few of the most common symptoms of a dirty, failing or faulty MAF sensor include hard starting, a rough idle, hesitating, surging, poor acceleration, hiccups, low fuel economy (reduced MPG), stalling, a loss of power and possibly misfiring. You may also see a CEL / SES (check engine light / service engine soon warning) on the instrument cluster.

If you have an OBDII scanner it may reveal a MAF sensor related DTC (diagnostic trouble code) such as P0100, P0101, P0102, P0103 or P0104.

The OEM (original equipment manufacturer) MAF sensor part number in this 2020 Outlander SEL was Mitsubishi 1525A052 (replaces part number 1525A031).

A few compatible replacement aftermarket sensors with their part numbers are as follows: Spectra Premium MA333, MyParts ‎PA-5003312 and Garage-Pro ‎JCWRM31670003GP.

The only tool needed to remove and replace the MAF sensor is a Torx T20 star bit screwdriver.

If you'd like to try cleaning and reinstalling the OEM sensor, use some CRC Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner spray.

The first two steps are to open the hood and move to the right (driver) side of the engine bay.

The mass air flow sensor is attached to the top of the black plastic air intake tube situated just in front of the engine air filter housing.

Carefully spin out the two screws the last few turns with your fingers so that they don't fall down into the engine by and become lost.

Set the two screws aside in a safe place.

Push in the release tab on the electrical connector before sliding it straight off the base of the old sensor.

Gently rotate the old sensor back and forth a few times to make sure the rubber o-ring gasket is not stuck or "frozen" in place.

If the old sensor is forcibly pulled straight out, a piece of the old rubber o-ring might break off and fall down into the air intake assembly.

Carefully pull the old sensor out of the opening in the air intake tube.

If you'd like to try cleaning the old sensor before buying a new one, gently spray the sensor wire with some CRC mass air flow sensor cleaner spray.

Allow the sensor to air dry.

Do not shake the sensor, wipe it with a towel or use compressed air to prevent from damaging the sensor wire.

Install the new or cleaned sensor back into the port in the air intake assembly.

Line up the two screw holes in the sensor with their corresponding holes in the air intake tube.

Tighten the screws in the clockwise direction with the Torx T20 screwdriver until they are just barely snug.

Try to avoid over tightening the screws to prevent from cracking the plastic sensor housing or the air intake tube.

If you have an OBD2 scan tool, clear any MAF sensor related DTC (diagnostic trouble codes).

To test the new sensor, start the engine and take the SUV for a short test drive.

Be sure to write down the sensor change in your vehicle's service records.

Please check out all of the 2014-2021 Mitsubishi Outlander DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.