Owners of other Mazda vehicles such as the CX-5, CX-3, CX-30, MX-30, CX-8, Mazda8 (MPV), MX-5 Miata, Mazda2 (Demio), Mazda3 (Axela), Mazda6 (Atenza) and Mazda5 (Premacy) may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

A few symptoms of a dirty, failing or faulty mass air flow sensor include the following: reduced fuel economy (low MPG), rough idling, hesitation, jerking, stalling, a loss of power, unburned gasoline smells from the exhaust pipe, difficulty starting and a warning light on the gauge cluster (CEL / SES - check engine light / service engine soon).

If you have an OBDII Scanner (also known as an OBD2 scan tool or code reader), check to see if any of the DTCs (diagnostic trouble codes) are related to the MAF sensor such as P0100, P0101, P0102, P0103 and P0104.

The OEM (original equipment manufacturer) MAF sensor part number is Mazda PE01-13-215 which is also known as # PE0113215 or E5T62271.

A few compatible replacement aftermarket sensors with their part numbers are as follows: Jesben PE01-13-215 E5T62271, Amrxuts E5T62271 PE01-13-215 and Germban PE01-13-215.

The only tool needed to remove and replace the MAF sensor is a Phillips head screwdriver.

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

Locate the black plastic mass air flow sensor on the top of the plastic air intake tube situated in between the rubber air hose and the engine air filter housing.

Loosen the two screws by turning them in the counterclockwise direction with the Phillips head screwdriver.

Spin out the two screws the last few turns with your fingers to help prevent them from falling down into the engine bay and becoming lost.

Set the two screws aside in a safe place.

Gently rotate the old sensor back and forth a few times to make sure it isn't stuck or "frozen" inside the engine air filter housing.

If the rubber gasket on the OEM sensor is very old and dry, it could break apart into pieces and fall into the air intake.

Inspect the old MAF sensor for any signs of damage, oil or soot.

If you'd like to try cleaning the old sensor before buying a new part, use some CRC Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner spray.

Gently spray the cleaner on to the sensor wire and allow it to air dry.

Do NOT touch the sensor wire or wipe it with a towel to avoid damaging it. Avoid shaking the sensor.

Rotate the new sensor until the screw holes in the sensor line up with the corresponding holes in the air box.

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

You should feel or hear the power plug "click" securely into place.

Turn the ignition switch to the "On" position but don't start the engine. (Or tap the "Start" button once with your foot off the brake pedal for vehicles equipped with the push button start system.)

Use your OBD2 scan tool to clear any MAF related codes.

Then turn the ignition switch to the "Off" position and back again to "On". Check to see if the SES / CEL warning light is no longer displayed on the gauge cluster.

Take the SUV for a short test drive to see if the engine behaves normally.

Be sure to record the MAF sensor cleaning or replacement in your vehicle's service records.

For more, please check out all of the 2016-2021 Mazda CX-9 DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.