(The procedure should be the same or very similar for the 2.0L and 1.8L engines.)

The 9th generation Malibu was supposed to undergo a "facelift" in 2022 or 2023 and the refreshed vehicle may have continued being produced into the 2024 and 2025 model years but it will now apparently be discontinued after the 2023 model year.

Owners of other General Motors vehicles from Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, GMC and Holden such as the Impala, Corvette, Bolt, Sonic, Spark, Express, Trax, TrailBlazer, Equinox, Traverse, Blazer, Tahoe, Suburban, Colorado, Silverado, Cruze, Volt, Camaro, Encore, Envision, Enclave, Regal, LaCrosse, Canyon, Sierra, Terrain, Acadia, Yukon, Savana, XT4, XT5, XT6, Escalade, CT4, CT5, CT6 and Commodore may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

A few of the symptoms of a dirty, failing or faulty MAF sensor include hard starting, rough idling, hesitating, surging, poor acceleration, hiccups, low fuel economy (less 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 gauge cluster. An OBDII scanner may reveal a MAF sensor related DTC (diagnostic trouble code) such as P0100, P0101, P0102, P0103 or P0104.

The OEM (original equipment manufacturer) mass air flow sensor is part number ACDelco 23366103 (also known as part number AFH70M-124 9Z11 HALF 23366103).

A compatible replacement aftermarket MAF sensor is the Hitachi MAF0129.

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

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

The mass air flow sensor is located on the right side of the air intake tube in between the air filter box and the rubber air intake hose.

Then push down the black release button and pull the power plug straight off the old sensor.

Be careful to not let the screws fall down into the engine bay where they might become lost.

Set the two screws aside in a safe place.

If you'd like to try cleaning the old sensor before purchasing a new one, gently spray some Mass Air Flow Cleaner spray on to the sensor's wire.

Avoid getting the cleaning spray on the electrical contacts.

Do NOT use compressed air or forcibly shake the sensor to dry it since it could be damaged.

Orientate the new or cleaned sensor with the metal plate facing down and the black plastic side facing up towards you.

Spin in the two screws a few turns in the clockwise direction with your fingers to prevent them from falling down and becoming lost.

Tighten the two screws by turning them in the clockwise direction with the Torx T20 screwdriver until they are snug.

Try to avoid over tightening the two screws to prevent from cracking the plastic air intake tube.

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

Slide the red locking tab in towards the sensor to secure the connector in place.

If you have an OBD2 scan tool, check for any MAF related diagnostic trouble codes and clear them.

Start the engine and listen closely for any strange sounds. Take the car for a short test drive to see if the new MAF sensor resolved your drivability issues.

Please check out all of the 2016-2023 GM Chevrolet Malibu DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.