(The procedure should be the same or very similar for the turbocharged 2.5L I4, the 2.0L I4 and the SkyActiv-D 2.2L I4 diesel twin turbo engines.)

Owners of other Mazda vehicles such as the CX-3, CX-30, CX-7, CX-9, Mazda3, Mazda6, MX-30, MX-5 Miata, Mazda2, CX-4, CX-8 and BT-50 may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

The OEM (original equipment manufacturer) mass air flow sensor part number is Mazda PYFS-13-215 (also known as PYFS13215 or PE01-13-215).

Two compatible replacement aftermarket MAF sensors with their part numbers are as follows: Standard Motor Products MAS0517 and WVE 5S15707.

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

If you have an OBD2 scan tool it should reveal a MAF sensor related DTC (diagnostic trouble code) such as P0100, P0101, P0102, P0103 or P0104.

It's also a good idea to check for other issues that may produce similar symptoms such as a vacuum leak from a split rubber hose, a clogged engine air filter, a cracked plastic intake tube, a leaking intake manifold gasket and a faulty PCV valve.

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

The MAF sensor is located on the top of the engine air filter housing's plastic air intake tube attached to the rubber air intake hose.

If you'd like to try cleaning the old sensor before you purchase a new one, I recommend using some CRC Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner spray.

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

Set the two screws aside in a safe place.

If you just pull the sensor straight out, the old brittle o-ring might tear apart and allow pieces of rubber to fall into the air intake assembly.

Once the sensor is loose, gently lift it out of the port (opening) in the air intake.

To clean the old sensor, gently spray into every opening with some CRC Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner.

Do not spray cleaner into the electrical contacts.

To clean the electrical contacts on the sensor or the power plug, use some CRC Electronic Cleaner spray.

The OEM (original equipment manufacturer) sensor in this 2019 CX-5 was marked as part number Mazda PYFS E5T63271 K6266 9327 (Philips K6266 9327).

Lower the new sensor down into place and line up the two screw holes.

Spin in the two Phillips head screws a few turns with your fingers to help prevent them from falling down into the engine bay and becoming lost.

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

Push the power plug straight on to the base of the new sensor.

You should hear or feel the electrical connector "click" securely into place.

If you have an OBDII scanner, clear any MAF sensor related DTC codes.

Start the engine and listen closely for any strange sounds. If you do hear any weird noises, immediately turn off the ignition and double check your work.

If everything sounds normal, take the car for a short and careful test drive to see if any of the symptoms of a faulty MAF sensor occur again.

Don't forget to write down the sensor change in your SUV's service records.

Please check out all of my 2017-2022 Mazda CX-5 DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.