Do I need the specific brand ACDelco MAF Sensor?

[SeveredStar]

I have a '99 Grand Prix GTP with 60K on it (bought it with 40K on it 6 years ago in '03, to give you an idea of my driving habits). Used it for local driving for the past 6 years and recently in the last 4 months Ive been driving to my new job that is a 25 mile commute each way. Recently my car started to sputter and shake when I accelerated, and at red lights/stop signs or when idling it would sputter, lurch forward, then die out. It would start up again fine. This went on for a while and I figured it was bad gas since I bought gas somewhere new. I had no check engine light come on, and I took it to Autozone, they tried to see if any codes came up but none did. So I bought some Lucas fuel cleaner, changed the fuel filter, and still the problem persisted. Yesterday it decided on the highway at 60 MPH it was going to sputter and die out on me, luckily I was able to get on the shoulder, kick it in neutral, start it back up and exit the damn freeway LOL. FINALLY - My check engine light came on, took it back to Autozone, and it's the MAF sensor. They said they had the part for 180, I was hesitant since I don't have a lot of money and Im going to have my boyfriend get the part at cost and install it himself (he's good with cars and trucks, was a mechanic for years) and I'd pay him back. Now I was reading today that I need an ACDelco MAF sensor - is that true? Is it necessary that I get that particular brand? I know it's a GM brand, does that matter? Or can I get the Cordone (I think that's the name...) brand? I am driving fairly heavily each day now, 50+ miles, but like I said I don't have a lot of money and even at cost the ACDelco MAF sensor is gonna be 150. I also have my supercharger belt removed (it broke, need to get another but for now I have performance shift off and this actually helps me refrain from speeding) - so do I need the ACDelco brand or can I just get an off-brand MAF sensor? I know the car needs this to run, but here's a second part to my question: Do MAF sensors just "go out"? I have never changed out the air filter so maybe that's why? Is this going to be a reoccuring problem or is it a simple fix? I admit I am an ignorant chick when it comes to cars, so any help is appreciated with helping me getting my car running while being cost-effective. Thank you in advance!!

[TheOtherNick]

I would just get a delco sensor, you pay more but the quality is there. Yes mafs will just go out. You probably should change your air filter if it has never been done.

[FoSHO99]

X2 just go with the delco. Whatever you do, make sure they are the same sensor, as in when you take it out, the part that sticks into the throttle body is the same shape and everything. The tb design changes from 97-03 a few times and there are different maf sensors out there, getting the wrong one can play with the readings.

[Liquifire]

X3.....

[97gtsc]

If u plan on selling it any time soon get a cheeper 1 or if u going to keep it for a wile get the better 1

[SeveredStar]

The main issue for me is money. I practically live paycheck to paycheck, and spending 300 on the ACDelco part is 60 dollars shy of one whole paycheck of mine. The car has other issues (alignment is off, driver's side mirror does not roll down/up even after having the motor and all parts replaced 2x when it was still under warranty, and the power steering pump is shot: parking and making slow turns are excruciating for me due to the steering wheel turning into cement when making slow turns [and yes I've checked the power steering fluid level]). I was making money when I bought the car 6 years ago, but hard times fell on me and I cannot afford major expenses. I am making due without power steering, as difficult as it is (it's been messed up for about two months now), but I need it to run without sputtering or dying out on the highway again. So would you advise the cheaper part in my circumstance instead of the ACDelco MAF sensor? I know a lot of you grand prix aficionados love to pamper your cars, and trust me I used to as well but right now I am using it as a means to get to work and back w/o any other vehicle at my disposal. Is there really that big of a difference between the offbrand and the ACDelco other than the name? Will it affect the performance of my car? Is the ACDelco MAF sensor guaranteed to last longer? Thank you in advance for any help/advice you can give, I am seriously at my wit's end.

[97gtsc]

Hey if money is tight get the cheaper 1 or get 1 from your local salvage yard?
What is the difference in warranty between them also?

[SeveredStar]

Thanks 97gtsc. I am gonna get the cheaper one. I live in the outskirts of Houston so I am not familiar as to where the local salvage yards are. I just wanted to see if there was a difference in the quality other than the name, I guess I just need some reassurance! Hope you have a kickass afternoon!

[Liquifire]

I would get used ones from moradspartscompany.com before I would get new ones that don't work as well. They should be cheaper yet than any new ones, I would think.

[SeveredStar]

So the off-brand MAF sensors do not work as well as the ACDelco? I can't find statistics on either one, then again I am not that car-smart lol. I know both have the same warranty when purchased new. I am definitely leaning towards the cheaper ones just because of money issues. Thank you Liquifire and I am gonna go peruse the morad website that you mentioned.

[Liquifire]

If they don't have it listed, shoot them an e-mail or call them, as I am pretty sure they have one somewhere. They gave me excellent deals on prices for our cars, and they were in very good condition too. The off brands don't seem to work quite right or if they do, they don't last as long, but do what you have to do. Who knows, you might get lucky and it be a good one that lasts forever....Just is luck of the draw.

[Jakegday]

ive never understood why people like to replace their parts with OEM parts. the OEM part is what just failed you..... and you wanna put another one on??

needless to say, i would take my chances with another brand

[SeveredStar]

I found a Cardone MAF Sensor (New that matches O.E.) for 172.99 at O'Reilly's where my boyfriend can get it at cost instead of retail price. So I am going to go ahead and go that route, thanks EVERYONE for their input! Take my word - I am your typical chick when it comes to cars, LOL. (except I don't drive batsh*t crazy LOL)

[Liquifire]

ive never understood why people like to replace their parts with OEM parts. the OEM part is what just failed you..... and you wanna put another one on??

needless to say, i would take my chances with another brand

then you haven't read in the last couple of weeks about the atleast two MAF sensors that failed(non OEM) in under 10,000 miles. Yes the stock ones fail, but usually not that fast. A lot of aftermarkets are rebuilt and not new as well. It is all personal preference though...

[blueguy]

Morad Parts Company - 3800 Motors, Transaxles, & Stock Parts

[Jakegday]

then you haven't read in the last couple of weeks about the atleast two MAF sensors that failed(non OEM) in under 10,000 miles. Yes the stock ones fail, but usually not that fast. A lot of aftermarkets are rebuilt and not new as well. It is all personal preference though...

i wasnt being MAF sensor specific, i meant in general....

[TheOtherNick]

Most of my OEM parts have lasted 150,00 miles I would same that is damn good.

[Black18Ice]

Get one from a yard like someone else said. I got mine in town used for 55 bucks with a 60 day warranty and it worked great...knock on wood. You could buy a few used ones before you sent the amount on a new one or cheap off-brand.

[Iron Indian]

I replaced mine a couple years ago with a Reman Cardone MAF from OReillys, it works just as good if not better than my original one (and yes, i'm always scanning so i know for sure)...

[SeveredStar]

My boyfriend went ahead and installed a new Cordone MAF Sensor, along with a new air filter. The air filter itself was totally black, so I am now aware that it needs to be changed out every once in a while (I'm your typical female when it comes to cars). Thanks everyone for your help and input, my car does not seem to be sputtering/stalling anymore and the Check Engine Light went out as soon as we took the car for a drive after replacing the aforementioned parts. Thank you!!