P0101: Mass Air Flow Sensor

[Shelbrain]

2008 Toyota Camry LE w/ 78,000 miles. Maintenance is performed religiously on this car. Last week, vehicle tripped a CEL with the P0101 code. Took it to Autozone who read the code and said MAF Sensor problem. On their advice, I purchased MAF cleaner, cleaned it according to a video found on Tacoma World and went the next day to reset the code. Within 50 miles, the code has come back. I've cleaned again, rinse and repeat, with the same results.

I took it to a Toyota Specialist who, after listening to what I'd previously done, cleaned the MAF sensor again, examined the sensor for damage and cleared the code. He put a can of BG 44k in the tank and recommended I use mid-grade fuel. He drove the vehicle with the tester installed and said that the MAF sensor is functioning normally but I appear to have a "lazy cat" as it is taking a long time to get up to operating temperature.

I downloaded a copy of the Gen6 factory service manual which stated that if there are no other codes tripped, the recommended procedure is to replace the MAF sensor. I'm not opposed to doing this, but the mechanic says it appears to be functioning within range.

I'm praying to the ToyotaNation gods for assistance (if your offended by my religious pun, I'm just asking for help!)

[Shelbrain]

For posterity reasons, I wanted to update this thread to help other Camry owners who may have this problem code. I did some research on my own, located the factory service manual from CamryStuff.com and replaced the MAF sensor. I thought this would fix the problem as the FSM said if P0101 was the only code specified, then chances are the MAF sensor was bad. Low and behold the code returned and I was out $120 (friend of family helped with employee discount on sensor).

Today, I took it back to the same specialist for further diagnostics. As it turns out, the PCV valve was not working properly because it was not restricting air in the higher RPMs as it should. The tech said before he replaced the PCV, he could throw the code once the vehicle accelerated to 62mph on two straight occasions. The technician replaced the PCV valve, reset the computer and so far so good! The PCV valve was $5.00 and the diagnostic fee was $65.00.

If this helps one other person from changing the MAF sensor who doesnt need to, then I am okay with that. The moral of the story is: Listen to your technicians! If I had done this first, it would have saved me the cost of the replacement MAF sensor. Thank you ToyoDoc in Brooksville, Florida-you have earned our business.