Hello,

I have a 2012 Mazda3 SkyActiv. Yesterday when I went to start it, it appears to start but half a second later shuts off. Tried it a few times and it's always the same thing. There is no check engine light or codes.

From what I was reading, it sounded like the MAF sensor was a likely culprit. When I disconnect the sensor, the car starts normally and stays on. If I plug it back in while running, the engine cuts out immediately. I tried cleaning it with MAF cleaner, but upon re-assembly it's back to the same problem.

My question is does the fact that the car will start normally with the MAF definitive proof that it's the sensor that is the problem? Or are there other things I should be checking first before dropping $200 on the part? Or is this something that's likely beyond my amateur-at-best Saturday mechanic skills and I should just bring it in?

Thanks for your help!