I installed an ej22 out of 1994 subaru legacy into 1985 vanagon. When i first started the engine, It would run very rough the idle was all over the place and eventually the engine would die. I plugged in the green connectors and it gave me me a code 23 (Air flow meter or circuit).  I decided to disconnect the maf sensor to see what would happened and engine now idles a lot better and does not die. All this makes me assume that maf sensor is bad.  I plan on going to the junkyard to pull maf, but wanted to know what year would work. My sensor is currently black and made out of plastic. Also i wanted to know if my thinking is correct? 

 

Thank you

check the connector and make sure the wires and pins look good.

 

90 - 94 will work.

but the interchange software differentiates between turbo, non- turbo A/T, and non-turbo manual.

http://www.car-part.com

 

did you use the computer from the 94?

 

also look for a large air leak after the MAF.

on stock legacys,

there is a large vac hose, the size of your thumb,

that runs from the IAC on the intake manifold to the plastic air plenum. (plastic tube from MAF to throttle body.)

it connects to the very bottom of the plenum and is hard to see.

also easy to knock of when working in the area.

 

if that hose is disconnected the car will do exactly what you described.

but i do not know if i will throw that code.

check it.