Did my sway bar bushings today. Took the top off the air box to get some room to work and in the process disconnected the MAF. When I reconnected the MAF and started her up, the check engine light came on. Never had one before. Any thoughts?

And thanks to everyone who submitted advice on doing the sway bar bushings. Made the job much easier!

Btw, I was surprised to see the old bushings were in fine shape. The new ones seem to have reduced the knock I had developed, but I think new end links are called for.

 

I would suggest cleaning the Throd Body, with CRC as well as MAF sesor with CRC MAF cleaner only to prevent damage and checking your breather hoses for a leak if you are sure that the MAF had something to do with it.

 

when you removed the MAF even a very tiny piece of lint or dust can cause an issue if TB is not covered wth rag and MAF is not placed in a non contaminate area

 

After taking the car for a longer drive the cel went out on its own. Guess the ecm needed some time to clear itself. The longer drive also showed that I was mistaken when I thought the new bushings lessened the knock. It's there, clear as ever. BUT the car actually handles nicer, which I wasn't expecting! I went with the purple PowerFlex bushings and am very plaesed with them. She just feels firmer and more sure-footed and I know it's not my imagination. And the oem bushes looked to be in good shape, not crushed or torn. The knock however still mystifies me. When it first developed I could have sworn it was in the transmission tunnel. I even pulled the console and radio stack, hoping something was rolling around in there and of course found nothing. End links next and probably shock mounts after them. Certainly can't hurt to renew them.