MAF Sensor Removal Problem
 

So I've got a 2006 Trailblazer LS, 4.2l vehicle.

Recently it started throwing a "PO171" code. Some googling refers to the MAF (not MAP) sensor
as a possible culprit. I don't even want to start thinking about a vacuum leak somewhere.

So I bought a replacement MAF sensor (Hitachi) and went to replace it. Youtube guides said 2
5.5mm screws hold it in. Mine were Torx screws. The top one, although a bit rusty came out
easily. The bottom one...ugh. To my eye, and I know this is going to sound ridiculous, it looks
like someone soldered it in place. I can not get it to come out. I thought about attempting to cut
the head off but that would leave me with the body still in the housing. Kind of at a loss right now
and looking for suggestions.

If I had to buy a new housing, does anyone know the name of it? The one the MAF sensor actually
bolts into? Thanks all - any and all suggestions appreciated.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/chevrol...86af4e0ae2.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/chevrol...1acee73519.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/chevrol...957c24e783.jpg

Best guess I can give you if the torx is stripped out is take a very small blade like a hack saw blade and cut a slot in the center of bolt or screw and try to remove it with a flat blade screw driver. Other than that, grind the head off and hope there is enough screw left to bit onto it with a pair of locking pliers.

I would also pretreat for a day with somthing like PB blaster, that is really corroded. Also looks like there's a crack in the plastic where it screws in - may end up breaking and need an epoxy repair to seat a new scres.

If someone did actually solder the screw in place, you will probably have to remove the solder first. If you heat it, be careful not to melt the plastic. Cutting the slot for a flat screwdriver usually works but I always try channel locks first.