MAF Sensor Trouble

I am trying to discover if there is a fault with my MAF sensor and have been advised on the forum to remove the plug/wiring harness while the engine is running, then drive the car and see if the misfire fault I have dissapears. The problem I'm havig is that the car just cuts out when i disconnect the cable. Does this signify a bigger problem somewhere or does this mean that the MAF is not faulty?
Also I've heard that I will need to take the car to a garage to have the fault codes/ecu reset or something? Does that mean that if I replace the MAF myself, the car will not register the change of MAF sensor and will still run rough till I go to the garage?

I'm running a 4.6 V8 - year 1999.
Any advice on this woulld be much appreciated.

its normal for the car to cut out when you take the maf off. you say it runs better with it off, easy thats you problem. you do not need anything pluging in when you put your new maf in. if yours is a thur engine, just get a new maf senser..

If the car cuts out when the plug is removed how are you supposed to test drive it? The car is not any better when it's removed - it's worse - it doesn't run at all. Also what is a thur engine please? How can I tel if I have that type?

it has like big fingers across the top of the engine. some body must be sitting in the car keeping it running. you can not do it on your own. you must warm the engine first befor you unplug you maf senser..

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the advice. Leads n plugs changed 3 days ago but just put a trolley jack on my acc pedal and removed MAF sensor - car ran perfect! Just popping out to buy a nice replacement.

If you replace the MAF or O2 sensors, you will need to have the ECU adaptions re-set.

rewmer said:

If you replace the MAF or O2 sensors, you will need to have the ECU adaptions re-set.

Click to expand...

i did not have to on a thor engine, just took it for a run and it was fine. did lambers yesterday took it for mot today, passed no prob..

So wwhy would I have to have the ECU reset? Can I use one of these DIY kits iv heard of being mentioned on here to do that?
I don't know from what I'm reading here if it will be necessary to rest though...

Sorry but that was supposed to read reset not rest!

it resets it self when you put new senser in. took mine a few miles and all was good..