i removed the MAF sensor and sprayed it generously with MAF cleaner and then used compressed air to try and clean it. hopefully i didn't damage it because i used shop air (did all this b4 reading your post). i did notice some trash (maybe a bug wing) stuck to it and it wouldnt come off. so i carefully removed it with my finger nail. again hope i didn't damage it more (remember i'm a novice). no change in how it's running. I appreciate your advice. i think i'm gonna change the sensor and see what happens. got a friend that has connections at a parts store to let me try and see what happens and then bring it back if it doesn't fix the problem. after that it may roll down a cliff unmanned. only problem is there aren't many cliffs in south louisiana. LOL thanks again