1G maf translator needed or not

[xander123]

so I am getting dsmlink v3, because my tuner recommended it. I currently have a 3in maf running to a maft gen 2, but if I have link do I still need the translator? because I have the gm maf running to the stock maf plug, and the translator is tapped into the ecu. but if I’m switching to link would I still need the maft? cause isnt the car still going to get my air flow signals still since I have the gm maf running to the stock plug. or will the translator still be needed?

 

[Dericsh]

No, you’re replacing the MAF-T with link.

 

[steve]

You have to replace the MAFT with something. DSMLink by itself doesn't replace the airflow metering.

Those running DSMLink without a MAF usually run Speed Density with a MAP Sensor and IAT sensor so DSMLink can compute the air mass flow.

 

[Dericsh]

You have to replace the MAFT with something. DSMLink by itself doesn't replace the airflow metering.

Those running DSMLink without a MAF usually run Speed Density with a MAP Sensor and IAT sensor so DSMLink can compute the air mass flow.

That’s right, I made an assumption OP would continue using the GM MAF. But now, more options like speed density!

 

[steve]

I haven't seen the GM MAF cable on the ECMTuning site in awhile and don't know if they make them anymore. Without that cable you still have to use the MAFT to convert the signal to something the DSM ECU can digest.

 

[Dericsh]

Just verified, not available.

“backorder-do not order” it says.

So options now-
keeping the MAFT, or going SD
The instructions and options are pretty clear when you go to ecmtuning to order the link.

 

[xander123]

That’s right, I made an assumption OP would continue using the GM MAF. But now, more options like speed density!

yes I was planning on keeping the 3in maf, but was wondering if I’d still need the translator? I have the gm maf sensor adaptor plug, so the maf is feeding into the stock maf wiring. pretty much just wondering if I need to keep the translator or if I can just use link with the gm maf

 

[C-note89ky]

No. If u have the cable that goes straight from 3” maf to the stock harness u do not. You change the settings in link to tell the ecu that the stock mass air flow sensor is now a gm 3” mass air flow sensor.
But if the wiring for translator is with the mass air flow sensor then u just zero out everything on the translator. all the knobs turned to zero. And u should b good to go.

 

[xander123]

No. If u have the cable that goes straight from 3” maf to the stock harness u do not. You change the settings in link to tell the ecu that the stock mass air flow sensor is now a gm 3” mass air flow sensor.
But if the wiring for translator is with the mass air flow sensor then u just zero out everything on the translator. all the knobs turned to zero. And u should b good to go.

So I have been doing research, people say if I have bought a cable from ecmlink people I wont need to but my cable was bought off extremepsi, along with the maft.

It’s this one

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Sorry if I am being slow but I really don't want to mess things up. This plug does go into the stock harness, and therefore is already being converted into something the ecu can understand?

So in theory I should be able to remove the maft right now, there's no tune on it currently anyways, right?

 

[steve]

There are many vendors that sell the ECMTuning MAF adapter cable (when it is/was available), for example https://www.extremepsi.com/store/ECMLink-GM-MAF-Cable-DSM.html That is the only one they sell that will work directly.

If the cable you bought works with the MAFT then it's not the ECMTuning one and won't do the job.