Q: Mass Air flow sensor

I took my car to a AutoZone location for a free check engine light and they told me that I have a mass flow sensor issue and told me a high price on buying it. As I did research to find a solution I found that I can clean it with a spray cleaner that is only for mass flow sensor.I brought the cleaner and did what it was needed and one thing, when we was trying to take the sensor out it was difficult to unscrew it out and the upper piece of the filter was taking out and was left with open entrance to the upper part , as we put the sensor back in together with the upper piece of the filter I waited about 10 minutes and turn the car on . As it turned on it turned off for at least two attempts . And when I turn it on again and rev it up for less than a minute it stood on and the light at temp oil stood on blinking . What solution can I do to fix my Subaru?

My car has 206000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.