Hyundai Repair: Hyundai Sputters While Idiling, hyundai accent, maf sensor

Question
I have a 2000 Hyundai Accent, and in the past couple of months it has started sputtering (almost feels like the engine is doing the equivalent of an human choking) when I idle. The problem is especially bad when I have the AC on. My check engine light has been on for about a year because of the MAF sensor. I recently replaced it, and the sputtering got even worse. I then replaced the spark plugs and went on two successful 3 mile trips with no problems until I had to stop abruptly. After stopping, I idled for a moment and the car sputtered. I turned off the AC and pressed on the gas, but instead of smoothly accelerating, the car chugged for a few feet.

I have checked the air filter and am virtually certain that the MAF sensor is seated correctly without any gaps. My next step will be the fuel filter, but I don't want to go to the trouble if it may be something else.

Thanks for any direction you can give me.

Answer
Hello Ariana,
If you are certain that MAF sensor installed correctly (not backward and seating fine) then you need to check for any trouble code stored in the system. It sounds like a back-fire and fuel pump or fuel filter would not cause that. It can be numerous things like TPS, Ignition coil, camshafts sensor e.t.c. You really need the help of the trouble codes. If your check engine light is not on yet, drive it couple more times, I am sure it will give some codes.