Cleaning MAF Sensor

[Fletch]

I would like to clean my MAF sensor tomorrow, I already bought the cleaner could someone point out the basic steps or direct me to somewhere they are laid out already? Thanks.

 

[wood_e]

A search would've yielded many results.

You just spray the contacts in the sensor itself (its inside the small hole) let it dry and you should be good!

 

[Fletch]

I did do a search and it didn't come up with much on specifics...I just need to know how to get to the sensor and what it looks like so I know what i am looking at...thanks

 

[wood_e]

Just take off the intake tubing, then take the top airbox lid off. You should plainly see the MAF's smaller hole. Spray in the hole (thats where the electronics are). That should so the trick! thumb

 

[Rockledge]

I posted this information in a another forum a while back. It involves removing the the MAF sensor (two torx head security screws) in order to clean it. It's the way I do it on my Fords:

The following procedure is adapted from The Ranger Station Tech Article "Cleaning the MAF":

NOTE: Make sure the engine has been shut off (key off) for several hours before doing this... the MAF has a "hot-wire" design and a cold blast of cleaner may damage the wire.

1. Remove the negative cable from your battery

2. Unplug the wiring harness clip from the MAF;

3. Remove the two security star-head screws and carefully remove the sensor. You will need a security star torx bit;

4. You will see the two sensor filaments, they look almost like the filaments in a light bulb. Carefully spray the filaments with an O2 safe cleaner, and if available, a few careful blasts of compressed air.

5. While it is drying carefully wipe the aluminum mount surface of the MAF body if there is any dust there, but be careful not to get dust in the mount hole.

6. When the sensor is dry, replace the sensor back in the MAF body and secure with the security star-head screws. These don't need to be torqued down, just simply hand tight;

7. Plug back in the MAF wiring harness clip. Reconnect the negative batterycable.


As for the security star screwheads, you can do what I did ...take a Dremel tool and cut a slit through the head of the heads so you can remove them with a regular screwdriver. Simple and works great. Then go to the hardware store and find two exact replacement bolts, only with philips heads, and two little lock washers, and use them instead of the torx head screws.

That way, whenever you want access to the MAF you won't have to mess around with security star bits or anything else. Just pull out a screwdriver from your toolbox.

 

[Fletch]

Thanks guys! I'm going to get it done today as well as try to fix my antenna which doesn't go down all the way..haha

 

[Bob L.]

What is a good cleaner to use? I noticed on my last long road trip driving an average speed of 80 mph for a couple hours, when I stopped my idle was irratic. Could this be the MAF?

 

[Rockledge]

Bob L.:
What is a good cleaner to use? I noticed on my last long road trip driving an average speed of 80 mph for a couple hours, when I stopped my idle was irratic. Could this be the MAF?

Air intake/Throttle body cleaner (STP, Gumout, etc.) works pretty good. Some people use CRC contact cleaner. You want something that leaves no residue. Try and avoid straight carburetor cleaner.

 

[Axianator]

Bob L.:
What is a good cleaner to use? I noticed on my last long road trip driving an average speed of 80 mph for a couple hours, when I stopped my idle was irratic. Could this be the MAF?

I'd suggest using a good non-chlorinated brake cleaner spray or some rubbing alcohol. If you use the latter, make sure you pour a little in the cap or in a cup and hold the sensor package upside down with the hotwires submerged for a few minutes. Don't actually brush or apply the alcohol directly to the elements with a Q-tip or something like that--just let it "soak" for a few minutes and then shake it off and let it air dry before reinstalling. This procedure worked wonders for my MAF sensor.