MrRoboto

Has anyone tried to clean their MAF sensor with a cleaner like CFC MAF cleaner? Is it safe or do our cars just require a unit replacement?

Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.

TheOtherEric

I used it on mine, and my car hasn't exploded yet.

autobonrun

I've used it on my M5. No adverse effect but no real improvement either. I think your MAF would have to be extremely dirty for you to detect an improvement.

Anything in particular making you think you have an MAF issue?

Bruce SEA 993

I tried it on my wifes SL500 with no luck. We were getting a CEL and the code was the MAF. I figured that for $6 and a little time I could try it. It didn't work so I ordered a new MAF from AutohauzAZ for a fraction of what the dealer wanted. Popped it in and within 3 cycles of the system no more CEL!

If only the CEL on the 993 would be as simple!

Cheers!

BobbyT

I've used it on my ten-year-old Lexus with good results--I cleared the CEL afterward and it stayed cleared.

MarkD

MAF cleaners aren't the fix for everything but it certainly can't hurt. They can get pretty dirty and still not throw an error.

MrRoboto

Well, I'm getting idle stability issues and it really feels like it's a dirty idle control valve or MAF just not getting the right air/fuel mixture. I clean my idle control valve regularly and it's always fixed the issue in the past. However, it's been needing its regular cleaning more often now, so I started thinking about other things that could affect driveability. When I got my clutch changed, my mechanic told me it might be my MAF going out as well.

Does anyone know where I can get a refurbished MAF unit?

autobonrun

Well, it definitely wouldn't hurt to clean the MAF first. Then you could see if there is any improvement. Those on the M5 board (we've got two of those MAFs) seem to find that the cleaning is a short term solution.

If you find it is the MAF, I'd buy a new one rather than a refurbished one. You really can't refurbish a MAF without replacing the sensor. You might as well get a new one to start with. IMO.

Looking at what Pelican offers (see link), I see they include the housing with the sensor. You really just want the sensor that screws into the housing. Maybe you can get just the sensor at Sunset. I just replaced both MAFs on my M5.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...606-123-01-M14

MrRoboto

Good info, thanks!!

MrRoboto

Well guys, I cleaned out the MAF with CRC MAF cleaner and also cleaned the ISV once again today. Changed out the decklid shock while I was in there as well. Bolted everything back up and took a test drive. The car runs great. Let's see how long this lasts.

Amfab

Can someone post a picture of exactly where the sensor is so I can clean the correct thing?

MrRoboto

You mean the MAF sensor? Man I knew I was forgetting something, I forgot to snap pictures!

It's too late for pictures, but if you take out your airbox assembly (the entire thing, not just the lid), the MAF is directly upstream of it. Look inside the unit and the MAF sensor is right inside, you can't miss it. It's kinda hard to get to the screw that holds the MAF secure, so you'll need an extension, maybe 10" or so.

Amfab

do you just spray this stuff right on it? Should it be done with the engine running like carb cleaner?

MrRoboto

Yes you just give the sensor a few good sprays. It should be cleaned when removed from the car.

MarkD

the actual part that may need cleaning is a thin metal piece in the middle of the big black tube.

If you have to replace a MAF, best price... at least for now... is autohausaz
here: http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...0Mass%20Sensor

This is a Bosch part, same as Porsche sells.
Sunset price is $446...