blueline

I have read some threads here about cleaning the MAF sensor, which I am wishing to attempt. Can someone verify that the part in the photo below is the MAF sensor?

MAF sensor?

Joe Weinstein

that's it.

Dock

Make sure you have the right security torx.

Woodster

Doc, with your above suggestion, do you happen to have the size of
"right security torx" ?? and where to purchase ??
thanks,
Mk

ltc

http://www.samstagsales.com/

Dock

I believe it's a 3mm. Sears sells them.

blueline

It's a T20 security type with a hollow center. I found a bit for a driver at CarQuest Auto Parts. Thanks for the replies.

Woodster

Thanks for the info, I bought the MAF cleaner a while ago and tried to drill out the
top of the torx screw... gave up.
Marty

Ruiner

Here is a DIY that I created for this very thing:

It's an easy job and could save you $350-420 for a replacement MAF. I performed these very steps on my MAF last night and my car no longer surges/bucks/hesitates under low-speed throttle and the power seems to come on more smoothly when I give it throttle. More importantly, my Long Term Fuel Trims (LTFT) for both banks have returned back to +/- 1-2% and my Short Term Fuel Trims are no longer +/- 25%.

Pictures of the "old" graphs previous to the cleaning:




Tools needed:

* T-20 torx socket/driver - "Tamper Proof" style with the hole in the middle - I found mine at Ace Hardware I think.
* A circuit/electronic cleaner that leaves no residue and is safe for plastic - it can be a spray or liquid solution. If you get the spray, make sure that it has the "spray tube" so that you can get to those hard to reach places.

I used this from Ace Hardware:

Step 1:

Locate and remove the two screws that hold the MAF onto the intake.



Picture of the MAF's location with screws:


Step 2:

Remove the MAF and spray with cleaner and/or soak the MAF in a solution for 20-30 minutes. I sprayed mine 3 or 4 times over 10 minutes or so.

You will want to spray as much of the MAF, especially the exposed metal inside the unit (refer to the markings in the below picture), as you can. Let it sit for ~30 minutes to AIR DRY completely and then re-install the MAF.



Step 3:

Start the car and have fun. I plan on doing this every 10-15k or so. It only takes a few minutes and the car feels like she is new again.

Jean

Ruiner, excellent job. Thanks for the great post.

KJM3SMG

yeah my MAF sensor was replaced under warranty at 23k miles... this DIY come in handy in making sure my MAF is flowing well lol

joetwint

thanx

I'M CLEANING MINE TOMMOROW

yvonnejim

Or just do it connected? If not, how do you remove connection?

Thanks -

yvonnejim

Can you explain further what the graphs mean? For us laymen. thanks

Ruiner

In the picture below, you can see the plug on top of the MAF (circled). On the right side of the plug, you can make out a tab that needs to be depressed in order to release the plug's connection from the top of the MAF. Push that and then lightly pull up.