Cleaning Mass Air Flow Sensor?

How do I go about cleaning the MAF?
Is it possible, and/or difficult......Anyone?

unplug the MAF remove it from the air intake.
use TB or carb cleaner on the MAF wires, just dont break them or its junked.

Allow it to dry all the way and then reinstall.

unplug the MAF remove it from the air intake.
use TB or carb cleaner on the MAF wires, just dont break them or its junked.

Allow it to dry all the way and then reinstall.

He has a '98 model with the SII 3800 so the MAF sensor is located on the top of the throttle body. Secured by two Torx tamper proof screws so the special tool will be needed. T20 size.

JC, I would not use TB or carb cleaner but specially made MAF sensor cleaner or CRC brand electrical contact cleaner. Gunk and CRC makes MAF spray cleaner. Carb or TB spray cleaner has been known to cause damage to the plastic part of the MAF sensor and the wire element.

Youre right Bob I forgot about the torx screws ..

I havnt had any problems with the TB clear I use,
but it says it's plastic and sensor safe .
I guess the over-the-counter cleaners, like Gummout or STP might faul the plastic. :banghead:

Yeah I use OTC STP Throttle Body and Air Intake Cleaner but not on any MAF sensor. It has no such warning and specifies for use on throttle plates and metal portions of the TB, etc. Just says that it does not harm 02 sensors or CAT convertors. What I do know since I am in the electronics field is xylene, methanol and acetone based products have a bad effect on plastic.

Personally I use rubbing alcohol, a bunch of Q-tips and a steady hand.

Although I haven't used it for years there is probably nothing wrong with using rubbing or isopropyl alcohol on MAF sensor wire elements and the thermistors. The advantage of the MAF spray cleaners available at any auto parts store is they allow no contact with the relevant parts of a MAF with the exception of pushing the spray button so Murphy's Law is not invoked. "What can go wrong will go wrong". Also, does not leave any residue.

This MAF sensor was replaced due to improper cleaning. Worked before removal, then set a MAF DTC after cleaning.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/lizzywiz/maf_sensor.jpg

My beef with the spray cans is that they do put out a decent amount of pressure, probably more pressure on a small area than your hands would, which could cause damage. Its probably unlikely, but its just a thought.

Don't spray really close to the wire then. Stay back a couple of inches and you'll be ok.

Referring to the picture of the MAF sensor above...when I disconnected mine, there was no "tube looking" thingamabob on the bottom of mine, just the part that I would guess is the "plate".....and which part do I spray, the wires in the middle????

Yes and all the area around it. I used a soft clth and dabbed it dry. Also clean out the throttle body plate while you have the MAF off. Teh first time I did miine, the throttle body plate had carbon buildup. made a huge improvement with throttle response.

The wires are the sensors. This is what you have to clean the grime and dust off of.

Last question.....will a bad MAF cause my car to stall while driving??
I have cleaned it, however there appeared to be no grime, carbon buildup, etc. on the wires. 2 days later i'm driving, and my car just stalls out. It fires right back up, but it may or may not stall again, it happened about 6 times yesterday, so I just went and picked up a MAF.........Anyone?

A flaky MAF can cause stalling. Any DTC codes or SES/CEL Mil light? Were you having driveability problems before cleaning the MAF?

As a test just disconnect the electrical connector to the MAF and see if the stalling stops. Do this with ignition to off and then start engine. If it does then the MAF is most likely your problem. If nothing changes then look elsewhere.

I had it scanned yesterday, and the only code was MAF sensor....was having some rough idling prior to the stalling.....the SES light has been on for a while as I had a coil pack installed and my mechanic said I needed a MAF, but for $180 I couldn't do it, that is until I found out how easy it is to clean and/or install thanks to you guys.......Got one yesterday, still expensive, but minus the labor cost...gonna install today. But again that is the only code that came up......anything else????
P.S......I cannot begin to say how much help this site is!!!:)

Thanks guys.......Put in a MAF two days ago, and my car runs BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!

Not sure if anyone will check the thread again, but where is the MAF on the 3.5, and what part(s) of it do I clean? I've no idea about car stuff, sorry.

The MAF sensor is on your intake tube. This tube runs from the air cleaner to the engine and the sensor has a wiring connector with a few wires connected to it.

I have a 2000 Intrigue w/ the 3.5 motor & my MAF is inline in the hose between the air cleaner box & the throttle body,as Hoppy described above. Is it possible to clean this type of MAF?

Yes you can clean it, remove the metal housing from the air tube, it may be a pain in the butt to get off one side, or both.

Once off, you came remove the 4 torx head screws from the housing, and it should come apart, revealing the MAF sensor. Then you should be able to clean it as normally.

Thank you very much! I'll try that this weekend.