How to remove MAF sensor?

I have a 98 4runner V6. I went to various sites explaining how to remove and clean the MAF sensor. The sensors they show are for the same engeine as mine (3.4L), however, their sensors are somewhat different than mine. My sensor looks like it is part of one piece that is attached to the plastic hose just after the airbox. The ones they show have a couple of screws and can be removed after you get them off. The ones I saw online were for a 96,97 and 99 4runner, and I 'm wondering if the 98 one is a bit different. If anybody has the same set up or knows how to get it off for cleaning, let me know. Thanks.

Also, can I use a different year MAF on my 4Runner, assuming that it is from the the same engine(ex. 96 3.4L MAF)?

There were three types of airflow sensors. One has 3 terminals, one has 5 terminals and the other has 7 terminals. Which ever one you have is the one you have to stay with.

How do you remove it? I haven't a clue. Take off the tube it is mounted on and look at it more closely. Perhaps there is a clip.

My MAF is one piece and it would be almost impossible to clean if it was dirty. I guess the idea behind the design is to force you to buy a new one. It has 5 terminals. If there are other 4runner 3.4 v6's with 5 terminal MAF's that are removable, is it possible to swap then? Just looking for a way to have a servicable MAF. Besides, Gadget put a Supra MAF in his 4runner.

Also, I cleaned my throttle body and it was black. Hopefully it will run much better now.

I'm not sure, but I bet that any Toyota MAF with the correct number of contacts will work.

havic please let us know how it goes w/ that. I am also interested in a removable MAF

Of course, you'll either have to modify your air intake or buy a matching air intake for the MAF you plan on using.

I have pictures of the MAF sensor that I have, I'll try to get them posted somewhere so that you can view it. The MAF that I want to put on the 4Runner is one from another year (ex. 96 4Runner 3.4L). My stock box actually has two bolts that hook up to the MAF tube. I would have to put in a new stock box and MAF. Let's see if I can get one from the junkyard for a reasonable price.

Funrunner, is your MAF one piece as well?

yep 1 peice

I'm wonering why on our particular models we have MAF's that are one piece, however, when you go to this link www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/tacoma_4runner_30k/maintenancep5.html, it is removable. Like I said, if I can get a setup for reasonably cheap, I'll do it and let you know. Always happy to help my fellow 4Runner owners.

ok dude check it out toyota makes two MAFs for our trucks, I only know this because i have a 1998 and just had to replace mine because i put an aftermarket intake by ingen and cfm was larger than what my maf could handle and i spoke with a toyota tech and told me toyota made two one that was designed for stock which you and i have and the other that came stock on a few models, and for me it was special order so maybe the pics you saw were of the one i talk of!!!!

Was the one you took off kind of like a cylinder? My maf is in a cilynder with sort of a bullseye in front of the maf wire, the wire sittinf in the middle. Did the dealer sat it was ok to swap?