Help with identifying and cleaning Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor

Hi all,

I have a 2001 Corolla and last week 'check engine light' lit up and I made an appointment with the dealership for them to take a look at what's causing it. This morning they checked the computer readouts and informed me that MAF needs replacing. Since that part is fairly expensive and they charge an exuberant labor, I decided to look at the alternatives. A friend told me it's a common problem with Toyotas and that MAF can be cleaned. I Googled and found a few posts on this board discussing this same issue. I checked the engine myself and first I'd like to make sure I've correctly identified MAF. I took a few pics and scaled them down and here they are:

http://img30.exs.cx/img30/7933/Corolla_MAF_Top.jpg
http://img39.exs.cx/img39/4729/Corolla_MAF_Right.jpg
http://img39.exs.cx/img39/4562/Corolla_MAF_left.jpg


1) Is this (in red) MAF? (third pic shows the connection between the air intake and engine... I don't think it's there).

2) Which cleaner should I use to clean it? Someone on this board said that you should use electronic cleaner to clean it.... what exactly is that and where do I find it (Radio Shack or regular auto-parts stores?) Also, is there a special procedure for cleaning it or should I just carefully spray some in the vent (I know there are some sensitive wires inside that you need to be careful with).

Thanks!!!

Mike

Edit: After some searching and looking at what other MAFs look like, I'm not so sure that's it.

can anyone help plz?

MAF sensor would be on the second picture, just next to the left from the one you have pointed it, it is hard to see from your picture but it is square and black color mount in that air filter housing. You can open your air filter housing and look underneath a little to the side, should have a hole on it where the MAF is. Clean it with electronic cleaner you can buy this at pepboys, autozone or kragen and dry it good. After you have cleaned and put it back together you need to pull EFI fuse to clear the check engine code. Good Luck

ishop4less, THANK YOU!!!! I just fixed it. It took maybe 5 min in total... but only when you know what to do :).

MAF sensor would be on the second picture, just next to the left from the one you have pointed it, it is hard to see from your picture but it is square and black color mount in that air filter housing. You can open your air filter housing and look underneath a little to the side, should have a hole on it where the MAF is. Clean it with electronic cleaner you can buy this at pepboys, autozone or kragen and dry it good. After you have cleaned and put it back together you need to pull EFI fuse to clear the check engine code. Good Luck

Thanks so much for the instructions. Pulled out MAFS, claned, replaced, pulled and put back fuse, turned on car, and wala... no check engine light! Thanks again. Its also good to know that If i need to replace it, I can do it myself!!!!!