HOW TO: Clean MAF (Mass Air Flow sensor) - B15sentra.net

03BlkSpecV · 10-31-2004, 05:01 PM

HOW TO: Clean MAF

I'm going to write a HOW TO per-se on how to clean the MAF (Mass Air Flow sensor). I've had mine go out on my twice. The first time the MAF caused my CEL to come on and my car went into Limp Mode. I brought it to the dealer and they replaced my MAF under warranty (this was at 12,000) with CAI.

At 27,000 miles my car would not rev past 4,500 rpms but the CEL did not come on. I took my MAF off and sprayed the crap out of it with CRC Air Intake Cleaner. It says on the back that it's sensor safe for 02 sensors and stuff. It costs between $2 and $3 at any autostore like Autozone. Someone told me not to get the kind with silicone in it. I don't know if the silicone is bad or not but I'd stick with just regular sensor safe air intake cleaner.

All I did was spray the screen a lot and the inside where the element is a lot. I let it air dry for a couple hours to make sure there was no moisture and then I reinstalled it. My car ran great.

I've cleaned my MAF in this same way with two seperate MAFs (I have two) 4 different times and the results have always been great. So, for all those who think you can ruin your MAF by spraying with CRC Air Intake Cleaner, you are wrong. This is a proven method and a way to clean it. I have done it four times and each time I have great results.

I just thought I'd share this info with you.

mavm86 · 10-31-2004, 06:20 PM

Thanks for that info. Ive always wondered what I would use if I ever needed to clean my MAF. Maybe one of the mods on here could add this to the FAQ section.

02SE-R · 11-01-2004, 02:26 PM

heh... im not touching my maf, just as soon as i do it will go bad!!
and i have no warranty but powertrain...

SR20dee · 11-01-2004, 02:31 PM

Pics!!

MN01GXE · 11-01-2004, 02:32 PM

I have also used regular parts cleaner with good results.

rede2roll · 11-02-2004, 01:26 AM

BlkSpecV is on to something. Using a $3 can of carb cleaner to clean a dirty MAF is a cost effective option, if the only other choice is paying full price for a new one. But, be aware that there is a strong possiblity that you can damage a it beyond repair bye attempting to clean it. I'm a tech at a dealership, and we inform the customers that we can attempt to clean it to save them money; but worst case is it will need to be replaced if cleaning fails.

04specv · 11-02-2004, 02:19 AM

carb cleaner is good to clean everything. i found carb cleaner is best even when cleaning injectors and manifolds. i would only find it necessary to try and attempt to clean it only if one of the problems arises. why take the chance at screwing up such a sensitive part

B15Arsenal · 11-02-2004, 06:51 PM

i have had two MAFS go out on my and i didnt thinkl to clean them because someone told me that it was already ruined and thats all, no hope for that but i guess i will have some mafs too throw around if it works then thanks man

03BlkSpecV · 11-03-2004, 05:52 AM

I say clean them. I bet they're still good.

Shane

chriserx · 11-03-2004, 05:27 PM

**** it, already paid for my new MAF. $440 or so...I tried cleaning it before I bought it though, searched around and saw a bunch of people used q-tips and alcohol, tried no alcohol first, didn't change much if any. Tried the alcohol, ran like new for a few minutes then stalled. Wouldn't start back up, unplugged the MAF and reset ECU again and went to failsafe. Drove to dealership next morning...At least they sold me the MAF at 'warranty' pricing.

03BlkSpecV · 11-04-2004, 05:31 AM

Should have done it my way. Plus, I know a website where you can buy a MAF for about $45.00 shipped (used) but they work like new.

Shane

cortrim1 · 11-04-2004, 05:55 AM

to clean the maf properly you need to remove the sensor from the housing and use contact cleaner and a cue tip.

chriserx · 11-04-2004, 02:06 PM

For future reference (this is my 2nd MAF) where do they sell used MAFs?

NoSocks · 11-04-2004, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chriserx

For future reference (this is my 2nd MAF) where do they sell used MAFs?

Scrap yards.....you should be able to find one there.

Up here in Canada, they are rare to find...damnit

Sell me your maf!!!

chriserx · 11-04-2004, 02:38 PM

Meant the site for used MAFs mentioned above, I'm planning on going to the dealership today to borrow the torx bit and pull the sensor out to see if I can't rebuild it. I love to play with electronics.

10-31-2004, 05:01 PM	#1
03BlkSpecV Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: KY/TN	HOW TO: Clean MAF (Mass Air Flow sensor) HOW TO: Clean MAF I'm going to write a HOW TO per-se on how to clean the MAF (Mass Air Flow sensor). I've had mine go out on my twice. The first time the MAF caused my CEL to come on and my car went into Limp Mode. I brought it to the dealer and they replaced my MAF under warranty (this was at 12,000) with CAI. At 27,000 miles my car would not rev past 4,500 rpms but the CEL did not come on. I took my MAF off and sprayed the crap out of it with CRC Air Intake Cleaner. It says on the back that it's sensor safe for 02 sensors and stuff. It costs between $2 and $3 at any autostore like Autozone. Someone told me not to get the kind with silicone in it. I don't know if the silicone is bad or not but I'd stick with just regular sensor safe air intake cleaner. All I did was spray the screen a lot and the inside where the element is a lot. I let it air dry for a couple hours to make sure there was no moisture and then I reinstalled it. My car ran great. I've cleaned my MAF in this same way with two seperate MAFs (I have two) 4 different times and the results have always been great. So, for all those who think you can ruin your MAF by spraying with CRC Air Intake Cleaner, you are wrong. This is a proven method and a way to clean it. I have done it four times and each time I have great results. I just thought I'd share this info with you. __________________ PTI Turbo Kit with suspension stuff and C&F, and some other stuff. 1/4 Mile: 12.970 @ 104.90 249 WHP 253 WTQ - Totalled the Spec V in early 2004. - 2006 Porsche Cayman S (ordered - arrival in late May)

10-31-2004, 06:20 PM	#2
mavm86 Powered by Honda Join Date: May 2004 Location: North Vancouver/UVic	Thanks for that info. Ive always wondered what I would use if I ever needed to clean my MAF. Maybe one of the mods on here could add this to the FAQ section. __________________ 2004 Honda S2000 2002 Silver STX Spec V --> Cardomain www.vcmc.ca 2002 Aztec Red SE-R.....May 15, 2004 - August 28, 2004

11-01-2004, 02:26 PM	#3
02SE-R The other white meat. Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Tazewell, Virginia	heh... im not touching my maf, just as soon as i do it will go bad!! and i have no warranty but powertrain... __________________ 2005 MY05 Aspen White WRX Old Car... 02 Cloud White Spec-V http://members.cardomain.com/02ser

11-01-2004, 02:31 PM	#4
SR20dee 2busy4b15/but watch it Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: SALT CITY @ 3000rpms...	Pics!! __________________ GET INTO RACING!!! www.ner.org www.nescc.org www.fcscc.com www.scca.org 01 Nissan Sentra w/PP(167K mileswith new rear brake calipers. ) 11 Toyota 4Runner(55000 mile Tank )

11-01-2004, 02:32 PM	#5
MN01GXE Owner Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Faribault, MN	I have also used regular parts cleaner with good results. __________________ 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT1 Z71 02 SE-R - Konig Traffiks w/ Azenis RT-615, Nismo FSB, Tanabe Sustec 4pt Brace, Nismo hard rubber bushings, Tarmaq RTB, //TMS CB, Injen CAI, fuel filler cap holder 01 GXE (autox #365) - 91.9whp - RIP 02/06/2007

11-02-2004, 01:26 AM	#6
rede2roll Closer 2 N dependence Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: TXN8IV	BlkSpecV is on to something. Using a $3 can of carb cleaner to clean a dirty MAF is a cost effective option, if the only other choice is paying full price for a new one. But, be aware that there is a strong possiblity that you can damage a it beyond repair bye attempting to clean it. I'm a tech at a dealership, and we inform the customers that we can attempt to clean it to save them money; but worst case is it will need to be replaced if cleaning fails. __________________ "The best things in life are free. But you can give them to the birds & bees. I need money."

11-02-2004, 02:19 AM	#7
04specv Banned Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: B15sentra.net sux nuts!!	carb cleaner is good to clean everything. i found carb cleaner is best even when cleaning injectors and manifolds. i would only find it necessary to try and attempt to clean it only if one of the problems arises. why take the chance at screwing up such a sensitive part

11-02-2004, 06:51 PM	#8
B15Arsenal THE V GOD Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: san diego	hey thanks after the fact i have had two MAFS go out on my and i didnt thinkl to clean them because someone told me that it was already ruined and thats all, no hope for that but i guess i will have some mafs too throw around if it works then thanks man __________________ NEW PROJECT.... 250SX 03 white specV "RIP" sounddomain.com/id/b15arsenal "DRIVE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT / NISMO"

11-03-2004, 05:52 AM	#9
03BlkSpecV Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: KY/TN	I say clean them. I bet they're still good. Shane __________________ PTI Turbo Kit with suspension stuff and C&F, and some other stuff. 1/4 Mile: 12.970 @ 104.90 249 WHP 253 WTQ - Totalled the Spec V in early 2004. - 2006 Porsche Cayman S (ordered - arrival in late May)

11-03-2004, 05:27 PM	#10
chriserx Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Lake Charles, LA	**** it, already paid for my new MAF. $440 or so...I tried cleaning it before I bought it though, searched around and saw a bunch of people used q-tips and alcohol, tried no alcohol first, didn't change much if any. Tried the alcohol, ran like new for a few minutes then stalled. Wouldn't start back up, unplugged the MAF and reset ECU again and went to failsafe. Drove to dealership next morning...At least they sold me the MAF at 'warranty' pricing. __________________ Yumi - '03 Vibrant Blue Spec V ES MMI, Nismo CAI, Grounding Kit, Nology HotWires and SilverStone Plugs. Lower Tie Bar, Front and Rear Sway Bar, Strut Tower Bar

11-04-2004, 05:31 AM	#11
03BlkSpecV Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: KY/TN	Should have done it my way. Plus, I know a website where you can buy a MAF for about $45.00 shipped (used) but they work like new. Shane __________________ PTI Turbo Kit with suspension stuff and C&F, and some other stuff. 1/4 Mile: 12.970 @ 104.90 249 WHP 253 WTQ - Totalled the Spec V in early 2004. - 2006 Porsche Cayman S (ordered - arrival in late May)

11-04-2004, 05:55 AM	#12
cortrim1 Boost Addict Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Down South	to clean the maf properly you need to remove the sensor from the housing and use contact cleaner and a cue tip. __________________ http://www.cardomain.com/id/cortrim1 www.southern-shift.com 94 se-r 300whp flat black terror 92 se-r Sr20VE powered DD

11-04-2004, 02:06 PM	#13
chriserx Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Lake Charles, LA	For future reference (this is my 2nd MAF) where do they sell used MAFs? __________________ Yumi - '03 Vibrant Blue Spec V ES MMI, Nismo CAI, Grounding Kit, Nology HotWires and SilverStone Plugs. Lower Tie Bar, Front and Rear Sway Bar, Strut Tower Bar

11-04-2004, 02:38 PM	#15
chriserx Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Lake Charles, LA	Meant the site for used MAFs mentioned above, I'm planning on going to the dealership today to borrow the torx bit and pull the sensor out to see if I can't rebuild it. I love to play with electronics. __________________ Yumi - '03 Vibrant Blue Spec V ES MMI, Nismo CAI, Grounding Kit, Nology HotWires and SilverStone Plugs. Lower Tie Bar, Front and Rear Sway Bar, Strut Tower Bar

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