Cleaning the MAF

[DRDT]

Sure this has been asked before but cannot locate it or on the Tech Tips page. How easy is it to clean the MAF, pitfalls, cleaning fluid to use, etc. Thanks

 

[thirteeneast]

Hi,

Carb or brake cleaner.

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

You can see the MAF at the outlet to the air filter housing, near the rubber hose to the throttle body. It is held on by two T20 security Torx screws. You can get a T20 security bit in any decent tool shop, or Halfords, etc.

It is easiest to undo the screws and remove the MAF before disconnecting it from the plug.

I use IPA (that's isopropyl alcohol, not India Pale Ale). Give it a good soaking in the cross-slots and the hole in the bottom. I'll post some photos when I get to my PC tomorrow.

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

Just remembered the pics........

This is on my Turbo, but you'll get the idea.

 

[RSGulp]

The best product to use is Electronic Solvent Cleaner - available from Maplins: http://www.maplin.co.uk/electronic-solvent-cleaner-30056

It doesn't leave a residue behind unlike brake, carb cleaner, thinners etc.

 

[Nick_USA]

By the way DO NOT in any circumstances touch the sensor itself. Only use the spray cleaner.

 

[DRDT]

Very many thanks for all the replies and tips and also for the pictures Richard.

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

Although they have a quoted life of over 100,000 miles, many become a problem at around half that distance. Keeping them clean can prolong the life, but once you get past a certain point, no amount of cleaning will help. If your car had a new MAF with the new engine (it would have been if it was a Porsche exchange engine) then I wouldn't worry too much.