MAF Sensor Cleaning

jhm · August 16, 2006

I noticed there is a new spray product on the market just for cleaning the MAF sensor. My question is how often should it be done and what is the correct method. Do you get better cleaning by removing it? I have never cleaned mine, looked at it but it did not appear dirty or gummed up. If you should remove it, what is the right way?

ghellmold · December 23, 2006

My MAF triggers the check engine light occasionally on my 2004 8.1L Suburban. How do I know if my MAF needs cleaning?

GatorFan · December 23, 2006

I have cleaned mine before. It didn't look dirty until I took it out and inspected it closer. When I looked at the wires, I could see a little build up on the small wires. I just used 99% Isopropyl Alcohol and a Q-Tip to clean off the wires in the MAF. BE CAREFUL when doing this, you could easily break the fine wires in the MAF. The MAF is not that hard to remove. Since I have a Cold Air Kit, I just unbolt the MAF from the Air Tube and pop it out.

I have also heard of people removing the screen from the MAF, but I wouldn't recommend it. A friend of mine removed his and he hasn't had any problems, but I just left my screen alone. You can still get to the wires from the other end of the MAF once you remove it from your air intake setup.

When I was finished, all I did was plug it back in and everything worked great. I haven't tried the MAF cleaner yet. I have an open-air element air filter so I check it more frequently, usually every oil change. So far, everything is running fine.

69BOWTIE · December 23, 2006

I have cleaned mine before. It didn't look dirty until I took it out and inspected it closer. When I looked at the wires, I could see a little build up on the small wires. I just used 99% Isopropyl Alcohol and a Q-Tip to clean off the wires in the MAF. BE CAREFUL when doing this, you could easily break the fine wires in the MAF. The MAF is not that hard to remove. Since I have a Cold Air Kit, I just unbolt the MAF from the Air Tube and pop it out.

I have also heard of people removing the screen from the MAF, but I wouldn't recommend it. A friend of mine removed his and he hasn't had any problems, but I just left my screen alone. You can still get to the wires from the other end of the MAF once you remove it from your air intake setup.

When I was finished, all I did was plug it back in and everything worked great. I haven't tried the MAF cleaner yet. I have an open-air element air filter so I check it more frequently, usually every oil change. So far, everything is running fine.

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69BOWTIE · December 23, 2006

I have cleaned mine before. It didn't look dirty until I took it out and inspected it closer. When I looked at the wires, I could see a little build up on the small wires. I just used 99% Isopropyl Alcohol and a Q-Tip to clean off the wires in the MAF. BE CAREFUL when doing this, you could easily break the fine wires in the MAF. The MAF is not that hard to remove. Since I have a Cold Air Kit, I just unbolt the MAF from the Air Tube and pop it out.

I have also heard of people removing the screen from the MAF, but I wouldn't recommend it. A friend of mine removed his and he hasn't had any problems, but I just left my screen alone. You can still get to the wires from the other end of the MAF once you remove it from your air intake setup.

When I was finished, all I did was plug it back in and everything worked great. I haven't tried the MAF cleaner yet. I have an open-air element air filter so I check it more frequently, usually every oil change. So far, everything is running fine.

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Iused a spray cleaner used for electronics make sure it says good for plastics on it allso .I noticed a slight bit more throttle response when I did mine,I do mine about every other oil change.

C & A s Dad · December 27, 2006

You are correct, CRC released a cleaner that is specifically formulated for MAF sensors and I would highly recommend it. I would also discourage you from using Alcohol, Brake Cleaner, Carb Cleaner, Electronic Cleaner etc. Some of these chems can cause more damage than you care to deal with.

Remove the MAF, lay it flat on a paper towel and spray 3 or 4 short burst into the sensor making sure you hit the sensor itself and not just the screen. Let it dry completely before plugging it back up. I would suggeset 10 to 15 mins minimum.

I do not have a can in front of me right now but I think they recommend using this product every other oil change. This should be fine unless you are running an open element and possibly are over-oiling it if it is a oiled unit.

The product # is 05110 and it is less than $7.00 a can I believe.