Cleaning Maf Sensor And Throttle Body

Mossyoakglock · July 8, 2009

Our 07 Avalanche has almost 70K on it and I want to clean the MAF sensor and the throttle body. What do I need to use to clean both? I know to not use and type of brake cleaner, etc for the MAF sensor, but do they make a cleaner specifically for the MAF sensor? What about the throttle body? I'm assuming regular carb cleaner would work for that but I want to make sure.

Thanks for your help guys.

REV353 · July 8, 2009

I have seen MAF cleaner at my local Napa. Thats what I would use.

Stylous · July 8, 2009

Autozone sells two specific products..one for throttle body and one for MAF sensor. About $6 per can.

MAF = http://www.autobarn.net/maairflsecl1.html (see pic)

TB = http://www.usahardware.com/inet/shop/item/...3/crc/05078.htm (see pic)

Stevens03 · July 8, 2009

Good electrical contact cleaner is all you need. Even computer stores would have it.

CapitalTruck · July 9, 2009

As was said above, use only MAF sensor cleaner on the MAF sensor to prevent damage. Also, throttle body cleaner spray is available also (don't use old school carb spray)

Mossyoakglock · July 9, 2009

Thanks guys. One more thing. I have read about Audi's having to relearn the throttle body and all the parameters when you disconnect it (kinda weird in my opinion). Is this the same with GM? Is there any relearning process that the truck has to go through when I unplug the throttle body or is it as simple as cleaning it and then plugging it back in and go?

mari0 · March 5, 2011

Why can't you use throttle body cleaner on your MAF? I got Valvoline throttle body cleaner today, says it is safe for use on oxygen sensors?

[email protected] · March 5, 2011

A lot of people "think" it will harm you maf somehow. But it's been done many times before. "maf cleaner is alcohol based and leaves less residue" would be a better reason to not use solvent based cleaner on it.And cleaning o2 sensors is a whole different story and pretty much pointless, IMO.

88K5 · March 5, 2011

I remove the maf and put it in a large sandwhich bag with denatured alcohol. Slosh it around and then let it air dry. Works perfect.

Sly · March 5, 2011

Our 07 Avalanche has almost 70K on it and I want to clean the MAF sensor and the throttle body. What do I need to use to clean both? I know to not use and type of brake cleaner, etc for the MAF sensor, but do they make a cleaner specifically for the MAF sensor? What about the throttle body? I'm assuming regular carb cleaner would work for that but I want to make sure.

Thanks for your help guys.

CRC makes a cleaner for both. Should be available at your local parts store. They work great.

http://www.crcindustries.com/auto/content/...l.aspx?PN=05110

Nytemare · March 5, 2011

Why can't you use throttle body cleaner on your MAF? I got Valvoline throttle body cleaner today, says it is safe for use on oxygen sensors?

TB cleaner leaves an oily film, as it not only cleans the TB but lubes the moving components.

Oil on your MAF is not good for it. It wont read anything correctly...Part of the reason people used to say not to use K&N filters on our trucks....the oil could screw up the MAF....(this only happens if you over-oil the filter BTW)

Contact cleaner....CFC Free stuff....

MAF Cleaner

The alcohol in a bag Idea....All these are good.

The O2 Sensor safe thing...its not that your spraying the O2 sensor...your burning the mixture and some of the older products would "clog" the O2 sensor.

4wd · June 28, 2011

Thanks guys. One more thing. I have read about Audi's having to relearn the throttle body and all the parameters when you disconnect it (kinda weird in my opinion). Is this the same with GM? Is there any relearning process that the truck has to go through when I unplug the throttle body or is it as simple as cleaning it and then plugging it back in and go?

I think yes, read somewhere a guy experienced problems with RPM surge or related issue and had to tow it to dealer to fix it...think there is a procedure to reprogram after cleaning throttle body..Anyone know?

Wingnut · June 28, 2011

You shouldn't have to unless it was so dirty it was dripping gunk.

I've had the TB off my GTO about 10 times, and I've always cleaned it up before putting it back on...Never had to do anything other than bolt it back on. Same with the MAF.