Clean oil off of the MAF sensor

stevja1 · Feb 17th, 2006, 02:55 PM

I'm trying to clean the MAF, but I can't get the dumb screen off without destroying it.

I installed a CAI and a stereo and my car started idling funny.

I called the dealership, and searched like crazy on all the forums I know of. Everything is pointing to a dirty/faulty MAF. The dealer said that from my description, he could tell me its the MAF. He said I could bring it in and pay him $85 dollars to get a computer to tell me the same thing. I've found a few posts on the sr20 forum that confirm this.

The dealer said that usually some oil from K&N or other aftermarket filters gets on the sensor and gums it up. He recommended replacing it. I've heard of people cleaning these things, and attempted to myself, but I can't get the dumb screen off. It looks like its part of the housing.

If this is indeed true, is it easy to find bits that mate with the bolts that hold the actual sensor in the housing? I've got a set that's got about every shape/size I've ever seen except that one. I've got one that is similar, but without the hole.

Thanks in advance for the help.

**wes** · Feb 17th, 2006, 03:03 PM

More often than the MAF is a dirty IACV. I would check and clean that before messing with the MAF. If you MUST clean the MAF then I recommend buying CRC brand MAF cleaner. It is (obviously) specifically designed to do what you need it to.

stevja1 · Feb 17th, 2006, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wes

More often than the MAF is a dirty IACV. I would check and clean that before messing with the MAF. If you MUST clean the MAF then I recommend buying CRC brand MAF cleaner. It is (obviously) specifically designed to do what you need it to.

Is the CRC MAF cleaner pretty common, (Something I could get at PepBoys)?
I've checked the IACV and it looks good, (plenty of vacuum at idle.)
I figured I'd give cleaning the MAF a whirl before I tried to replace it.

Also, is the only way to get to the sensor by removing it from the housing?
Thanks.

**wes** · Feb 17th, 2006, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevja1

Is the CRC MAF cleaner pretty common, (Something I could get at PepBoys)?
I've checked the IACV and it looks good, (plenty of vacuum at idle.)
I figured I'd give cleaning the MAF a whirl before I tried to replace it.

Also, is the only way to get to the sensor by removing it from the housing?
Thanks.

I would not try and remove it. I would clean it through the screen as best you can.

Yeah it should be available at PepBoys as I buy CRC brand Brakleen from there all the time.

stevja1 · Feb 17th, 2006, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wes

I would not try and remove it. I would clean it through the screen as best you can.

Yeah it should be available at PepBoys as I buy CRC brand Brakleen from there all the time.

I got it!!! I found that to take the sensor out of the housing, you can get some big pliers and turn the screws from the sides.

I was able to get it out, spray it down with the CRC MAF cleaner, and pop it back in the car. Runs great now. I'm sooo glad I don't have to buy another one of these things.

Now all I really need to do us up the idle just a touch so that my MMIs don't rattle my teeth out.