How to clean the MAF sensor?

Rev · 06-02-2005, 09:20 AM

Anyone done this?

I was wondering on doing some preventative maintenance on it ..

Or should I not touch anything unless I see something running rough ...

Any tips as to how to properly clean it? ... I know it's a very delicate part ... so share your thoughts with me

Selrahc · 06-03-2005, 12:46 PM

Hey STI Thunder, I'd love to see your ride sometime and meet you, I'm just a town or so away.

When I was a mechanic, we would clean MAF's with a Q-Tip and some rubbing or denatured alcohol, or brake clean. Don't use anything like carb cleaner, it's too harsh and leaves a residue when it dries. Just soak the Q-tip with the cleaner and VERY lightly rub the wire.

On older vehicles we would always opt to replace the sensor.

I personally wouldn't mess with cleaning it, unless your seeing different fuel trims or having drivability problems. The wire is very fragile.

Rev · 06-03-2005, 12:56 PM

Carol Stream is a couple miles south indeed ... we'll see ya around

Thanks for your help ... I was thinking about not messing with it

Just wanted to make sure ...

Mach1STi · 06-03-2005, 01:47 PM

fast drying electronic cleaner..comes in a spray can at pepboys..you dont wanna touch the sensor..just spray it and it drys in seconds

Selrahc · 06-03-2005, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mach1STi

fast drying electronic cleaner..comes in a spray can at pepboys..you dont wanna touch the sensor..just spray it and it drys in seconds

+1

This would be the best technique for the "maintenance" cleaning you're looking for. Usually, when I'd see a car in the shop with MAF problems, a simple spray down wouldn't do the trick. A VERY light Q-tip rub would be required. Of course by that time replacement is really in order.

STi05' · 06-03-2005, 09:30 PM

Wait.. why would it be dirty in the first place? You guys running without airfilters?
Hahaha, Im guess the only build up you would get is filter oil.

***Nivek*** · 06-03-2005, 10:00 PM

Is it too fragile for that dust off spray sold for computer keyboards?

***Datadatum*** · 06-04-2005, 08:01 AM

I used non-chlorinated brake cleaner on my WRX's MAF - worked fine. Squirt some in, let it sit for a few moments, dump it out. Just be careful not to strip the soft screws on the MAF housing.

06-02-2005, 09:20 AM	#1
Rev STI Guru Car: 06 V70R Location: Hoffman Estates, IL Posts: 5,544 IWSTI Addict since: Dec 2003 Trader Rating: (0)	How to clean the MAF sensor? Anyone done this? I was wondering on doing some preventative maintenance on it .. Or should I not touch anything unless I see something running rough ... Any tips as to how to properly clean it? ... I know it's a very delicate part ... so share your thoughts with me This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.

06-04-2005, 08:01 AM	#8
*Datadatum* Visiting NASIOC Timeout Car: 05 STi + 08 OBXT Fav Mod: Wingless FTW! Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 6,129 IWSTI Addict since: May 2004 Trader Rating: (2)	I used non-chlorinated brake cleaner on my WRX's MAF - worked fine. Squirt some in, let it sit for a few moments, dump it out. Just be careful not to strip the soft screws on the MAF housing. This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.

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06-03-2005, 12:46 PM	#2
Selrahc Amateur STI Driver Car: 2006 OBXT Location: Carol Stream, IL Posts: 22 IWSTI Addict since: May 2005 Trader Rating: (0)	Hey STI Thunder, I'd love to see your ride sometime and meet you, I'm just a town or so away. When I was a mechanic, we would clean MAF's with a Q-Tip and some rubbing or denatured alcohol, or brake clean. Don't use anything like carb cleaner, it's too harsh and leaves a residue when it dries. Just soak the Q-tip with the cleaner and VERY lightly rub the wire. On older vehicles we would always opt to replace the sensor. I personally wouldn't mess with cleaning it, unless your seeing different fuel trims or having drivability problems. The wire is very fragile.

06-03-2005, 12:56 PM	#3
Rev STI Guru Car: 06 V70R Location: Hoffman Estates, IL Posts: 5,544 IWSTI Addict since: Dec 2003 Trader Rating: (0)	Carol Stream is a couple miles south indeed ... we'll see ya around Thanks for your help ... I was thinking about not messing with it Just wanted to make sure ...

06-03-2005, 01:47 PM	#4
Mach1STi Banned Car: 04 STi Posts: 652 IWSTI Addict since: Oct 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	fast drying electronic cleaner..comes in a spray can at pepboys..you dont wanna touch the sensor..just spray it and it drys in seconds

06-03-2005, 09:30 PM	#6
STi05' The Next Petter Solberg Car: 05' STi CGM/Silver Fav Mod: Recaro Sports Location: Mercer Island, Wa Posts: 973 IWSTI Addict since: Oct 2004 Trader Rating: (1)	Wait.. why would it be dirty in the first place? You guys running without airfilters? Hahaha, Im guess the only build up you would get is filter oil.

06-03-2005, 10:00 PM	#7
*Nivek* www.Subie.tv is niiice Posts: 10,066 IWSTI Addict since: Aug 2003 Trader Rating: (10)	Is it too fragile for that dust off spray sold for computer keyboards?