How to: clean the MAF sensor

[harofreak00]

Making this tutorial for a friend.

Locate the MAF sensor. It is directly on top of the throttle body.


It has 2 screws hold it in.


You'll need a T-20 Security Torx bit. The security bit has a hole in the middle. A regular torx bit will not work.



Remove the screws


Disconnect the electrical connection on the underside with a flat blade screwdriver


Look through the hole in the MAF and you'll see two tiny wires with a gray filament on them. These wires detect how much air is going into the engine. If they are black/brown that means they are dirty and not giving the proper readings. They need to be cleaned.


Using some Mass Air Flow Sensor cleaner,


Spray the filament for 3-4 seconds. If it still doesn't get clean, VERY carefully use some Q-tips and wipe them off. Then spray again.


Reinstall the MAF in the reverse order.

[2002BonnevilleSE]

Thanks Haro. I didn't ask about it but glad I checked this out.

[goochman]

Another satisfied customer with this maintenance tip!

One thing to point out - I was at Pep Boys looking for the Torax -20 Security bits and no one knew what I was talking about. I looked at the tool section and didnt see anything with 'security' written on it. I went to look again and this time looking at the end of the bits - they had these Torx bits but they were labeled the same as the others.

Anyhow - look at the bits if you dont see anything labeled 'security'.

This was truly a 5 minute operation.

[00Beast]

When I did mine, I used a vice-grip to remove the bolt, then replaced them with M1x2.5 allen head capscrews. Now it's even simpler to remove & replace.

[mrwildroot]

Thanks for a most informative MAF R&R, and service pictoral guide!

FYI, the T-20 Torx Bit with tamperproof feature is now designated the "TT-20"
Lowe's sold me one for under $4.00, 1/4" drive.

mrwildroot

[RJolly87]

I just threw down for one of these:

http://www.harborfreight.com/100-piece- ... 68457.html

I haven't met a screw yet that I couldn't unscrew.

[2002FO]

Good basic maintenance tips are always appreciated!

[FasGP]

Pulled many a MAF without the bit. A small flat screwdriver placed right, and a quick tap via hammer will break the pin off clean. You then never need the security lock torx bit again.

[01bonneSC]

Another satisfied customer with this maintenance tip!

One thing to point out - I was at Pep Boys looking for the Torax -20 Security bits and no one knew what I was talking about. I looked at the tool section and didnt see anything with 'security' written on it. I went to look again and this time looking at the end of the bits - they had these Torx bits but they were labeled the same as the others.

Anyhow - look at the bits if you dont see anything labeled 'security'.

This was truly a 5 minute operation.

Friends don't let friends use Pep Boys lol.

Also I would know what a Torax bolt is either. But they should have been smart enough to know that you meant Torx size 20. The security part is the hole in the end.

Mods, maybe make this a sticky or in the TechInfo Pages?

[mrwildroot]

Pulled many a MAF without the bit. A small flat screwdriver placed right, and a quick tap via hammer will break the pin off clean. You then never need the security lock torx bit again.

...Now you tell me...

;-)

mrwildroot

[01bonneSC]

Everyone should have a security Torx set, requires 2 less tools... I.e. hammer and screwdriver...

[mrwildroot]

Pulled many a MAF without the bit. A small flat screwdriver placed right, and a quick tap via hammer will break the pin off clean. You then never need the security lock torx bit again.

...Now you tell me...

So I got into the project this weekend. I have a K&N Air Filter that was ready for a good cleaning, a can of MAF Spray Cleaner, and the TT-20 Torx tool.
The directions above were invaluable, and so the entire project went very smoothly...
I can't describe the increase in power to the wheels! Even the tranny shifting anomalies vanished!
I'm watching the mileage/fuel ratio to see if there is some improvement there as well.

So, for the cost of a K&N Refurbish kit, a can of MAF cleaner, and a $3.50 tool, I have a like new car!
I highly recommend the 10 minute MAF Sensor cleaning to all fellow Bonnie owners!!!

Thanks,

mrwildroot

[johnmc2010]

Does MAF Sensor Cleaner have to be used? Or will something like brakleen work?

[01bonneSC]

Does MAF Sensor Cleaner have to be used? Or will something like brakleen work?

MAF Sensor cleaner should be used. Its no where near as harsh as brake clean.

[Bentlerpride]

I pulled the MAF and it looks like new. Now what?

[harofreak00]

Replace it.