Cleaning the Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAFS)

The MAF Sensor can get fouled with atomized oil from the breather tube, and other particles that are small enough to get through the air filter. It can often be cleaned instead of replaced, if you do it carefully. Here's how!

Time Required:
10-15 minutes

Tools Needed:

Secure Torx T20 Screwdriver (or bit)

CRC Quick Drying (QD) Electronic Parts Cleaner

Procedure:

1) Grasp MAFS Connector, depress upward-facing button with thumb and pull connector off (towards front of the car)

2) Using the Secure Torx T20 screwdriver (It's a Torx T20 with a hole in the center), unscrew the 2 screws holding the MAFS to the intake.

3) Pull the MAFS upward, out of the intake

4) Using Electronic Parts cleaner over a surface that won't get damaged (such as sidewalk or pavement), carefully spray out the inside of the Mass Air Flow Sensor, until the liquid that flows out of the sensor is clear and clean. Make sure to hit all the surfaces and spray liberally through all MAFS openings.

5) Allow the MAFS to dry completely. With CRC QD cleaner, it shouldn't take very long. It evaporates rapidly at room temperature, and almost instantly in the summer heat.

6) Place MAFS back onto intake, making sure that it's orientation is correct. Assembling it incorrectly may cause your car to operate poorly.

7) Replace the 2 Secure Torx screws.

8) Replace the MAFS wiring connector, snap it firmly into place.