How do I clean the MAF sensor on an R18?

[Yodums]

Hey guys,

I installed an AEM CAI last week and I'm doing my best to isolate some problems regarding my CEL. Yes, I've disconnected the negative (-) terminal numerous times, let it idle, took it easy for the first 100km, checked all bolts and clamps and they all the yield the same results, the mf-ing CEL after about 50 or so km. I know the problem is regarding my MAF at the present moment because I had someone use an OBD II scanner and check it out and it gave me some bank too rich or something along those lines. What's weird is the CEL is coming on at the weirdest times. I remember he used the scanner and said it came on at 19 mph. Then today it came on in the drive thru sitting at 0km/h in neutral!

I do remember unscrewing the MAF sensor from the air box the day I did my installation and leaving it on my garage floor. Stupid, I know. It's going to be a long shot, but I'm going to take a gamble and try to clean the MAF here.

I've never done this, so I just need some guidance. Aside from removing the MAF, will I have to unscrew it? It's a little unit, but does it disassemble into even smaller parts? What should I be using to clean it?

Thanks.

[peliROJO]

I don't know how to clean the MAF. I feel bad for you, really. Maybe you should try to sell the AEM and buy an Injen. I've never received a CEL.

[Yodums]

Yeh, I'm thinking about. :) Maybe later though, I'm a bit lazy to go through all that trouble of ordering another CAI (I'm from Canada).

[J-Ro]

Originally Posted by Yodums

Yeh, I'm thinking about. :) Maybe later though, I'm a bit lazy to go through all that trouble of ordering another CAI (I'm from Canada).

I hope you're not suggesting that being Canadian equals being lazy...
Seriously though... if you do want to take it apart, obviously be very careful with it. Depending on what the sensor body is made of, you will probably want to stick to a very mild cleaner. Stay away from anything like laquer thinner, mineral spirits or MEK... all of those will eat pretty much all types of plastic.
Rubbing alcohol might work, but you'd probably be best to dilute it with distilled water first. But that's just a hunch--I'd feel really bad if you took my advice and ruined your MAF. I clearly don't know much about it, so I'd talk to someone who does first :)

J

[augydog]

This might help.

The MAF sensor has some tiny wires in it, if these wires get oil or dirty, it will effect the cars performance. What I would do is get some CRC electric parts cleaner from Auto Zone or any auto shop.

Take the MAF unit off, you shouldn't need to disassemble it. Just spray the small wires until they look clean.

CAUTION: These wires are very delicate, do not touch them or damage them.

Another thing to check, make sure you have a good tight seal in your intake, especially where the MAF is located. An air leak can cause similiar problems.

Hope this helps

augydog

[Yodums]

Originally Posted by augydog

This might help.

The MAF sensor has some tiny wires in it, if these wires get oil or dirty, it will effect the cars performance. What I would do is get some CRC electric parts cleaner from Auto Zone or any auto shop.

Take the MAF unit off, you shouldn't need to disassemble it. Just spray the small wires until they look clean.

CAUTION: These wires are very delicate, do not touch them or damage them.

Another thing to check, make sure you have a good tight seal in your intake, especially where the MAF is located. An air leak can cause similiar problems.

Hope this helps

augydog

Thank you. My friend mentioned I should get an electrical cleaner, but thanks for providing that reassurance. The CEL just went off at lunch, so it's weird. But if it comes on again (which it definitely will!), I will look into buying that electrical cleaner.

[noid]

I installed an aem cold air and kept getting the cel...I am 100% positive my maf was not dirty...as soon as i put in the stock intake, the cell hasn't come back on...

[BLU BY U]

Q-tip + rubbing alcohol = clean MAF.

used it on both my thunderbirds. never had a problem.

[benmunger]

yodamus, did you ever clean your MAF sensor?
what did you use?
did it damage it at all?
does it work now?

[GMech]

My Honda mechanic suggests me to use Intake System Cleaner only for throttle plate and sensor cleaning due to carbon or dust build-up. Becuz that cleaner is specifically made for the intake systems, it is safe to use for all plastics and sensors. :) you can pick one up from any auto parts store. Beware the difference between a carburetor and an intake cleaner though.

However spraying too much into the manifold chamber will screw the computer since the A/F ratio will be messed up. You might end up lighting the CEL. It is advised to take out the sensor and clean that individually.

[racerex]

I would only use CRC or another brand name electrical/contact parts cleaner. Just spray it on......I'm not a fan of using a Q-Tip. I've been using CRC cleaner for years on the MAF on my PI Crown Vic and my old Mustang GT, never had any problems. It's pretty easy to damage a MAF sensor.

[Yodums]

Yes, I've cleaned the MAF and I've used an intake cleaning kit from Kleen-Flo (Canadian) and as well as an electrical contact cleaner from a local autoparts store. This was all done without any problems.

[boost1320]

this stuff works pretty good. i believe it is pretty new.

http://www.crcindustries.com/auto/co...x?PN=05110&S=N

[benmunger]

Originally Posted by boost1320

this stuff works pretty good. i believe it is pretty new.

http://www.crcindustries.com/auto/co...x?PN=05110&S=N

4-10 hourse power at the wheels... thats funny as hell!!!!! hahahaha

[vegeta21]

i've had my injen intake since november and after two months i started getting a cel.everything seems normal but that cel just drives me nuts.is the dirty maf sensor the main cause?if somebody experience this problem and solved it please drop a few comments on how u fixed it.thanks

[Yodums]

Originally Posted by vegeta21

i've had my injen intake since november and after two months i started getting a cel.everything seems normal but that cel just drives me nuts.is the dirty maf sensor the main cause?if somebody experience this problem and solved it please drop a few comments on how u fixed it.thanks

The best thing to do is get the CEL scanned and see what kind of code it's throwing. Aside from that, you may want to check if there are any airleaks, make sure everything is clamped on tight, etc. You may want to try resetting the ECU by disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery for 15-20 minutes and when you put it back on, let it idle for 15 minutes for the ECU to relearn or adjust to the new intake.

[BLU BY U]

q-tip and rubbing alcohol.

thats the only thing you can use on it. elecrtical parts cleaner leaves a film on the wiring.....very bad.

just use rubbing alcohol and a qtip, cleans and leaves no film. you can use denatured alcohol too.

[FusionSi11]

is the CEL still comin back on? order INJEN!!

[Yodums]

The thread is rather old, but I've bought an Injen since then and haven't had any problems since. *knock on wood*

[vegeta21]

i've reset the ecu many times but after 40 kms of driving it just comes back on.i'm gonna have to take it apart and put everything back on and make sure everything is sealed and tight.if this still doesn't work then this intake is going on sale.so q-tip and alcohol is safe to clean the maf sensor?i'll do this when the weather gets nicer.