There are already several threads on MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor cleaning, but I just did mine today, and thought I'd do a step-by-step photo essay of the process.
I bought a K&N drop-in air filter element, and decided to clean the MAF at the same time, to see if I can realize a bit of MPG increase like some others have reported.
OK, first things first: the MAF is located in-line within the duct that runs between the airbox and the throttle body:
First step is to remove the wire connector from the MAF. A small gray retaining clip has to be remove first, using a small blade standard screwdriver:
It doesn't show in the above pic, but there's a small notch on the engine side of the clip you have to depress using the screwdriver blade, then the entire clip lifts straight up and off. Here's the clip removed:
Now simply squeeze the black clip toward the wire end to release, and gently wiggle the connector off of the MAF:
Next step is to loosen the hose-clamp screw closest to the engine:
Next, loosen the four TORX-25 screws that hold the airbox cover on (you can only see two of them in this pic):
Now, simply lift up on the cover, and gently remove the duct from the engine-side of the MAF (photo shows post-removal):
Here's the cover with MAF still attached:
Loosen the hose clamp that secures the MAF to the cover and remove. DON'T drop it! The hot wire elements look quite fragile. If you look closely, you can see the three elements in this photo:
I used CRC MAF Sensor Cleaner (available at any auto parts store):
Just follow the directions on the can, and spray the entire grid area from both sides, and also the elements. DON'T let the straw contact the elements!
I left the MAF on my workbench to dry for about 20 minutes or so before reinstalling.
I've only driven about 5 or 6 miles around town today since I've cleaned the MAF, but my DIC reports (after a reset) an average of 16.9 mpg fuel economy during that trip. Prior to the cleaning, I'd average around 14.5 mpg or so around town
If it's really this easy to gain a few MPG, I'll be stoked, but I'm going to reserve final judgement until a few weeks of driving, and see what my DIC reports at that time.
I bought a K&N drop-in air filter element, and decided to clean the MAF at the same time, to see if I can realize a bit of MPG increase like some others have reported.
OK, first things first: the MAF is located in-line within the duct that runs between the airbox and the throttle body:
First step is to remove the wire connector from the MAF. A small gray retaining clip has to be remove first, using a small blade standard screwdriver:
It doesn't show in the above pic, but there's a small notch on the engine side of the clip you have to depress using the screwdriver blade, then the entire clip lifts straight up and off. Here's the clip removed:
Now simply squeeze the black clip toward the wire end to release, and gently wiggle the connector off of the MAF:
Next step is to loosen the hose-clamp screw closest to the engine:
Next, loosen the four TORX-25 screws that hold the airbox cover on (you can only see two of them in this pic):
Now, simply lift up on the cover, and gently remove the duct from the engine-side of the MAF (photo shows post-removal):
Here's the cover with MAF still attached:
Loosen the hose clamp that secures the MAF to the cover and remove. DON'T drop it! The hot wire elements look quite fragile. If you look closely, you can see the three elements in this photo:
I used CRC MAF Sensor Cleaner (available at any auto parts store):
Just follow the directions on the can, and spray the entire grid area from both sides, and also the elements. DON'T let the straw contact the elements!
I left the MAF on my workbench to dry for about 20 minutes or so before reinstalling.
I've only driven about 5 or 6 miles around town today since I've cleaned the MAF, but my DIC reports (after a reset) an average of 16.9 mpg fuel economy during that trip. Prior to the cleaning, I'd average around 14.5 mpg or so around town
If it's really this easy to gain a few MPG, I'll be stoked, but I'm going to reserve final judgement until a few weeks of driving, and see what my DIC reports at that time.