How to clean your MAF (Mass Airflow)
So, your car is detonating, running poorly, or you are getting abnormal gas mileage, it may just be time to clean your MAF.
NOTE: This write-up is showing how to clean a MAF on a modular 4.6L. Yours may be different, requiring different tools,etc. Please check before proceeding.
First, i will explain the function of the MAF. The MAF is a device that is used to determine the mass of air entering the intake. The cars PCM (Powertrain Control Module) will take readings from the MAF and determine the optimal AFR (Air Fuel Ratio) needed with the air that is coming in. Over the years, air filter makers have created air filters that contain oil on them, and that can possibly go through the air intake, and some of this oil can get on the MAF. Many other factors can contribute to the MAF getting dirty, such as fine particles in the air that get past the filter.
For this project, you will need:
1.A can of MAF cleaner (electrical contact cleaner will work as well) - 4.99 at Advance Auto
2.A T20 Torx Security bit-I got one from the local hardware store for less than $2.
3.Bit driver (You should have one laying around)
To clean the MAF, you first have to find it.
The MAF is usually a small black box, with 1 connector on it. It is located just past the air filter on most cars. A MAF is pictured below.
Step 1. Disconnect the MAF connector.
Step 2. Unscrew the TORX screws. Take your time and be VERY careful, these screws are known for snapping, breaking, and coming out stripped.
Step 3. Pull the MAF out very gently. If you are not gentle, you may break one of the wires. Pull it straight up.Be warned, if you break one of these wires, you have a 200 dollar paperweight on your hands and a broken sensor.
Step 4. Set the sensor down with the wires up. Do not let ANYTHING touch the wires, and be EXTREMELY careful.
Step 5. Take bottle of MAF cleaner and spray the wires. Do not let the straw touch the wires, just spray them. Make sure you spray them thoroughly. Try not to get any of the cleaner on the body of the electronics within the sensor.
Step 6. Wait for sensor to dry. This should happen somewhat fast, but be sure it is dry.
Step 7. Put MAF sensor back into its place. Be EXTREMELY careful not to break the wires again. DO not rotate the sensor when it is placed within the testing tube (the place where the MAF takes its readings). Make sure you get it in correctly the 1st time.
Step 8. Carefully screw MAF screws back in. Do not over tighten, just be slow, and put them both in, but not tight. After the screws are near in, tighten both of them, one at a time. If you over tighten, you may break the screw.
Step 9. Plug MAF connector back in.
Step 10. Wait 20 mins, and start your car. If a check engine light is on, this can be for a few reasons. Two of these reasons are
A. The PCM is not used to the MAF being clean, and it may think it is faulty. Pull the battery for 20 mins, plug it back in.
B.If the CEL is still on, suspect that you possibly broke one of the wires.
NOTE: This write-up is showing how to clean a MAF on a modular 4.6L. Yours may be different, requiring different tools,etc. Please check before proceeding.
First, i will explain the function of the MAF. The MAF is a device that is used to determine the mass of air entering the intake. The cars PCM (Powertrain Control Module) will take readings from the MAF and determine the optimal AFR (Air Fuel Ratio) needed with the air that is coming in. Over the years, air filter makers have created air filters that contain oil on them, and that can possibly go through the air intake, and some of this oil can get on the MAF. Many other factors can contribute to the MAF getting dirty, such as fine particles in the air that get past the filter.
For this project, you will need:
1.A can of MAF cleaner (electrical contact cleaner will work as well) - 4.99 at Advance Auto
2.A T20 Torx Security bit-I got one from the local hardware store for less than $2.
3.Bit driver (You should have one laying around)
To clean the MAF, you first have to find it.
The MAF is usually a small black box, with 1 connector on it. It is located just past the air filter on most cars. A MAF is pictured below.
Step 1. Disconnect the MAF connector.
Step 2. Unscrew the TORX screws. Take your time and be VERY careful, these screws are known for snapping, breaking, and coming out stripped.
Step 3. Pull the MAF out very gently. If you are not gentle, you may break one of the wires. Pull it straight up.Be warned, if you break one of these wires, you have a 200 dollar paperweight on your hands and a broken sensor.
Step 4. Set the sensor down with the wires up. Do not let ANYTHING touch the wires, and be EXTREMELY careful.
Step 5. Take bottle of MAF cleaner and spray the wires. Do not let the straw touch the wires, just spray them. Make sure you spray them thoroughly. Try not to get any of the cleaner on the body of the electronics within the sensor.
Step 6. Wait for sensor to dry. This should happen somewhat fast, but be sure it is dry.
Step 7. Put MAF sensor back into its place. Be EXTREMELY careful not to break the wires again. DO not rotate the sensor when it is placed within the testing tube (the place where the MAF takes its readings). Make sure you get it in correctly the 1st time.
Step 8. Carefully screw MAF screws back in. Do not over tighten, just be slow, and put them both in, but not tight. After the screws are near in, tighten both of them, one at a time. If you over tighten, you may break the screw.
Step 9. Plug MAF connector back in.
Step 10. Wait 20 mins, and start your car. If a check engine light is on, this can be for a few reasons. Two of these reasons are
A. The PCM is not used to the MAF being clean, and it may think it is faulty. Pull the battery for 20 mins, plug it back in.
B.If the CEL is still on, suspect that you possibly broke one of the wires.