Hi All,
I've bought some CRC MAF cleaner, and some security torex bits and will attempt to clean my MAF. I've got an intermittentend P0170 code, that stays on for 4-5 days then off for 2 weeks. I Thought my changing spark plugs fixed it, but no dice.
Anyway, the first step is removing the electrical connections to the MAF. This is a stupid question, but what is the best way to remove this? I gave it a little tug, and no dice. There are some plastic clips, but not sure which way to push or pull on them...I've broken plastic clip ons in the past, so want to do it correctly. Do you push in both clips and pull out at the same time? Can you do this with one hand or two...any tools needed?
Also, for those that have cleaned the MAF, have the results continued to be good so far with the CRC MAF solution?
I cleaned the MAF after a p0170 code and I've been trouble free for about 2 months, 3K miles. Some people get re-occurance because the check valve under the filter is bad and it will contaminate the MAF again so it maybe worth changing also but I've been lazy. To remove the electrical connection, squeeze the plastic clips on the side of the connector, it comes off without much effort. I did it during a lunch brake from work, put latex gloves on and didn't get dirty at all. Careful, if the engine is hot you can burn yourself as it's next to the radiator.
The first time I sprayed the MAF, it did not solve the problem. I went back and sprayed the "h*ll out of it" as suggested. I empied the entire can. It may have been overkill, but the car is running great now. No codes or anything. Realistically, if the $6 can of cleaner does not do it, you most likely will have to spring for a new MAF. Autohaus AZ seemed to have the best prices when I was looking.
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Mike
1990 Mercedes Benz 300 SEL
2001 Mercedes Benz ML320
1999 Mercedes Benz SLK230
1986 Porsche 911 Carrera
MAF is a generic term for Mass AirFlow sensor. What maybe confusing is that MB calls it an Air Mass Meter. It measures air volume in the intake with a heated wire measuring how much heat is lost as air passes over the wire. It's key in determining the proper air/fuel ratio in conjunction with the O2 sensor. When the wire gets coated with grime over a period of years it needs to be cleaned. This should be part of regular maintenance as it affects performance and fuel economy.
Thanks for the info guys. I took the MAF out, sprayed it down, and re-installed. It didn't look dirty. There was just a tiny bit of oil/dirt at the bottom of the plastic MAF housing.
Note - the security torex tool I got from autozone did not fit, so had to use plyers to unscrew...errrrr
Just took a quick drive, and the engine ran fine (worried about doing more harm that good!).
I expect the CEL to turn off on its own in a few days (as it has in the past several months). Then the test will be how long it will stay off....I'll post back here.
Oh, and I looked at a old old dealer report on P0170 that I had about 5 years ago, and a MAF replacement was the solution.
Linear Mode
