MAF cleaning tips

[ReZzZ320]

hey guys

has anyone ever cleaned the MAF sensors of their W210?? If yes could someone tell me how is this done??

[Musikmann]

Originally Posted by ReZzZ320

hey guys

has anyone ever cleaned the MAF sensors of their W210?? If yes could someone tell me how is this done??

I have seen this subject discussed, so you can probably use the search feature to find the thread(s) on the subject.

What little I remember is you better be very careful. Somebody recommended that we not do it at all. It seems like another one of those topics upon which you will see a lot of differing opinions.

Considering how much it costs to replace them, I think if by cleaning them we can extend their life for a few thousand miles, it is surely worth trying. I think the "worst case scenario" is that if we break them, then we replace them.

[gregs210]

Hey, Rezz...

Yes, indeed.

First go to your auto-parts store and buy an aerosol can of MAF cleaner. CRC makes one, there are probably others by now. A spray can of air (dustoff, etc.) is very useful, and have a few Q-tips handy, too.

A word of caution: The MAF cleaner has a high flash point, which means a couple of things. It evaporates VERY quickly, and it's highly flammable, so don't do this while smoking or near an open flame (say the gas dryer or water heater in your garage...)

Remove the MAF assembly (ies) from your car. If you have more than one it's probably best to do them one at a time; presumably many are interchangeable and I don't know if the ECU would notice if you swapped them but why take a chance? (Besides, if you're getting a code only from one side then why compound your confusion by then seeming to get codes from both sides?)

Once you have the MAF assembly out, either modify the two screws (a hacksaw blade allows you to create a screwdriver slot) or use a pair of small vise-grips to remove the screws. (These are security torx heads.) Once the screws are removed you can slide the sensor out of the assembly body. Wash the assembly body (WITHOUT the sensor in it) in warm soapy (Dawn is great) water. Dry it thoroughly, including spray air for the nooks/crannies.

Use the MAF aerosol cleaner to blast the insert end of the sensor (not the electrical connection end). Spray a Q-tip with some of it and use it to *gently* rub the metal you can see inside the sensor. Blast it again and thoroughly with the aerosol cleaner. Let it sit for a few minutes to dry out and then reinsert it in the MAF body, securing it with the screws removed above.

Reinstall the assembly, check all your connections and that's it.

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg