Popular Mechanics has a blurb about a new Mass Air Flow sensor cleaner. It's an aerosol spray designed to be sprayed directly onto the MAF. Supposedly, it helps dissolve any greasy coating that has formed on your sensor from years of air flow over it.

The article recommends that you remove that section of air pipe from the car, then spray the cleaner into the pipe, onto the MAF, from both sides. Let it dry, then do it again. Repeat several times.

The MAF sensor works by sensing the air and temperature the flows over it. As junk starts to build up on the MAF, the computer assumes there is less airflow over the sensor, and compensates for that by changing the air/fuel ratio. This cleaner can supposedly help a rough engine start running smoother again, only because the computer is getting a more accurate reading.

Has anyone tried this? Sure would be cheaper than a new MAF sensor. The article says that dealers never try to clean a MAF, they just replace it at huge cost to the customer.

 

I usually stay away from any thing dealing with the MAF. Do you have a link to the article? Seems pretty interesting.

 

D'oh! I didn't even think to see if the article was online:

http://www.popularmechanics.com/auto...c/3297276.html

 

theres been sensor cleaners around for a while. my friend used them on his car and i guess helped with his idle problem

 

you can use an electronics cleaner that doesnt leave any residue. i know lowes sells it in the electrical isle but since im having a brain fart at the moment i cant think of the brand. its only made for electrical connections and various stuff like that. works extremely well.

 

I've seen a post in the Fluids and Lubricants section talking about a CRC MAF Cleaner.

 

i cleaned mine a few weeks ago. Nothing bad happened.

 

did anything good happen at least?