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Cleaning MAF Sensor

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Old 06-08-2005, 09:11 AM
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Cleaning MAF Sensor

My MAF is going and I got to wait awhile for a new one to come in, but i really need my car. Would cleaning it with some kind a solution help temporarily?

If so what can I use to clean it?
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Old 06-08-2005, 02:00 PM
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nah, i remember someone saying that cleaning it with a solution or anything is not a magic cure for the MAF. If its gonna go, its gonna go. Suck it up and pay the $8x.xx from jerryrome nissan or daveb.

A-
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Old 06-08-2005, 02:22 PM
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How do you know it's "going"?

And I don't think it's going, odds are it's gone, if that is indeed your problem.
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Old 06-08-2005, 05:29 PM
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It threw a code. Light got reset...Car is still driveable locally in short distances. I really need my car and I'm waiting for one to come in...I'm getting a new one...But was just curious if there was a temp fix until my new one came in...
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Old 06-08-2005, 06:07 PM
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temp solution None... just keep driving until it really goes... nothing else to say
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Old 06-09-2005, 05:25 AM
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These MAFs can be cleaned. A lot of folks go out and drop $100 because the MAF "blew". I laugh.

Take a Q-tip and some isopropyl alcohol or electric parts cleaner. Remove the MAF from the intake with the star security tool. Gently wipe the filament looking piece (see all the dirt/grease on your Q-tip). Allow to dry and replace. It's that simple and may save you some dough.
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Old 06-09-2005, 06:32 AM
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Symptoms of a failing MAF

I just clocked 80K and wanted to know what are the symptoms of a failing MAF (no code has be registered though).

First, upshift and downshift at low speeds there is this "jerk". The throttle body, butterfly plate cleaned and throttle cable not tight!!!. There is also a loss of power during uphill acceleration recently. The tranny was flushed and for sure it is not a transmission issue.

I heard that the MAF sensor could be underperforming/not working without throwing a code.

I like the idea of cleaning the MAF but I wouldn't do it as I totally depend on this car to work. Any suggestions!!!
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Old 06-09-2005, 08:28 AM
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I tried the cleaning methond and it worked for about a week and then it failed all together. I recommend to go ahead and buy a new one! Don't waist your time.
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Old 06-09-2005, 09:19 AM
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Originally Posted by Max_Vader_2K
I tried the cleaning methond and it worked for about a week and then it failed all together. I recommend to go ahead and buy a new one! Don't waist your time.
I heard 2K1 MAFs are better than the 2K (just like the coils). Did you replace urs with a 2K1 or 2K MAF?...

(I swear I won't buy another vehicle that is just introduced like the 2K max).
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Old 06-09-2005, 09:21 AM
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Originally Posted by Max_Vader_2K
I tried the cleaning methond and it worked for about a week and then it failed all together. I recommend to go ahead and buy a new one! Don't waist your time.
What did you use to clean it? Did you have a K&N filter/filter charger?

Depending on what chemical you used, you could have caused more damage. I don't follow the logic of spending $100 when you can fix it for free...well, the price of the q-tip and alcohol if it's not laying around.

And whats the harm? You have to remove the old one any way. It's right there.
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Old 06-23-2005, 10:13 AM
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Originally Posted by Love_00_Max
I just clocked 80K and wanted to know what are the symptoms of a failing MAF (no code has be registered though).

First, upshift and downshift at low speeds there is this "jerk". The throttle body, butterfly plate cleaned and throttle cable not tight!!!. There is also a loss of power during uphill acceleration recently. The tranny was flushed and for sure it is not a transmission issue.

I heard that the MAF sensor could be underperforming/not working without throwing a code.

I like the idea of cleaning the MAF but I wouldn't do it as I totally depend on this car to work. Any suggestions!!!

This is most likely your MAF Sensor... I just finished having my MAFS replaced. It cost a little over $1000. Much of the cost was due to the additional software needed to reprogram the ECM, which was required to keep the warranty at the dealership. My problem started off as erratic shifting during acceleration... Very soon afterwards, the loss of power started. If your dealership does not require you to have the ECM reprogrammed, then simple have the MAFS replaced (someone suggested < $100)... Otherwise, I would suggest cleaning it with brake cleaner and a qtip. The same brake cleaner used to keep the brake dust from becoming airborne when changing you brake pads. The brake cleaner will not leave a residue. Make sure that it’s completely dry prior to reinstalling the MAFS. I've heard many people having success with using this method.
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Old 06-23-2005, 11:37 AM
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$1000???? You got jobbed there buddy. A typical MAF replacement at a dealer should run no more than $500.
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Old 06-23-2005, 12:07 PM
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Originally Posted by S00NR1
$1000???? You got jobbed there buddy. A typical MAF replacement at a dealer should run no more than $500.
The part alone costed $600 CND. ~ $50 USD... :-) with 3 units of labor, 1 for diagnostics, 1 for replacement, 1 for reprogramming... each at $95CND/hr + new air filter... I know, it works out to being hosed (ie:jobbed)... I checked around and there is no other in the Toronto area that sells MAFS...
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Old 06-23-2005, 01:09 PM
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I'm not trying to be a smart @$$, but to save yourself a few $$$ in the future, check here first... Guys here helped me save a few $$$ so far... BTW, I have a spare MAF for sale...
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Old 06-23-2005, 01:22 PM
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im going on to my 4th maf and this is the first time ive ever thrown a code. the last one i didnt even know was bad, the symptons came on so slowly i didnt even notice
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