I read from other posts that some of you clean or change your MAF in a regular basis.

My MAF sensor was changed back in May-2008 by the dealership. The car drives perfectly now, should I change it again or should I clean it?

My MB SA said if the car drives well, why change it.

 

A really bad MAF sensor will trigger the MIL. A "failing" MAF sensor will often not trigger an MIL, but you may get some rough idle and poor MPG. The MAF sensor can last over 100K or need replacing at 30K. If you have no MIL and no serious problems, leave it alone.

 

+1^ ~ if it's behaving well leave it alone. Don't fix what is not broke.

 

Good. Thanks for the replies.

When I did my transmisison service (pan flush) last year, I mentioned it to the indie. He said that since the car is old, he is concerned that he would have issues to take it out and put it back in. I don't really believe this.

I will leave it alone for now. When I have other things to be done on my car next time, I will bring it up again.

 

Yes, as the car ages, the rubber vacuum hoses and plastic clips get brittle. If you go to remove the MAF sensor, you can end up breaking these hoses and clips. Of course if it needs a new MAF, then you do this and just be prepared to spend $50 or so on a few new hoses and clips and gaskets. But really, unless you have specific symptoms, I'd leave it alone.

 

This is probably what the indie was talking about.
When the time comes, I will have to do it in the dealership, paying the dealership price. I doubt if my indie has the proper hose and clips.

 

yea just dont do in the winter time ...its easy to get those clips/hoses broke.

 

Your indy should be able to get those hoses either from the dealer or order them from a suppliers (parts.com autohausaz, rmeuropean, etc.)

 

We have just had a poster on the 203 forum that achieved to damage the MAF cleaning it requiring a new one. Heaven knows what he did.