Lots of threads here about MAF sensor cleaning/replacement, but I have found no pictures on where to find the pesky little dude. Here are some pics of my 3.2L. I assume the MAF is the assembly beneath the wire mesh in the intake tube. Is this TRUE?

If so, How do I remove the assembly so I can get access to the MAF to spray it with the CRC MAF cleaner? (I'm concerned about spraying it in place.) There is a spring clip at the far rear of the tube (not visible, but at the top of the picture about 4 inches down. I'd tried to push this clip out of the way, but the assembly will not come up and out. I don't want to break anything, so any instructions on how to remove it safely are appreciated.

If I could remove the MAF from the tube, I would, but it has some funky TORX-head screw with plugs in the middle that prevent me using my existing TORX screwbits. So I assume I have to remove the whole tube, then. Or how do I get the screen out?

 

HI Bob,
The procedure calls for removing the mass air flow sensor with the air intake connection

Disconnect plug at mass air flow, disconnect vent line bracket, open lock at top of mass air flow sensor, use hook to pull up lock on top of intake connection and remove line of air management control system.





Removing it is the correct way to clean it, but it’s a PITA procedure, spray/clean it in place, then let it stand until it’s dry before you start the car. What you have cleaned, is particles the air filter couldn’t catch. No damage to the engine by cleaning it in place.

 

Is the top screen part of the top lock? If I could remove that, I can have direct access to the wires to spray.. spray from above, etc.

 

The screen is fastened in place, you can’t remove. The piece with the torx screw is the sensor, you can remove the two torx screws then disconnect the connector and carefully remove it, but it’s delicate and costly, and You need a special torx bit, with a hole in the middle. Clean it in place, you will sleep better tonight.

 

The plastic screen can be removed but not the metal mesh. Chances are the MAF will not work after cleaning it. It is VERY fidigity. You can remove the entire MAF by disconnecting the plug on the side and prying the metal lock clip.

 

........update?

 

Silence, does it mean success or a mishap, or do I have to fly out to Flower Mound, TX with a mass air flow sensor in hand.

 

Hang on... Results are just now in....

I went to Autozone yesterday to get the OBDII reading: PO170 and PO173, indicating MAF Sensor, per lots of other posts here. So, I purchased some CRC MAF Cleaner Spray, went to the dealer and bought two new air filters (after 48K miles it was time -- they were dirty), then went home.

I sprayed the CRC MAF cleaner through the screen in place on the car. I hit it hard last night (maybe used 1/5 of the can), then let it dry overnight with the airbox off the engine.

This morning, I sprayed the sensor again at 9:30, then reinstalled the airbox, with two new air filters in place. At 12:15 I attempted to start the car. Wouldn't start on first try (using auto start) -- I assume re-installing the airbox so soon delayed the drying out part... should have left the airbox off again.

So I waited 30-secs, then gave it some throttle on the second try and it came to life, idling smoothly after about 7 seconds...

...and surprise, the Check Engine Light is OFF! Woo Hoo! Time will tell if it stays off... Don't know if it was the new filters or the two sensor baths.

I appreciate the advice, and your encouragement to spray the sensor in place, as your description of the bits to remove was helpful, but doesn't describe HOW to remove the parts. For example, does "open lock at top of MAF," mean it snaps off, rotates (clockwise or counter), etc. Are the two slots around the top circumference of the screen part of the lock? There's not much detail in previous threads about this either, so I'm not picking on you.

So, if you can assume the "Man from Mars" approach, and paint some arrows on my picture (clean version below) to identify each of the parts to remove (or describe them in detail using verbiage) and further provide more detail on how each part is removed, I would be happy to create a set of step by step photos with legends and post them as a sticky for future reference by all.

Thanks again for the HELP. You saved me some time and money...
_

 

I thought you were just doing preventive maintains. I did not realize there were codes in the system.

The fuel system is at its max adjustment and can no longer adapt, the code indicates a fuel trim problem.

P0170 Fuel Trim Malfunction (Bank 1) and P0173 Fuel Trim Malfunction (Bank 2) are set to there maximum correction valve and can no longer adapt, causing the MIL to come on. The fuel trim adaptation value must be reset to its Factory setting with a capable scanner. if not the MIL will come on.

Since these codes are stored in memory, you must clear these and any other module codes with a capable scanner after any repairs, if you don’t, the MIL will shine after a drive cycle. Do you have the mixture adaptation values numbers.


Other causes of fuel trim and 02 sensor codes


Intake air teaks
Injector wear or carbon build-up
Engine wear
Contact/ dirt resistance in mass air flow sensor
Defective diaphragm pressure regulator
A dirty / clogged fuel filter

I will post a marked picture of the Mass air flow sensor; In case the sensor is defective and needs to replaced. The procedure I posted was specific to your car. If the light comes on post the codes and Fuel Trim Malfunction adaptive values

I though I was going to be put on probation or worst, banned.

 

CEL is OFF for a second straight day. I hope I nailed the problem.

 

Removal of Hot Film Mass Air Flow sensor with air intake pipe




Engine Model
112.947 170.465
112.912 203.061/261.209.361/461
112.946 203.064/264
112.968 203.375/475
112.913 211.061
112.949 211.065
112.967 211.070
112.987 209..376/476
112.955 209.365/465
112.916 203.081/281
112.953 203.084/284
112.917 211.080/280
112.954 211.082/282
113.969 211.083/283
113.988 203.076/276
113.989 171.473




Disconnect Mass Air Flow sensor plug (1)

Disconnect vent line from MAF sensor (2).
Release vent line from bracket at MAF sensor (3).
Use a hook to pull up on lock of air intake connection (4)

Use a screwdriver to press down on lock of the air intake connection (5)
Use a hook to pull up lock at top of air intake connection (6).
Push the MAFS as far back as possible, until the locks can no longer latch again.
Install in reverse order.

The Mass Air Flow Sensor element is bolted to the body with two anty tamper # 20 torx screws.
The best tools are Home made, the tool I used to release the plastic locking tab for the intake boot, tabs #3 and 4, were made from a coat hanger.