i have a 2001 gs300 nd my maf looks a bit dirty, is crc maf cleaner good? but it says not to use on "most lexus cars" is the gs300 equiped with a Karman Vortex maf? just wanna make sure nd be on the safe side

 

I just use electrical contact cleaner.

 

Thats what i use... Ur good with CRC maf cleaner

 

Maf cleaner can be used on a gs400 since it has a hot wire maf. GS300s have a karman vortex and you're not supposed to use that stuff on it.

 

^^^^^ lol ohh snap - i guess i'll be giving my can away lol - no issues though... But im not looking to make any by still using it. Thanks Tiger4life.

And i reeeaaally cleaned it with crc .... Dodged a bullet i guess

 

Mike, I'll take that can off your hands. Thats what I've been using for the last 6 years, and I'm still rolling with no CEL.

 

I used the CRC too. No CEL.

 

I have the same car. I have the Denso MAF. (Little black box just after the air filter held on with 2 screws) I had crap growing my my sensor. It was filthy. Used the crc maf cleaner. Like new when finished. Almost used a whole can. No CEL

 

wow. I didn't know this. I need to research more on this. I have no idea what a karman vortex is.

 

it's probably best to buy a new MAF sensor at this point...they've been known to cause hesitation during initial acceleration. it's a reasonably priced part as well, $130-150 from the dealer

 

Why should you buy a new sensor if the old one is still working. Now if you car is jearking/bucking, then yes change it out. No need to buy a new one if all it needs is to be cleaned. I never cleaned mine. I have a GS3, so I'm not sure if I even can with the maf I own.

 

Whaaa? You guys must be a little confused...

First off, if you have an MAF, it is not the Karman Vortex type. It's the hot wire type. On Lexus cars, 1995 and earlier was produced with the Karmen Vortex Air Meter, (AFM). If you attempt to clean your MAF with CRC cleaner, it will clean it like it's supposed to. Clean your AFM with that spray, and you just ruined your AFM. The fact that MikeFoxx hasn't had a problem as well as a couple others means that the GS's, (all after 1995), means he has the MAF hot wire type. The CRC can of MAF cleaner mentioned not to use on some Lexus vehicles because some MOST pre-1995 Lexus cars were manufactured with a Karmen Vortex Air meter...
So guys, you're fine using that spray on your GS 1996 and up.

Hope I'm not confusing anything...

 

I just got through reading an old post of yours lol. Even found this link. http://www.autoshop101.com/forms/h34.pdf Well...after reading some horror stories from members after they cleaned it, I'm not touching mine. Most MAF have a self cleaning option anyway that regulate voltages. I'm not touching mine at all....If my car starts to jerk or bucks, then I'll but another one. This will be something where the old saying applies..."if it isn't broken......"

 

Yeah, usually you only wanna clean the AFM/MAF if your car is acting up, or you notice power loss...

BTW, I like that saying.

 

just as you would change many other parts due to maintenance reasons, the sensor falls under this list as well. 10+ years/100k+ miles is pretty good reason to swap it out if it can't be cleaned

and because it "works", doesnt mean it's working to standard...many ppl wonder why their mpg's and what not sucks, i consistently get 25mpg (19" wheels) with mixed driving on my GS while many can barely maintain hitting the 20mpg range. some things just need addressing even though they seem to work IMO