I know enough to use the correct cleaner. I just need advise on how to clean the mass air flow sensor. It's not designed like other ones I've seen on Google. Can someone please advise me with advise for a novice mechanic? Thanks to anyone in advance for helping me out.

 

I also have a 96 but have never tried to clean the MAF. Reason being some threads say cleaning destroys it.

There are tests to check if its working: [As plugged in, the terminals are left to right: EVG, E2,THA, VG (Can't find the rightmost/5th)]
a) While unplugged and ignition on, voltage between ground and EVG should be 9-14V
b) Also unplugged, resistance between THA and E2 should be between .4 ohms(60C,140F) and 20kohms (-20C,-4F) depending on temperature.
c) While connected, blow air into it. Voltage between EVG and VG should fluctuate.

Please post whatever you decide to do and why you decided to clean the MAF.

 

The reason I asked about the MAF is the typical reason. My mechanic suggested it and after researching and looking closer at it, had reason to doubt them. When you look at the MAF sensor , it's an all enclosed unit, there's nothing to remove and spray to clean. Does that make sense? I'm getting no codes that suggest it. It really sounds like you know how to check, but it was above my skill level. But I do really appreciate it. A long while ago, a mechanic used a cheap analyzer and said it was the MAF and all it was was a dirty filter. With no code, I'm thinking of letting it be.

 

The reason I asked about the MAF is the typical reason. My mechanic suggested it and after researching and looking closer at it, had reason to doubt them. When you look at the MAF sensor , it's an all enclosed unit, there's nothing to remove and spray to clean. Does that make sense? I'm getting no codes that suggest it. It really sounds like you know how to check, but it was above my skill level. But I do really appreciate it. A long while ago, a mechanic used a cheap analyzer and said it was the MAF and all it was was a dirty filter. With no code, I'm thinking of letting it be.

 

As long as it's not the Karman vortex type maf you just spray maf cleaner down the opening which has two barely visible wires that get dirty sometimes.

 

You're welcome.

If I had let things alone I would have spent less money and my car would have been running better. I suppose its my hobby and I like it despite the mess and fear.

It does pay to shop around. My car had a noise coming from the front when the AC turned on. 3 mechanics wanted to change the compressor and the 4th said it was a pulley bearing gone and the AC stressed it further. He was the one with correct diagnosis.

Its complex machinery and it takes a lot to understand. I am planning to log the OBD readings and try to understand them.