DIY- (MAF) Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaning
#16
Moderator
If you have multiple codes, then reset them and wait for the new codes before you do anything.
Although replacing the sensor usually fixes the problem, but in reality the problem cab be in wires and a few things upstream of the sensor location.
MAF cleanup is simple and you can do it anytime.
Salim
Although replacing the sensor usually fixes the problem, but in reality the problem cab be in wires and a few things upstream of the sensor location.
MAF cleanup is simple and you can do it anytime.
Salim
#17
If you have multiple codes, then reset them and wait for the new codes before you do anything.
Although replacing the sensor usually fixes the problem, but in reality the problem cab be in wires and a few things upstream of the sensor location.
MAF cleanup is simple and you can do it anytime.
Salim
Although replacing the sensor usually fixes the problem, but in reality the problem cab be in wires and a few things upstream of the sensor location.
MAF cleanup is simple and you can do it anytime.
Salim
#18
Well, I just cleaned the hell out of that diode (it was black as hell), disconnected the battery for a few minutes, and reconnected it. I started my engine and saw that the CEL was gone, but I'm guessing this is because of the battery disconnect - not because it fixed my 4 codes, right?
Edit: lol nope. CEL is back.
Edit: lol nope. CEL is back.
Last edited by Mut; 08-23-11 at 06:58 PM.
#20
Lexmex, a while back you recommended a OBDII scanner from Amazon, so I got that today and it works like a charm!
Slightly off-topic: I'm guessing P1133 and P1135 will be resolved when I replace Bank 1 sensor 1, correct? How do I fix P0125?
#21
Super Moderator
I actually was able to resolve P0171 with this DIY!!! I sprayed WD-40 all over the tight screw and it finally loosened up after about 15-20 minutes of muscling it. The only codes that are left are P0125, P1133, and P1135 (pending).
Lexmex, a while back you recommended a OBDII scanner from Amazon, so I got that today and it works like a charm!
Slightly off-topic: I'm guessing P1133 and P1135 will be resolved when I replace Bank 1 sensor 1, correct? How do I fix P0125?
Lexmex, a while back you recommended a OBDII scanner from Amazon, so I got that today and it works like a charm!
Slightly off-topic: I'm guessing P1133 and P1135 will be resolved when I replace Bank 1 sensor 1, correct? How do I fix P0125?
#22
Driver School Candidate
MAF - my first DIY
Thanks, Hypervish! Your instructions and photos were perfect in helping me through my first DIY. I have quite a few things to do on my 99rx, and this looked to be the easiest, so I started here
It would have taken me a lot longer if not for your great write-up. The whole thing was done in under half an hour, and I know it only took me that long because I was double and triple checking everything (completely panaroid! ). It wasn't hard to do, and I can't wait to see how my car runs now!!
I want to do the IACV next, and hopefully will have the time soon. My son (17) just bought his first car, a 1997 Isuzu Rodeo and it needs a lot of help. At least I can clean his MAF now. Unfortunately, there's not a lot of info out there for those cars - you have to pay to get the service manuals... but at least I am learning through all the great posts on CL and can carry some of that over.
Looks like a lot of car work for me this summer, but I feel so accomplished after even this little project, that I can't wait to get my hands into more!
Thanks to everyone that posted and for all of the help!
It would have taken me a lot longer if not for your great write-up. The whole thing was done in under half an hour, and I know it only took me that long because I was double and triple checking everything (completely panaroid! ). It wasn't hard to do, and I can't wait to see how my car runs now!!
I want to do the IACV next, and hopefully will have the time soon. My son (17) just bought his first car, a 1997 Isuzu Rodeo and it needs a lot of help. At least I can clean his MAF now. Unfortunately, there's not a lot of info out there for those cars - you have to pay to get the service manuals... but at least I am learning through all the great posts on CL and can carry some of that over.
Looks like a lot of car work for me this summer, but I feel so accomplished after even this little project, that I can't wait to get my hands into more!
Thanks to everyone that posted and for all of the help!
#23
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Thanks, Hypervish! Your instructions and photos were perfect in helping me through my first DIY. I have quite a few things to do on my 99rx, and this looked to be the easiest, so I started here
It would have taken me a lot longer if not for your great write-up. The whole thing was done in under half an hour, and I know it only took me that long because I was double and triple checking everything (completely panaroid! ). It wasn't hard to do, and I can't wait to see how my car runs now!!
I want to do the IACV next, and hopefully will have the time soon. My son (17) just bought his first car, a 1997 Isuzu Rodeo and it needs a lot of help. At least I can clean his MAF now. Unfortunately, there's not a lot of info out there for those cars - you have to pay to get the service manuals... but at least I am learning through all the great posts on CL and can carry some of that over.
Looks like a lot of car work for me this summer, but I feel so accomplished after even this little project, that I can't wait to get my hands into more!
Thanks to everyone that posted and for all of the help!
It would have taken me a lot longer if not for your great write-up. The whole thing was done in under half an hour, and I know it only took me that long because I was double and triple checking everything (completely panaroid! ). It wasn't hard to do, and I can't wait to see how my car runs now!!
I want to do the IACV next, and hopefully will have the time soon. My son (17) just bought his first car, a 1997 Isuzu Rodeo and it needs a lot of help. At least I can clean his MAF now. Unfortunately, there's not a lot of info out there for those cars - you have to pay to get the service manuals... but at least I am learning through all the great posts on CL and can carry some of that over.
Looks like a lot of car work for me this summer, but I feel so accomplished after even this little project, that I can't wait to get my hands into more!
Thanks to everyone that posted and for all of the help!
Cleaning the IACV isn't very difficult, I think you will find it quite simple. The hardest part will be getting the two screws off of the IACV itself. The rest is a piece of a cake! Follow the DIY for that step by step and you will be fine!
#24
Fixed the P0171 today by cleaning the MAF with the CRC cleaner. Best 7 bucks I ever spent, even though the MAF for the RX is pretty cheap, it was worth a shot to try cleaning it. My car was bogging down sometimes when you accelerated, similar to right before a car runs out of gas, check engine light would come back on within minutes of clearing it. Cleaned it today and passed inspection
#25
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: ca
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Quick Solution
Signed up to:
1. Say thanks to all of your posts. I have made at least 5 repairs based on user input here and probably saved over $1k easy.
2. I wanted to add a quick fix for the Mass Air Sensor CEL code. Code was same as others here "too lean". Pulled the sensor, but did not feel like heading to the store to get MAS or elect cleaner. So I used what I had: Rubbing Alcohol, a brand new small paint brush (think water color brush), and canned air. I blew out the sensor, then dipped the brush in alcohol and GENTLY twisted the bristles against the metal wires for 3-4 minutes. I used the same technique to clean the red diode on the outside. Let dry a few minutes, and blew out again. Let dry for 30 minutes outside. Re-installed. Light is off for the first tiem in over a year. Drove 100+ miles today with multiple stops and conditions; light is still off.
2000 Lexus ES300, 112k miles
1. Say thanks to all of your posts. I have made at least 5 repairs based on user input here and probably saved over $1k easy.
2. I wanted to add a quick fix for the Mass Air Sensor CEL code. Code was same as others here "too lean". Pulled the sensor, but did not feel like heading to the store to get MAS or elect cleaner. So I used what I had: Rubbing Alcohol, a brand new small paint brush (think water color brush), and canned air. I blew out the sensor, then dipped the brush in alcohol and GENTLY twisted the bristles against the metal wires for 3-4 minutes. I used the same technique to clean the red diode on the outside. Let dry a few minutes, and blew out again. Let dry for 30 minutes outside. Re-installed. Light is off for the first tiem in over a year. Drove 100+ miles today with multiple stops and conditions; light is still off.
2000 Lexus ES300, 112k miles
#26
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: ca
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'd like to thank OP for the instruction.
I've just cleaned mine with CRC MAF Cleaner. Everything went so smooth thanks to the detailed instruction with pictures. The car doesn't have any code. The sensor didn't appear to be dirty at all; I change the air filter every 12K miles.
I've just cleaned mine with CRC MAF Cleaner. Everything went so smooth thanks to the detailed instruction with pictures. The car doesn't have any code. The sensor didn't appear to be dirty at all; I change the air filter every 12K miles.
#28
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
I'd like to thank OP for the instruction.
I've just cleaned mine with CRC MAF Cleaner. Everything went so smooth thanks to the detailed instruction with pictures. The car doesn't have any code. The sensor didn't appear to be dirty at all; I change the air filter every 12K miles.
I've just cleaned mine with CRC MAF Cleaner. Everything went so smooth thanks to the detailed instruction with pictures. The car doesn't have any code. The sensor didn't appear to be dirty at all; I change the air filter every 12K miles.
#29
Driver School Candidate
hypervish, thanks for the DIY on MAF. I did it yesterday and it was pretty straightforward thanks to your help. Now, just have to figure out what to do with the rest of maf cleaner. How often should the maf be cleaned?
Again, thanks,
Again, thanks,
#30
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Depending on your driving conditions, it should be cleaned every 2 years, IMO. There isn't really an interval for cleaning it, many don't clean it ever.