Use our step-by-step DIY guide below to properly clean your vehicle’s mass airflow sensor.
How Does The Mass Airflow Sensor Work?
The engine’s computer receives input from a lot of sensors and ensures they all agree with each other. An extremely important sensor that is used in reference to almost all engine operations is the mass airflow (MAF) sensor. The MAF sensor records how much air is entering the engine’s intake tube and reports the information it gathers to the computer.
This allows the computer to calculate, or confirm, the amount of air entering the engine, amount of exhaust gas expected, how much fuel to send into the engine and a lot of other important factors. In addition, this sensor works closely with the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor to allow significantly accurate response to ever changing conditions.
How To Clean Your Mass Airflow Sensor
Before starting this DIY task, make sure to have the following things on hand:
- Safety glasses and gloves.
- Screwdriver or socket set.
- MAF sensor cleaner.
Step 1. Turn The Engine Off
- Make sure your engine has been turned off and is currently cool before beginning.
- This ultimately prevents any risks of electrical issues and/or burns.
Step 2. Disconnect The Battery
- Disconnect the negative terminal of the car battery to avoid electrical damage.
Step 3. Find The MAF Sensor
- Typically, you will find the MAF sensor between the air filter box and the throttle body.
- Reference your owner’s manual if you are unsure where to find this sensor.
Step 4. Unplug The Sensor
- Carefully unplug the electrical connector from your MAF sensor.
- Always be gentle to avoid connector damage.
Step 5. Remove Sensor
- At this time, loosen any screws or clamps that hold the sensor in place.
- Carefully remove it from the air intake system.
Step 6. Clean Your Sensor
- Place the MAF sensor on a clean towel.
- Spray the cleaner onto the sensing elements, including the plates and wires found inside the sensor.
- Never touch the elements with your hands or tools.
- Using compressed air or scrubbing the sensor likely creates some damage.
Step 7. Give It Time To Dry
- Let the sensor dry completely.
- This should only take a few minutes so avoid trying to speed up the process with the use of heat or compressed air.
Step 8. Reinstall The Sensor
- Once it is completely dry, reinstall the sensor back into its housing.
- Secure it with the help of screws or clamps.
- Reconnect the electrical connector next.
Step 9. Reconnect Your Battery
- Reconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
- Make sure everything is secure before starting your engine back up.
Step 10. Test The Vehicle
- Start the engine up and let your car idle for several minutes.
- If the cleaning was successful, it’s likely you’ll notice better fuel efficiency and overall performance.
- Consider scanning for trouble codes in the event your check engine light remains on.
Can I Drive With A Mass Airflow Sensor Problem?
When the MAF sensor fails driving can be hazardous. Because engine power will surge on and off, the vehicle may careen forward. Overall engine performance may start to be unpredictable and hard to control. It is preferable to tow the vehicle if any of the mentioned indicators are present. If the vehicle operates s, or near normally, driving the vehicle should not cause any issues.
How Often Do Mass Airflow Sensors Need To Be Replaced?
MAF sensors do tend to fail sometimes in a lot of vehicles. Failure rates are usually highest between 100,000 and 125,000 miles. The sensor can also get damaged during air filter changes, or anytime the engine intake gets serviced. Furthermore, a collision can cause a physical or electrical fault in the sensor.
DIY Vs Professional Mass Airflow Sensor Replacement
Just about anyone can replace a mass airflow sensor. They are usually removed with a clamp, or a screw, and have 1 electrical connector that sometimes can be a little tricky on some vehicles.
Protecting the sensor while working is all there is to it, and some vehicles will reset associated codes when driving. Contact the experienced team at Bridwell Automotive Center in Scottsdale, AZ for professional replacements.
Bridwell Automotive Offers Mass Airflow Sensor Replacement In Scottsdale, Arizona
Our dedicated team of ASE Master Technicians will help you by replacing your mass airflow sensor quickly and within your budget. You can schedule your mass airflow sensor repair with Bridwell Automotive Center in Scottsdale by using our contact form. Stop by our Emission Repair Shop In Scottsdale located at 7171 E Lincoln Dr. Scottsdale, Arizona 85253 or by giving Bridwell Automotive Center a call today (480) 948-4781.
