How to clean MAF - NEED HELP!!

B1MM3R · 06-07-2006, 01:34 PM

I did a search but wasn't able to find a DIY on cleaning the MAF. I've heard that cleaning it makes a world of a difference in older Ms so want to give it a try.

More detailed the better and pics would be great. Thanks in advance

!

cimbali · 06-07-2006, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B1MM3R

I did a search but wasn't able to find a DIY on cleaning the MAF. I've heard that cleaning it makes a world of a difference in older Ms so want to give it a try.

More detailed the better and pics would be great. Thanks in advance

!

http://www.louv.tv/cars/m5/MAF/

325myAZ · 06-07-2006, 03:50 PM

Some people shy away from using q-tips on the sensor and instead prefer using electrical contact cleaner. Make sure that it is "plastic safe". It dries almost instantly and leaves no residue. Just make sure that the force of the spray doesn't damage the sensor wires, by keeping it at a safe distance. (6 - 8" or so)

http://www.crcindustries.com/catalog...sers/02016.jpg

332ic · 06-08-2006, 03:07 AM

All you got to do is this http://www.crcindustries.com/files/M...0FINAL%202.pdf and spary the crap out of it then let it dry. I have done cleaning AFM with this many times.

http://www.shop.com/op/aprod-p357627...ver?sourceid=3

Ivegotissues666 · 06-08-2006, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B1MM3R

I did a search but wasn't able to find a DIY on cleaning the MAF. I've heard that cleaning it makes a world of a difference in older Ms so want to give it a try.

More detailed the better and pics would be great. Thanks in advance

!

If it's not giving you problems then I honestly would just leave it alone. Not worth possibly damaging it.

Jared

B1MM3R · 06-08-2006, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 332ic

All you got to do is this http://www.crcindustries.com/files/M...0FINAL%202.pdf and spary the crap out of it then let it dry. I have done cleaning AFM with this many times.

http://www.shop.com/op/aprod-p357627...ver?sourceid=3

So do I spray the sensor itself (the one pictured below)

and the mesh end (pictured below)?

Or is it just one or the other? I'm not sure which part needs the cleaning. And the only thing I need is the CRC Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner and let it air dry after spraying? No wiping or cleaning? Just spray?

Also, is it really necessary to lubricate it as it says in the DIY? Thanks

!

325myAZ · 06-08-2006, 08:11 PM

Look at the picture that says: "Gently swab sensors with Q-Tips"
This is where you want to spray. No swabbing required. Less risk of damaging the wires.
The CRC product will dry almost instantly and leave no residue.
Spray it a couple of times, and from different angles.
Follow the air flow path, then go against the air flow path.

You can spray the "mesh" with the CRC product, or you can clean that part as indicated. The mesh isn't an expensive and fragile component. The sensor is! If you want, you can skip cleaning the mesh part.

The vaseline is probably used for a couple of reasons... to assist in reassembly and sealing. I'd follow the directions, just use it sparingly.

B1MM3R · 06-09-2006, 09:32 AM

Thanks! I'll try it out this weekend.

M3LTDOWN · 08-17-2006, 12:10 PM

Sorry to bring this one back to life...but where can I buy this CRC cleaner???

markusmark · 08-17-2006, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3LTDOWN

Sorry to bring this one back to life...but where can I buy this CRC cleaner???

Pep Boys

M3LTDOWN · 08-17-2006, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markusmark

Pep Boys

Thank you.

Jon325iT · 01-27-2007, 05:36 PM

Just cleaned my MAF sensor with the dedicated spray only (no q tips). Haven't really driven around to see if there is any difference. Has anyone noticed a difference with cleaning?

Jon325iT · 01-27-2007, 07:55 PM

Shizit! While I was inside my wife got in the car to move it. I hadn't hooked the MAF back up again. The service engine soon light obviously came on. I hooked it up and the light is still on. Will SES light auto reset after a little driving or do I need to get it reset?

phelix · 01-28-2007, 06:29 AM

Make sure you use a cleaner that doesn't contain a lubricant as that will leave a residue behind.

r6vr6 · 01-28-2007, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon325iT

Shizit! While I was inside my wife got in the car to move it. I hadn't hooked the MAF back up again. The service engine soon light obviously came on. I hooked it up and the light is still on. Will SES light auto reset after a little driving or do I need to get it reset?

Should go away after a few key cycles. Could try pulling the fuse for the engine control module or disconnecting the battery too.

Jon325iT · 01-29-2007, 10:42 AM

Yep, it went away on it's own.

The car does seem to be running better in subtle way. I drove around the olympic mountains yesterday and I got 2 more miles per gallon than I usually average. Anecdotal evidence at best but cleaning the MAF sensor is a quick and easy thing to do.

Marten · 02-17-2007, 10:41 AM

I cleaned my Maf today with the crc maf cleaning spray, and I cant say I feel any difference from before. But at least its clean as a babys bottom now=)

The fuelfilter swap I did yesterday did=))

2005_330xi_BMW · 02-18-2007, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marten

I cleaned my Maf today with the crc maf cleaning spray, and I cant say I feel any difference from before. But at least its clean as a babys bottom now=)

The fuelfilter swap I did yesterday did=))

ditto. Noticed no change, but at least I know my stuff is clean.

bradley01 · 04-01-2008, 09:55 AM

Can you remove that plastic mesh screen for more improved air flow? Or does it hurt the MAF if you do that?

bmw_chuzo · 04-02-2008, 11:10 PM

^ it hurts the maf and your performance..

06-07-2006, 01:34 PM	#1
B1MM3R Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: NEXT TO FENWAY PARK (MA) Posts: 142 My Ride: AW/IR M3 View My Garage	How to clean MAF - NEED HELP!! I did a search but wasn't able to find a DIY on cleaning the MAF. I've heard that cleaning it makes a world of a difference in older Ms so want to give it a try. More detailed the better and pics would be great. Thanks in advance !

08-17-2006, 12:10 PM	#9
M3LTDOWN Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: 305 Posts: 4,886 My Ride: Range Rover on 22's View My Garage	Sorry to bring this one back to life...but where can I buy this CRC cleaner??? __________________ *

04-01-2008, 09:55 AM	#19
bradley01 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Springfield, IL Posts: 135 My Ride: '02 330xi View My Garage	Can you remove that plastic mesh screen for more improved air flow? Or does it hurt the MAF if you do that? __________________ '02 330xi Springfield, IL

04-02-2008, 11:10 PM	#20
bmw_chuzo Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Republic of Panama Posts: 553 My Ride: HPF M3 View My Garage	^ it hurts the maf and your performance.. __________________

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06-07-2006, 03:50 PM	#3
325myAZ Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Arizona Posts: 715 My Ride: 2001 325i View My Garage	Some people shy away from using q-tips on the sensor and instead prefer using electrical contact cleaner. Make sure that it is "plastic safe". It dries almost instantly and leaves no residue. Just make sure that the force of the spray doesn't damage the sensor wires, by keeping it at a safe distance. (6 - 8" or so) http://www.crcindustries.com/catalog...sers/02016.jpg

06-08-2006, 03:07 AM	#4
332ic Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: San Francisco Posts: 100 My Ride: W211 E55 AMG View My Garage	All you got to do is this http://www.crcindustries.com/files/M...0FINAL%202.pdf and spary the crap out of it then let it dry. I have done cleaning AFM with this many times. http://www.shop.com/op/aprod-p357627...ver?sourceid=3

06-08-2006, 08:11 PM	#7
325myAZ Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Arizona Posts: 715 My Ride: 2001 325i View My Garage	Look at the picture that says: "Gently swab sensors with Q-Tips" This is where you want to spray. No swabbing required. Less risk of damaging the wires. The CRC product will dry almost instantly and leave no residue. Spray it a couple of times, and from different angles. Follow the air flow path, then go against the air flow path. You can spray the "mesh" with the CRC product, or you can clean that part as indicated. The mesh isn't an expensive and fragile component. The sensor is! If you want, you can skip cleaning the mesh part. The vaseline is probably used for a couple of reasons... to assist in reassembly and sealing. I'd follow the directions, just use it sparingly.

06-09-2006, 09:32 AM	#8
B1MM3R Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: NEXT TO FENWAY PARK (MA) Posts: 142 My Ride: AW/IR M3 View My Garage	Thanks! I'll try it out this weekend.

01-27-2007, 05:36 PM	#12
Jon325iT Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Seattle Posts: 250 My Ride: 2002 325iT View My Garage	Just cleaned my MAF sensor with the dedicated spray only (no q tips). Haven't really driven around to see if there is any difference. Has anyone noticed a difference with cleaning?

01-27-2007, 07:55 PM	#13
Jon325iT Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Seattle Posts: 250 My Ride: 2002 325iT View My Garage	Shizit! While I was inside my wife got in the car to move it. I hadn't hooked the MAF back up again. The service engine soon light obviously came on. I hooked it up and the light is still on. Will SES light auto reset after a little driving or do I need to get it reset?

01-28-2007, 06:29 AM	#14
phelix Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: UK Posts: 130 My Ride: 328i View My Garage	Make sure you use a cleaner that doesn't contain a lubricant as that will leave a residue behind.

01-29-2007, 10:42 AM	#16
Jon325iT Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Seattle Posts: 250 My Ride: 2002 325iT View My Garage	Yep, it went away on it's own. The car does seem to be running better in subtle way. I drove around the olympic mountains yesterday and I got 2 more miles per gallon than I usually average. Anecdotal evidence at best but cleaning the MAF sensor is a quick and easy thing to do.

02-17-2007, 10:41 AM	#17
Marten Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sweden Posts: 70 My Ride: 323i Convertible -00 View My Garage	I cleaned my Maf today with the crc maf cleaning spray, and I cant say I feel any difference from before. But at least its clean as a babys bottom now=) The fuelfilter swap I did yesterday did=))