MAF Sensor Maintenance

[MountainMan]

great tid bit O info, thanks Uphill!

[layonnn]

"The MAF uses a heated wire or film which is stretched across the incoming air flow. The element requires more electrical current to maintain its temperature, as the amount of intake air flow increases. By measuring the amount of current necessary to maintain the temperature of the wire or film, the control unit can calculate the volume of air entering the engine. Since the volume of air entering the engine is directly proportional to the amount of engine load, the ECM can determine the operating load of the engine, by monitoring the MAF signal wire."

This is some info that i found. If it had dirt around the MAF, it would def. make the engine run not like it should

[Tankota]

wrigman previously said:

Look at the sensor, there is a hole in it. THAT IS NOT THE SENSOR!! The sensor looks like a match stick.

That is not correct. The sensor that looks like a match stick is the temperature sensor, it reads the incoming air temp. The air flow sensor is in fact down in the holes, it's two very thin sensor wires that are stretched across the opening down there.. These are the platinum hot wires. Do not stick anything down there! The can break real easy, and then you are SOL. Most of the problems with the MAF are these two thin wires getting coated and gummed up... You want to carefully spray MAF cleaner down there and get those wires cleaned. Make sure what ever cleaner you use is an electronics type cleaner, and is rated "plastic safe". Best bet is the CRC MAF cleaner spray that can be found at most auto parts stores. DO NOT USE carb cleaner or brake cleaner.