How To Clean The GM Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor

This MAF sensor is used in all of the different GM Makes: Buick, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, and of course GMC (you'll find a complete list of models below). Since this is an OFF-Car cleaning, the MAF sensor has to be removed from the motorcar or truck.

You'll discover the whole MAF sensor cleaning process explained step by footstep in plain english and with photos, making this job as easy and as pain free every bit possible.

En Español You can find this tutorial in Spanish here: Cómo Limpiar el Sensor de Flujo de Aire (MAF) de GM (at: autotecnico-online.com).

Symptoms Of A Muddied MAF Sensor

The about common symptoms of a Dirty mass air flow sensor are:

  1. Lack of power. It'due south equally if there were a time lag between when the accelerator pedal is depressed and engine reaction.
  2. Check engine light is on in the instrument cluster and the codes you may find could be:
    1. MAF Sensor Codes.
    2. Fuel Trim Codes.
    3. Rich/Lean Codes.
  3. Bad gas mileage.

What Causes The MAF Sensor To Become Muddy?

There are several conditions that tin can cause the MAF sensor to get dirty. Allow's explore them a bit since knowing this volition aid you to avoid a repeat of the problem.

  1. Air Filter is missing.
  2. Air Filter is torn or missing pieces.
  3. Air Filter is not properly fix in place in its assembly.
  4. Air Filter Box assembly is cleaved, letting in unfiltered air.

If any of the above apply to your car or truck, your MAF sensor's hot-wires are probably muddied and in need of cleaning.

What Do I Utilize To Clean The MAF Sensor?

How To Clean The GM Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor

Nosotros can't simply use any type of solvent to make clean the MAF sensor with. Here are a couple of very important guidelines on what to use:

  1. An Electronics Spray Cleaner can be used.
    1. You tin buy it at your local auto parts store (AutoZone, Pepboys, O'Reilly, etc).
    2. You can buy information technology at your local electronics shop (Radio Shack, Fry'due south, etc).
  2. Or you can buy a MAF sensor cleaning spray. Yes, in that location is one designed just for cleaning MAF sensors.
    1. This cleaner is made by CRC Industries and its part number is: 05110.
    2. You can buy it at your local auto parts shop (AutoZone, Pepboys, O'Reilly, etc).
  3. Don't utilize carburator or brake clean spray or gasoline.
    1. These solvents will leave a residue on the wires.
    2. Not to mention the harsh solvent can damage the MAF sensor'due south electronics.
  4. Also, don't attempt to physically clean the sensor with annihilation (similar a cotton swab) or you may break the wires.

Why Clean The MAF Sensor?

Cleaning a muddied mass air flow (MAF) sensor saves you money. How? Well, savings at the gas pump for 1 since you'll get meliorate gas mileage.

Savings at the auto repair shop, since most shops prefer to supersede information technology rather than clean it (very few of the repair shops I have worked at wanted to make clean them since the turn a profit margin of cleaning was/is less than that of selling you a new one, not to mention that they volition NOT tell you lot it's but muddied).

Your carbon footprint will be less, since you will be polluting less, non to mention that you'll exist getting your engine'southward worth of ability. Since a dingy MAF sensor makes the engine pollute more and produce less power.

Alright, enough of the b.s. and let'due south get started with the actual step past stride cleaning of the GM mass air flow (MAF) sensor (Buick, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, and GMC models).

Step 1: Remove The MAF Sensor From Vehicle

Remove The MAF Sensor From Vehicle. How To Clean The GM Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor

Remove the mass air menses sensor from the car or truck.

Once off, your MAF sensor should look similar the i in the photo.