MAF Sensors Cleaning?

nis350 · 05-15-2015, 02:10 PM

Just curious if it is necessary to clean the MAF sensors on our cars with oem air box and filters? If so, at what miles and whether any differences after cleaning.

Some claimed that it is very noticeable on the higher mileage M3's after the cleaning which I personally didn't notice any differences when I cleaned mine with around 50k miles.

I noticed that the Z has 2 MAF sensors and am curious about your experience. I personally incline not to mess with it if they are working well.

Thanks..

Chuck33079 · 05-15-2015, 02:12 PM

I clean mine every 15k miles, minimum. If they weren't on the underside of the charge pipe, I'd do it with every oil change.

nis350 · 05-15-2015, 03:09 PM

Did you notice any difference afterward?

I thought the MAF's are on the top of the intake tube? I think there are only 2 screws secured them?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck33079

I clean mine every 15k miles, minimum. If they weren't on the underside of the charge pipe, I'd do it with every oil change.

Chuck33079 · 05-15-2015, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nis350

Did you notice any difference afterward?

I thought the MAF's are on the top of the intake tube? I think there are only 2 screws secured them?

I'll never notice a difference because I won't let them go un-cleaned long enough to degrade performance. It's a $4 can of cleaner and 10 minutes.

They're on the underside of the pipe if you have a GTM turbo kit, so it's more of a pain to get them out.

SouthArk370Z · 05-16-2015, 01:30 PM

It's a VERY easy job. Easy to get to. Only two small screws per MAF. No gaskets.

If you have the slightest doubt about their cleanliness, yank 'em out and spray 'em down.

Jordo! · 05-16-2015, 02:22 PM

Pick up some of this:

CRC Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner, 11 oz. 05110: Advance Auto Parts

unplug connectors (squeeze to release and tug to disconnect), unscrew (careful not to drop screws), remove.

Spray 'em down as directed (multiple bursts -- note the hot wire is actually inside the metal shell). Shake dry. Wait about 10+ min to be sure all spray has evaporated if you wish, re-install, fire the car up. Definitely won't hurt and may very well help.

Differences all depend on how dirty -- they meter air based on air moving over a hotwire, so gunk accumulated over time can affect those voltage readings.

Were you having any issues (e.g., wonky idle) or just asking in terms of general maintenance?

nis350 · 05-16-2015, 11:35 PM

No issue with the car, but did that for the M3 awhile back as recommended by some. Still have the CRC MAF cleaner in the garage.

Cleaned it earlier today and it took just a few min. as you guys indicated. They were still very clean, almost like new. Haven't driven the car yet, but don't really expect any difference.

Some M3's guys said they felt huge improvements, but I didn't with mine as it was very clean before cleaning. I suppose MAF would probably get more dirty with over-oiled aftermarket air filters.

Thank you all for your responses.

Glover997 · 05-17-2015, 12:00 AM

i'm 250,000 KM ( ~155,345 Mi ) and never cleaned my MAFs

05-15-2015, 02:10 PM	#1 (permalink)
nis350 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: socal Posts: 1,084 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 13434	MAF Sensors Cleaning? Just curious if it is necessary to clean the MAF sensors on our cars with oem air box and filters? If so, at what miles and whether any differences after cleaning. Some claimed that it is very noticeable on the higher mileage M3's after the cleaning which I personally didn't notice any differences when I cleaned mine with around 50k miles. I noticed that the Z has 2 MAF sensors and am curious about your experience. I personally incline not to mess with it if they are working well. Thanks..

05-15-2015, 02:12 PM	#2 (permalink)
Chuck33079 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Houston Posts: 12,265 Drives: 2011 370ztt Rep Power: 29538	I clean mine every 15k miles, minimum. If they weren't on the underside of the charge pipe, I'd do it with every oil change. DIGItonium and Jordo! like this. __________________ 2011 MB Touring-Sport-6sp-Nav/GTM TT/FI TT TDX/JTran/Kosmic/Eibach/Hotchkis/SPC/CSF/RPS/SoThatsWhereAllMyMoneyWent

05-16-2015, 01:30 PM	#5 (permalink)
SouthArk370Z Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 8,435 Drives: 2014 Challenger Rep Power: 324197	It's a VERY easy job. Easy to get to. Only two small screws per MAF. No gaskets. If you have the slightest doubt about their cleanliness, yank 'em out and spray 'em down. Jordo! likes this. __________________ Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma

05-16-2015, 02:22 PM	#6 (permalink)
Jordo! A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: nirvana Posts: 6,394 Drives: 2023 NATM Rep Power: 417	Pick up some of this: CRC Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner, 11 oz. 05110: Advance Auto Parts unplug connectors (squeeze to release and tug to disconnect), unscrew (careful not to drop screws), remove. Spray 'em down as directed (multiple bursts -- note the hot wire is actually inside the metal shell). Shake dry. Wait about 10+ min to be sure all spray has evaporated if you wish, re-install, fire the car up. Definitely won't hurt and may very well help. Differences all depend on how dirty -- they meter air based on air moving over a hotwire, so gunk accumulated over time can affect those voltage readings. Were you having any issues (e.g., wonky idle) or just asking in terms of general maintenance? __________________ Enjoy it. Destroy it. Last edited by Jordo!; 05-16-2015 at 02:27 PM.

05-16-2015, 11:35 PM	#7 (permalink)
nis350 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: socal Posts: 1,084 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 13434	No issue with the car, but did that for the M3 awhile back as recommended by some. Still have the CRC MAF cleaner in the garage. Cleaned it earlier today and it took just a few min. as you guys indicated. They were still very clean, almost like new. Haven't driven the car yet, but don't really expect any difference. Some M3's guys said they felt huge improvements, but I didn't with mine as it was very clean before cleaning. I suppose MAF would probably get more dirty with over-oiled aftermarket air filters. Thank you all for your responses. Last edited by nis350; 05-17-2015 at 12:09 AM.

05-17-2015, 12:00 AM	#8 (permalink)
Glover997 Base Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Oman. Posts: 71 Drives: 08 infiniti G35 AT Rep Power: 13	i'm 250,000 KM ( ~155,345 Mi ) and never cleaned my MAFs __________________ Brian Crower 4.0 stroked 08 G35 sedan. Last edited by Glover997; 05-17-2015 at 12:02 AM.

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