I felt a little silly to writing this up, but I did my service today and decided to post a DIY. On a scale of 1-10, this is about a 0.5...slightly harder than changing the air filter. The key is knowing the tool needed to pull the MAF out.

With every major service interval (40K miles, 80K miles, etc.) the air filter requires replacement. This is an opportunity to clean your MAF sensors. Clogged or dirty MAF sensors will cause your AFR to change, decrease performance, and lead to a multitude of symptoms especially in those who use cotton element filters.

The sensors are very fragile, and require careful handling.

Needed tools.

1. CRC MAF cleaner
2. T25 Security Plus Torx Bit
3. Socket wrench with various extensions

Locate MAF sensors. There are two.

 

Disconnect the sensors from the harness, then unscrew the security torx plus bolts. The MAF sensor has a side clip that you push to release.

 

Once the MAF is removed, use the CRC spray to clean the wires. DO NOT TOUCH THEM WITH YOUR FINGERS.

 

Reassemble. Note - the sensors will only fit correctly in one direction. If you flip it around, the holes for the screws will not line up. Reconnect the harness.

 

The working surface of the MAF is inside the MAF, the passageway through the MAF.

If the MAF is dirty and requires cleaning one is not running the right air filter.

You are worried about a dirty MAF. I'd be more worried about an engine ingesting God only knows how many grams of dust/dirt per hours run time.

 

Even with the proper filter, the MAF filter can and will get contaminated. High flow filters and dirty operating environments will accelerate the process. The MAF passageway is exposed on the side panel, and can be easily cleaned with the MAF cleaner.

Take a dry paper towel, and wipe the opposite side of the air inlet tubing. Or better yet, pull your Y tube and wipe the inside of the TB. You will be surprised at what you find in some vehicles.

 

Here is the working surface of a Bosch MAF, I think this is from a Boxster, but the design is the same.

 

great and very important post Bob , dirty maf sensor can throw a cell light ,I clean my sensors once a year just the way you show.
Thanks

 

I had to find a code TS25 torx bit to get the MAFs out.
Maybe its the same bit as to what you are referring to, but I was a bit confused at first?

 

Agreed, I was confused as well. It uses a 5 point (star) tamper proof T25, not the hexagonal 6 point T25 everyone probably has in their tool kits. Pep boys seemed to be the only one to carry it here in the North Texas area.

 

I think the tool may be called triple square.

 

Hi There...The triple square is what is used on the Steering wheel..Has too many points. What the correct tool/bit name is for those searching is a PENTALOBE (security or tamper proof in this case). It is basically a 5-point Torx.

If anyone needs one search PENTALOBE on ebay and you can buy a set for little $.

Good luck...And thanks for posting.

DC

 

What is that blue part on the ratchet? Torque limiter or something?

 

It's an adapter that allows you to spin the socket with your fingers.

 

Yeah, I love these. Very useful.