DIY: How to clean the MAF.
07-20-2006 | 05:17 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Registered
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 155
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From: Fort Smith, Ar
How do I clean my MAF?
I have the REVi and am having idle problems and have read that I should try and clean the MAF well I was wondering how you go about cleaning them?
Mod edit: Moving the instruction set to the top:
Mod edit: Moving the instruction set to the top:
Here we go:
1. I picked up my order in-store today at Kragen. At first, they tried to pawn off a bottle of CRC Air Filter Cleaner on me. At the counter, I pointed out that "air filter cleaner" is entirely different than what is written on my order form, which was "Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner". Although the part #s appeared to match on the product, surprisingly the store clerk took the time to rummage through a bin, until he found the real deal "Mass Air Flow Sensor" bottle. I will point out, that it is possible CRC merely changed the labeling on an identical product, but at the same time I want to stress that the two bottles' text/usage read entirely differently... one talks about MAF and one makes no mention of it, only of general intake cleaning. I'm considering dispatching an email to CRC to clear this up... why are the part #s the same for different products? FYI Air Filter Cleaner is a predominantly red bottle. MAF Sensor Cleaner is a grey bottle. See pic below:
2. Location of the MAF in the RX8, center of photo:
3. Unplug the widget. I pressed down on the back part of the clip to get it to loosen and release. Then unscrew the 2 screws to release the MAF.
4. The bulb looks clean. No surprise, 6300 miles, and a clean looking air filter box recently when I opened it up.
5. The MAF sensors look clean as well. No surprise there.
6. Spray, spray, shake, shake, let dry. I cleaned both the bulb and MAF sensors.
7. Took it out for a test run to the grocery and back, top speed around 41 mph. Real smooth. I'm going to fill up tomorrow morning and test my mpg, which has never been more than 13.59 since I started keeping track.
8. Could be a good semi-annual maintenance procedure to keep the vehicle response up.
1. I picked up my order in-store today at Kragen. At first, they tried to pawn off a bottle of CRC Air Filter Cleaner on me. At the counter, I pointed out that "air filter cleaner" is entirely different than what is written on my order form, which was "Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner". Although the part #s appeared to match on the product, surprisingly the store clerk took the time to rummage through a bin, until he found the real deal "Mass Air Flow Sensor" bottle. I will point out, that it is possible CRC merely changed the labeling on an identical product, but at the same time I want to stress that the two bottles' text/usage read entirely differently... one talks about MAF and one makes no mention of it, only of general intake cleaning. I'm considering dispatching an email to CRC to clear this up... why are the part #s the same for different products? FYI Air Filter Cleaner is a predominantly red bottle. MAF Sensor Cleaner is a grey bottle. See pic below:
2. Location of the MAF in the RX8, center of photo:
3. Unplug the widget. I pressed down on the back part of the clip to get it to loosen and release. Then unscrew the 2 screws to release the MAF.
4. The bulb looks clean. No surprise, 6300 miles, and a clean looking air filter box recently when I opened it up.
5. The MAF sensors look clean as well. No surprise there.
6. Spray, spray, shake, shake, let dry. I cleaned both the bulb and MAF sensors.
7. Took it out for a test run to the grocery and back, top speed around 41 mph. Real smooth. I'm going to fill up tomorrow morning and test my mpg, which has never been more than 13.59 since I started keeping track.
8. Could be a good semi-annual maintenance procedure to keep the vehicle response up.
Last edited by RIWWP; 09-01-2012 at 11:46 AM.
07-20-2006 | 06:34 PM
#3
ROTARY-A-HOLIC
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 379
Likes: 0
It's actually pretty simple, Basically you just unscrew the screws that are bolting it down, and make sure you keep the screws safe, because without it your screwed.... Then use either throttle body cleaner or you can use the carbon cleaner, and then just screw it back in and your all set.... I have the AEM intake
07-20-2006 | 06:42 PM
#4
The Prototype
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,793
Likes: 0
BECAREFUL WHEN CLEANING THE MAFS! Use the dry method first, use a rag or paper towel and GENTLY clean the screen. If you take out the sensor you use a dry cloth/papertowel and try to wipe away the dust and grime. If its still dirty , use electrolisis solution or some type of solution you can use on wiping down electronics.
Seen to many people including my buddies and myself blow a MAFS by just dowsing the sensor with harsh cleaning solution. Just take your time and be extra careful and treat that sensor like the Rahges JULES!
MAFS for our cars are not cheap,so be careful.....
Seen to many people including my buddies and myself blow a MAFS by just dowsing the sensor with harsh cleaning solution. Just take your time and be extra careful and treat that sensor like the Rahges JULES!
MAFS for our cars are not cheap,so be careful.....
07-20-2006 | 07:26 PM
#6
Brake spray....
Yeah, brake spray will clean it up.
Lift straight up, don't damage the little "o" ring around the edge.
The brown bulb you see is NOT the MAF, just the temp sensor - spray up into the plastic body, the tiny wires up there are the actual air flow sensor, only a tiny proportion of the air goes over it, and the computer works out the flow.
S
Lift straight up, don't damage the little "o" ring around the edge.
The brown bulb you see is NOT the MAF, just the temp sensor - spray up into the plastic body, the tiny wires up there are the actual air flow sensor, only a tiny proportion of the air goes over it, and the computer works out the flow.
S
07-20-2006 | 08:12 PM
#7
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 21,958
Likes: 115
From: portland oregon
carb cleaner = carburetor cleaner and wiping the outside with apaper towel wont help the maf which is up inside the tube. clean the IAT sensor mentioned above as well. it should be a dark brown color not black
07-20-2006 | 10:25 PM
#8
4th batch : Apr 03'
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,840
Likes: 1
From: Bor. Isle
hope these help:
http://www.mazda6tech.com/index.php?...id=62&Itemid=1
ps:don't forget to check your catalytic converter too
http://www.mazda6tech.com/index.php?...id=62&Itemid=1
ps:don't forget to check your catalytic converter too
12-14-2006 | 09:31 AM
#10
Laid back in the pocket
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 522
Likes: 0
From: Blacksburg, VA
I would try to find CRC MAF sensor cleaner. After researching this last week, I decided not to use a throttle body or general intake cleaner because they all seemed to be unsafe for sensors, plastic or both. This is after reading the labels on all the cans. I definately would not feel safe using brake cleaner-way too harsh for delicate sensors.
The CRC brand MAF cleaner cost me about $7.
The CRC brand MAF cleaner cost me about $7.
12-14-2006 | 01:16 PM
#13
Originally Posted by foo77
hope these help:
http://www.mazda6tech.com/index.php?...id=62&Itemid=1
ps:don't forget to check your catalytic converter too
http://www.mazda6tech.com/index.php?...id=62&Itemid=1
ps:don't forget to check your catalytic converter too
I have CRC CO contact cleaner - I guess this will do the same job .
12-14-2006 | 06:50 PM
#14
Registered
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 2
From: Fayetteville, PA
Originally Posted by andreasy
Is there a way for someone who knows nothing about engines to do that? i.e where is this MAF and how do I recognize it so that I can clean it?
12-14-2006 | 09:40 PM
#15
In the instruction he talks about how those with K&N filters will find the MAF gets dirty sooner . hmmmmmmm think i'll have a look at mine
Edit : now done - this was really so easy . Certainly anyone with bad gas mileage should do it.
Tip - no need to disconnect the battery as per the instructions - that is overkill .
Edit : now done - this was really so easy . Certainly anyone with bad gas mileage should do it.
Tip - no need to disconnect the battery as per the instructions - that is overkill .
Last edited by Brettus; 12-15-2006 at 05:01 PM.
01-09-2007 | 01:38 AM
#19
Registered
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 772
Likes: 2
From: California, Chula Vista, Otay Ranch
Here we go:
1. I picked up my order in-store today at Kragen. At first, they tried to pawn off a bottle of CRC Air Filter Cleaner on me. At the counter, I pointed out that "air filter cleaner" is entirely different than what is written on my order form, which was "Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner". Although the part #s appeared to match on the product, surprisingly the store clerk took the time to rummage through a bin, until he found the real deal "Mass Air Flow Sensor" bottle. I will point out, that it is possible CRC merely changed the labeling on an identical product, but at the same time I want to stress that the two bottles' text/usage read entirely differently... one talks about MAF and one makes no mention of it, only of general intake cleaning. I'm considering dispatching an email to CRC to clear this up... why are the part #s the same for different products? FYI Air Filter Cleaner is a predominantly red bottle. MAF Sensor Cleaner is a grey bottle. See pic below:
2. Location of the MAF in the RX8, center of photo:
3. Unplug the widget. I pressed down on the back part of the clip to get it to loosen and release. Then unscrew the 2 screws to release the MAF.
4. The bulb looks clean. No surprise, 6300 miles, and a clean looking air filter box recently when I opened it up.
5. The MAF sensors look clean as well. No surprise there.
6. Spray, spray, shake, shake, let dry. I cleaned both the bulb and MAF sensors.
7. Took it out for a test run to the grocery and back, top speed around 41 mph. Real smooth. I'm going to fill up tomorrow morning and test my mpg, which has never been more than 13.59 since I started keeping track.
8. Could be a good semi-annual maintenance procedure to keep the vehicle response up.
1. I picked up my order in-store today at Kragen. At first, they tried to pawn off a bottle of CRC Air Filter Cleaner on me. At the counter, I pointed out that "air filter cleaner" is entirely different than what is written on my order form, which was "Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner". Although the part #s appeared to match on the product, surprisingly the store clerk took the time to rummage through a bin, until he found the real deal "Mass Air Flow Sensor" bottle. I will point out, that it is possible CRC merely changed the labeling on an identical product, but at the same time I want to stress that the two bottles' text/usage read entirely differently... one talks about MAF and one makes no mention of it, only of general intake cleaning. I'm considering dispatching an email to CRC to clear this up... why are the part #s the same for different products? FYI Air Filter Cleaner is a predominantly red bottle. MAF Sensor Cleaner is a grey bottle. See pic below:
2. Location of the MAF in the RX8, center of photo:
3. Unplug the widget. I pressed down on the back part of the clip to get it to loosen and release. Then unscrew the 2 screws to release the MAF.
4. The bulb looks clean. No surprise, 6300 miles, and a clean looking air filter box recently when I opened it up.
5. The MAF sensors look clean as well. No surprise there.
6. Spray, spray, shake, shake, let dry. I cleaned both the bulb and MAF sensors.
7. Took it out for a test run to the grocery and back, top speed around 41 mph. Real smooth. I'm going to fill up tomorrow morning and test my mpg, which has never been more than 13.59 since I started keeping track.
8. Could be a good semi-annual maintenance procedure to keep the vehicle response up.
Last edited by User24; 01-09-2007 at 01:43 AM.
Mr. 24.....
01-23-2007 | 08:34 AM
#21
I think it would help for this thread to be cleaned up some so it would be easier to find the info you need insted of having to read through everyone elses idea of what might and might not work.
02-19-2007 | 09:15 PM
#24
meh.
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,658
Likes: 0
From: fwb, fl
sorry if this is a stupid question, but you cant be too careful. i have some oreillys carb and choke cleaner. it says its safe for oxygen sensors. would that be ok here, or do i want the real stuff like user24 got. i just dont want to screw anything up.
02-19-2007 | 09:47 PM
#25
Registered
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,364
Likes: 2
From: Chicago
Any word on your mileage after the cleaning?
Originally Posted by User24
Here we go:
1. I picked up my order in-store today at Kragen. At first, they tried to pawn off a bottle of CRC Air Filter Cleaner on me. At the counter, I pointed out that "air filter cleaner" is entirely different than what is written on my order form, which was "Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner". Although the part #s appeared to match on the product, surprisingly the store clerk took the time to rummage through a bin, until he found the real deal "Mass Air Flow Sensor" bottle. I will point out, that it is possible CRC merely changed the labeling on an identical product, but at the same time I want to stress that the two bottles' text/usage read entirely differently... one talks about MAF and one makes no mention of it, only of general intake cleaning. I'm considering dispatching an email to CRC to clear this up... why are the part #s the same for different products? FYI Air Filter Cleaner is a predominantly red bottle. MAF Sensor Cleaner is a grey bottle. See pic below:
2. Location of the MAF in the RX8, center of photo:
3. Unplug the widget. I pressed down on the back part of the clip to get it to loosen and release. Then unscrew the 2 screws to release the MAF.
4. The bulb looks clean. No surprise, 6300 miles, and a clean looking air filter box recently when I opened it up.
5. The MAF sensors look clean as well. No surprise there.
6. Spray, spray, shake, shake, let dry. I cleaned both the bulb and MAF sensors.
7. Took it out for a test run to the grocery and back, top speed around 41 mph. Real smooth. I'm going to fill up tomorrow morning and test my mpg, which has never been more than 13.59 since I started keeping track.
8. Could be a good semi-annual maintenance procedure to keep the vehicle response up.
1. I picked up my order in-store today at Kragen. At first, they tried to pawn off a bottle of CRC Air Filter Cleaner on me. At the counter, I pointed out that "air filter cleaner" is entirely different than what is written on my order form, which was "Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner". Although the part #s appeared to match on the product, surprisingly the store clerk took the time to rummage through a bin, until he found the real deal "Mass Air Flow Sensor" bottle. I will point out, that it is possible CRC merely changed the labeling on an identical product, but at the same time I want to stress that the two bottles' text/usage read entirely differently... one talks about MAF and one makes no mention of it, only of general intake cleaning. I'm considering dispatching an email to CRC to clear this up... why are the part #s the same for different products? FYI Air Filter Cleaner is a predominantly red bottle. MAF Sensor Cleaner is a grey bottle. See pic below:
2. Location of the MAF in the RX8, center of photo:
3. Unplug the widget. I pressed down on the back part of the clip to get it to loosen and release. Then unscrew the 2 screws to release the MAF.
4. The bulb looks clean. No surprise, 6300 miles, and a clean looking air filter box recently when I opened it up.
5. The MAF sensors look clean as well. No surprise there.
6. Spray, spray, shake, shake, let dry. I cleaned both the bulb and MAF sensors.
7. Took it out for a test run to the grocery and back, top speed around 41 mph. Real smooth. I'm going to fill up tomorrow morning and test my mpg, which has never been more than 13.59 since I started keeping track.
8. Could be a good semi-annual maintenance procedure to keep the vehicle response up.