MAF Sensors Cleaning?

nis350

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

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.

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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?

Chuck33079

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.

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SouthArk370Z

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.

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Jordo!

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?

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nis350

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

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

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