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 lot'll find a complete listing of models below). Since this is an OFF-CAR cleaning, the MAF sensor has to be removed from the automobile or truck.

Yous'll find the whole MAF sensor cleaning process explained pace by pace in plain english and with photos, making this job as piece of cake and equally pain free every bit possible.

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

Symptoms Of A Dirty MAF Sensor

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

  1. Lack of ability. Information technology's every bit if there were a time lag betwixt when the accelerator pedal is depressed and engine reaction.
  2. Bank check engine light is on in the instrument cluster and the codes you may observe could be:
    1. MAF Sensor Codes.
    2. Fuel Trim Codes.
    3. Rich/Lean Codes.
  3. Bad gas mileage.

What Causes The MAF Sensor To Get Dingy?

There are several conditions that can cause the MAF sensor to get dirty. Let's explore them a scrap since knowing this will assist you to avert a repeat of the problem.

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

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

What Exercise I Utilize To Make clean The MAF Sensor?

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

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

  1. An Electronics Spray Cleaner can be used.
    1. You lot can buy it at your local auto parts store (AutoZone, Pepboys, O'Reilly, etc).
    2. You can buy it at your local electronics shop (Radio Shack, Fry'south, etc).
  2. Or you can buy a MAF sensor cleaning spray. Yep, there is 1 designed but for cleaning MAF sensors.
    1. This cleaner is made by CRC Industries and its part number is: 05110.
    2. You tin buy it at your local auto parts shop (AutoZone, Pepboys, O'Reilly, etc).
  3. Don't apply carburator or brake make clean spray or gasoline.
    1. These solvents will leave a residue on the wires.
    2. Not to mention the harsh solvent can harm the MAF sensor's electronics.
  4. Also, don't try to physically clean the sensor with annihilation (like a cotton wool swab) or yous may break the wires.

Why Clean The MAF Sensor?

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

Savings at the auto repair store, since most shops adopt to replace information technology rather than make clean information technology (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 y'all a new i, not to mention that they will NOT tell y'all it'due south only muddied).

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

Alright, enough of the b.s. and permit's go started with the actual stride by step 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 flow sensor from the car or truck.

Once off, your MAF sensor should look like the one in the photo.