Cleaning MAF

[Zinno_e30]

Any insight onto how to clean my Mass air flow sensor? My car is hesitating and surging as it drives. It could be the Idle control but I doubt it. Before spending $400 on a new MAF sensor I was hoping I could clean it and see if that would fix the problem. It's an 87 325e with 220k

[IronJoe]

I've used this stuff in the past. Works pretty well.

http://www.amazon.com/CRC-05110-Mass-Sensor-Cleaner/dp/B000J19XSA

Found at Autozone or similar parts store.

[Zinno_e30]

Thanks, anyone know how to remove it without damaging it?

[nando]

you don't have a Mass Airflow Sensor. it's an AFM.

Unbolt it? Unless you drop it from a 10 story window, you aren't going to break it by taking it out of the car. it's made of metal.

[Zinno_e30]

you don't have a Mass Airflow Sensor. it's an AFM.

Unbolt it? Unless you drop it from a 10 story window, you aren't going to break it by taking it out of the car. it's made of metal.

Yeah, you're right.



What else do I disconnect besides the connector and large bolt?

[jlevie]

To get the AFM out, remove the AFM and air box from the car. In addition to the bolt you can see there are four nuts inside the air box. With the AFM separated from the air box use carb cleaner on the AFM. Lube the vane pivot points with 3-in-1 oil.

[Zinno_e30]

Which part am I cleaning?

[lolcantturn]

Which part am I cleaning?

Look inside the air box. There are 4 bolts. There's also a tunnel-looking thing before you remove those four bolts. You're going to know when you're looking at the AFM, I guarantee it.

[Zinno_e30]

Look inside the air box. There are 4 bolts. There's also a tunnel-looking thing before you remove those four bolts. You're going to know when you're looking at the AFM, I guarantee it.

Yeah, I see the 4 bolts. How does the tunnel looking thing come off? Feels like it's going to snap when I try to pry it off

[iwantspeed]

it clips in

[StereoInstaller1]

Why the hell did you remove it? The part you wanna clean is under that plastic cap, and is easier to clean if in place. Look for something called a "trace" and if you can't find it under that cap (yes it is glued on, you had best do the same when done, too) you need to sell your fucking car and get a bus pass or a Camry.

[lolcantturn]

Why the hell did you remove it? The part you wanna clean is under that plastic cap, and is easier to clean if in place. Look for something called a "trace" and if you can't find it under that cap (yes it is glued on, you had best do the same when done, too) you need to sell your fucking car and get a bus pass or a Camry.

don't be a meanieface. It's not like removing the airbox takes more than a minute.
But yeah do what he said......and use your head as much as you can before going on r3v to ask how to get the tunnel out..it's pretty obvious it's clipped in.

[KenC]

Spray the board with some electrical cleaner. Make sure the flap moves freely too.

[Zinno_e30]

I appreciate all the input, thank you all.