MAF Cleaning

[Rom]

Hi all,

While driving the other day I got the dreaded P1128/P1130 codes the other day, but decided to just clear them. The car has been driving very roughly for a little while now, but I never got around to investigating the issue... Anyway, even though the CEL did not light up again, I decided to clean the MAF and see what happens. I removed the unit (2 x T20H screws i.e. Security TORX with the pin in the middle, for those of you that haven't done this yet!) - which takes less than 3 minutes to remove - and used an aerosol duster (designed for computer keyboards - just compressed air) to blow out any debris in the sensor, and then I sprayed on generous amounts of electronics contact cleaner (zero-residue type). I let it dry for a couple of minutes, used some more compressed air on it, then re-installed the MAF back in to the car. The entire process, including opening the engine compartment, took less than 20 minutes. Total investment, if you don't have the tools or cleaners, would be about $20-$30, depending on if you got the T20H bit on its own or in a kit with other things. A small can of contact cleaner and compressed air should last many many cleanings, and of course the T20H bit is forever!

After this, the car drove like a completely different car. No hesitation, smooth idling, smooth driving, no vibrations through the accelerator, smooth gearchanges (there was always hesitation and jerky gearchanges) - completely different. I've never had issues with mass airflow sensors on any of my previous cars - I'd recommend any Porsche owner make cleaning the MAF part of the regular maintenance cycle!

If you haven't done yours, your car has more than 50,000 miles, and you can be trusted with tools, I'd recommend doing this now!

Thanks!

Shash

Edited October 19, 2006 by Rom

[Topless]

Absolutely! A very simple maintenance to keep your car running well. The MAF sensor is my first stop after a check engine light if it looks fuel mixture related.

[niebyl2002]

I recently cleaned my MAF sensor and WOW. I drive '99 Boxster with 70K miles. The difference is huge, more power and faster respone at lower rpm. Car drive absolutly smooth, like new, hehe.

The only different thing was a torx I had to unscrew MAF. It was T20H. I wonder if P change it in newer models.

Edited October 17, 2006 by niebyl2002

[Rom]

Oops! You're right - It was T20H - I've modified my post accordingly.

Thanks!

Shash

[niebyl2002]

Thank you. I thought it's only me.

[4agdtym]

Anyplace in particular to find the T20H bit? I haven't noticed them in my local hardware store.

[Tool Pants]

Orchard Supply (I think only in California) and some Ace Hardware store sell individual anti-tamper torx bits for about $2.

Autozone has a set for $10. I have also seen sets at other auto supply places. Might as well buy the set as you may need other sizes for other things.

[986Jim]

Or you can just use a pair of plyers and grab the top of the torx screws and unscrew them just applying slight pressure to the screw head and turning. They are into plastic so there is very little torque on the screw holding it. Then replace the screws with a phillips head screw (or Robertson if you live in canada) and not mess around with those stupid bits anymore.

[Topless]

Or you can just use a pair of plyers and grab the top of the torx screws and unscrew them just applying slight pressure to the screw head and turning. They are into plastic so there is very little torque on the screw holding it. Then replace the screws with a phillips head screw (or Robertson if you live in canada) and not mess around with those stupid bits anymore.

Absolutely! I trade out those ridiculous Torx screws every chance I get. Phillips or hex head, whichever is easiest to use and the right tool is always in the front of my tool kit. No more searching around for that "special" bit.

[Rom]

Anyplace in particular to find the T20H bit? I haven't noticed them in my local hardware store.

I got mine in a kit I bought from Frys Electronics (US west coast only, I believe). Places like Home Depot don't carry it. My kit is a full kit of virtually every type of common security bit available - I think it cost me around $30, which is pretty cheap considering it has so many specialist bits.

Thanks!

Shash

Edited November 16, 2006 by Rom

[flyboyshell]

OK, I would like to clean the MAF since I think it needs it. Can anyone direct me to detailed instructions on how to take the top apart to get to the MAF?

[Topless]

OK, I would like to clean the MAF since I think it needs it. Can anyone direct me to detailed instructions on how to take the top apart to get to the MAF?

Check this out. http://mike.focke.googlepages.com/checkeng...ssairflowsensor

[djomlas]

what did you guys use to clean it up?

i installed a intake on my box the other day, and while i had the MAF out to trasfer into the new tubing, i whiped it off with a soft tissue, there was a lot of black stuff around there.

with new intake, cleaned maf, and desanorkel, i absolutely love it

[Cassiebox]

what did you guys use to clean it up?

i installed a intake on my box the other day, and while i had the MAF out to trasfer into the new tubing, i whiped it off with a soft tissue, there was a lot of black stuff around there.

with new intake, cleaned maf, and desanorkel, i absolutely love it

Glad it worked out for you but you should avoid touching / wiping off the MAF w/ anything as it could easily cause damage to the wires, etc. Just go to any parts store and get some electrical contact cleaner. Spray it on, in, and through out. Let dry thoroughly before reinstalling. You can also spend a few more $ and get some MAF cleaner (said to be the same thing just repackaged as MAF cleaner instead). Look about 1/2 way down on the mikefocke page referenced above. There are pictures of different varieties.