Security torx screws on MAF sensor - help!
 

Hoping someone can help me with this. I am trying to remove the MAF sensor to inspect and clean. My understanding is it is held in place with two T20 security torx screws. I have what I believe is the proper tool, but it just doesn't insert and seat properly in the screw so I can't turn it. My question is, are there special security torx bits that are required? Is there a way of getting these annoying screws out anyway? I purchased a set of bits off Amazon, however maybe they are just junky? Or can anyone recommend a place where I can buy a more appropriate tool? Help!

They are security pentalobe, not standard torx (5 groves instead of 6). Amazon or autoparts store should be able to help you.

Thanks for the reply. The small bit set I have says 5 point so wouldn't that be right? I'm wondering if the small post inside the star area is flattened out from a prior removal. Is there a way of getting these things out with some other tool?

BTW, I just took a closer look with a magnifying glass and it seems to me the screws have 6 points, not 5. That could explain things. Why the need for security screws anyway?

Dave, I also bought a 'special safety Torx' set and didn't work either...

But I easily removed the screws with a needle (pointed..?) pliers, they are not really tight, however I did it with the small plenum that holds the MAF sensor out of the car.

Good luck!

That's interesting Gilles, I'll give it a try with a pair of needle-nosed pliers as you suggest. Can you clarify what you mean by 'the small plenum'?

NVM, I think I get it

Tried the needle-nose pliers approach, no-go. If and when I do get these things out I plan to replace with normal screws.

Those fasteners are indeed Security Torx. Got my set of bits at Princess Auto. They are Canada's equivalent to Harbor Freight.

On my 986 maf holder (2000) the screw is 6 point. On a 987 maf holder that I have the security screw is 5 point. Go figure.

I'm wondering, has anyone ever replaced those awful security screws with a normal screw or torx? If so, where did you find? BTW, I purchased another set of torx bits from Amazon, this time 6 point.

I just reused them.
The original MAF lasted 17 years, I can live with taking out the same annoying fasteners in 17 more years.

Yes, I see no benefit to having a lame torx fastener into plastic so I went digging into my fastener drawer and found some common Phillips head that were a good match. I never looked back. Needle nose vice grips take em right out. :)

Germans do so many things so well and then... Torx??? Really??? :chicken:

Me too, worked like a charm. Ya gotta love Princess Auto!

Got mine at Lowe’s

they can also be removed with a flatscrew that fits between the points and center post

Interesting: the more recent maf uses the 5 point screws but the old one used the 6 point. I just removed my 5 point without the proper tool: I used my multitool do cut a slot in the screw head and used a regular screwdriver to remove them.