MAF cleaning... Easiest project yet and a must.

[mptoledo]

Mass Air Flow Cleaning: Cost Under $20, $7 if you have the tool.

My 2001 "s" 67k mile was starting real ruff and had thrown a couple codes. White smoke was also evident when first starting. This simple 10 minute job fixed all of the the above problems.
Codes:
1.)p1133= oxygen sensor, adaptation, lower load bank two above limit.
2.)p1126=o2 sensng range 1 cyl 4-6



Difficulty: 1.5 out of 10 (pretty basic)

I followed the directions below but found a few shortcuts.

http://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/checkenginelightcausedbymassairflowsensor

Tools:
1.) t-20 tamper proof torx bit. (I used a bit that fit in my screwdriver rachet thingy) tamperproof= a frickin hole in the bottom of the bit.
2.) Can of MAF sensor cleaner(autozone $7.00)

Procedure:
1.) disconnect batter
2.) open engine compartment
3.) next to your air filter you will see the Maf, unscrew the two screws(t-20 TP)
4.) REmove the MAF sensor( I didn't unhook any wires)
5.) Place a couple paper towels on you engine and spray off the sensor, make sure to squirt it up in the hooked end and the paperclip looking thing at the top.
6.) let dry (5 minutes)
7.) put back together and connect your battery.

Thats it. Simple 5 to 10 minute job and hardly any mess.

If you see oil or sludge on your sensor you probably have another problem up stream. Mine looked clean but after cleaning it, all my gremlins went away.

Projects completed:
1.) Serpentine belt...........$25 Gatorback w/ac
2.) Sparkplugs..................$42 Ngk-Ix-Iridium
3.) Radio replaced............$225 JVC HD50 (BB install)
4.) Tires............................$700 Sumitomo III Local shop
5.) Oil Change/air filter.....$94 catro syntec 10W40,napa gold,K&N air
6.) Speakers....................$143 Infinity Kappa F=4", R=6x4 plate
7.) Throttle body clean.....$5 Throttle body cleaner
8.) De-snorkel..................$.10 A few paper towels
9.) Alternator...................$221 Various Sockets
10.)Fuel filter...................$30 10mm socket and flat head screwdriver
11.) MAF sensor clean.....$20 t-20 tamp proof and cleaner

[markk]

Maybe disconnecting the battery solved your codes/problems. This resets the ECU / codes...


Mark.

[blue2000s]

The MAF isn't likely to be the source of smoke at startup.

[97 Boxster]

Is disconnecting your battery necessary for the MAF cleaning? I have not done this but wanted to know. I will be getting into my engine bay this week to have a "look see". Thanks in advance.

[mptoledo]

The battery only temporarily takes care of the codes. They would come back on after about 40 to 60 miles. I am over 150 miles and car is back to normal.

Apparently the cleaning did take care of the white smoke on start up. Smoke before, no smoke after

You will want to disconnect your battery after the job is done anyways to reset the cpu, so you might as well do it before to prevent any possibilities of shorting something.

[blue2000s]

It's been noted on this board, and I've personally observed as well, that the car will smoke at startup if it wasn't warmed up on the previous run before being shut off. On my car, it hasn't smoked if the car was warmed up when I shut it off previously.

The MAF can't have anything to do with smoke at startup. The MAF is technically known as a hot-wire anemometer. It functions by monitoring the current through a wire at a known temperature and calculates an airflow based on a convection coefficient correlation. It requires that the anemometer is up to operating temperature, which it is not when you first crank the engine.