| There is much debate about the proper cleaning solution to use on MAFs. Some say that SimpleGreen is too agressive. The current consensus (as debated online) suggest the use of a high quality Electronics Contact Cleaner (only buy the good stuff that doesn't leave ANY residue).
The use of improperly oiled K&N air filters has been linked to premature MAF failure. Excessive oil on the filters will lead to MAF contamination. | Beware: MAFs are VERY sensitive electronics. Following these procedures might, or might not, work for your car. Some people say it works fine for a short while and then they get another Check Engine light. This is not a cure-all. It is just an procedure that is significantly cheaper than replacing them. Try it. If it works, you could save a few hundred bucks. If not, you haven't lost anything. If you own a BMW, and need new MAFs, you should do some research online. Apparently VW sells the same Bosch part for much, much less than BMW. | I don't claim to be an expert. Do this at your own risk. Do some research. I posted this for my M5 buddies. And now, several hundred of you a day come to my little site in search of knowledge. Thanks. I hope it works. Feel free to visit an Advertisement "Sponsor" to help support the bandwidth. Please don't "deep link" into these photos. Or I'll need to change their names. |
Starting on the first of 2 Air Cleaners & MAFs |
Cleaning Tools - Choose your cleaning solutions carefully. Electronic Contact Cleaners, "MAF Cleaners", 99% Isopropyl Alcohol, and maybe Simple Green. |
Torx T20 Security - I needed a 6-point security Torx (available at most Auto Parts stores). Later cars used a 5-point security Torx. (much harder to find) |
Loosen pipe clamp |
Unplug the wiring harness |
Pop off the 4 clips from the air cleaner |
Lift the Air Cleaner Slide it and MAF towards outside of car |
Pop off these 2 clips (one underneath) |
Unscrew with T20 Security Torx (5 or 6 point, whichever you need). In a pinch you can use needle-nose pliers... very carefully. |
Dip this end in Simple Green 1:1 solution. Or spray liberally with electronics Contact Cleaner. |
Clean GENTLY with q-tips. Very gently. As if the health of your entire car depended on your gentle touch. |
Shake off and dip into 99% alchohol. Don't use 70% alcohol. You want the pure stuff. |
Dip mesh end in Simple Green and then Alcohol. Or use Contact Cleaner & then Alcohol. |
Screw clean sensor back into tube. |
Clean these gaskets, then lubricate lightly with Vaseline. (this applies to this BMW, I have no knowledge of what your particular car might need for lubrication.) |
Clean tube and Replace flat gasket here |
Clean and Replace round gasket here |
Reassemble, clip in, point plug towards rear |
Slide in the tube first, then... |
...drop in air cleaner |
Tighten pipe clamp and fasten clips. Done. |