Thank you for sharing this. My car hasn't ran this good for 4 years! It's crazy how something so simple can make a car not stay started. I did it myself, and saved money!
Brian, i just want to say i watch your videos almost religiously. Your expert advice has never steered me wrong. That being said, i think it would be prudent to mention that you probably don't want to do this directly after turning the car off after it has been driven for a while. If i am not mistaken, the wire or plate is heated using current and the air running over the wire and / or plate in the sensor changes the temp depending on the air flow which the sensor measures sending the signal back to the ecm as a steady DC value. ( thermistor type of sensing would make sense" If you clean it directly after a decent drive the evaporation of the alcohol may damage the wire by cooling it too fast. I could be completely full of it. But whenever i am telling someone how to do this i always include that portion as a "just in case" Maybe the people that have cleaned the sensor and it failed did it directly after driving home from work or something and the wire was still hot. /shrug other than that i pretty much tell them word for word the way you described it. Love your videos and have been watching you work your magic for years, your advise has saved me a ton of time and a considerable amount of that useless piece of paper we call money. I consider you an authority on automotive how too. Have a great one, and keep on posting. ;P
Rhage73 exactly what I did and damaged my maf sensor I sprayed my maf sensor after a drive to the motor store to pick up the maf spray cleaner. I sprayed the sensor to soon and now I learned from such a simple mistake. your comment is something others should know before taking on this job, after all some of these maf sensors aren't cheap.
Thanks for the video - 2002 Jetta wagon 1.8T had 3 of 4 coils replaced and still misfiring. Mechanic suggested the mass air flow sensor was bad and thought it could be a $500+ replacement. I think I'll give it a cleaning and see if that fixes the issue. If it is just dirty you saved my ass. If it is broken, cleaning it ain't gonna hurt! Cheers!
Just did this on my 2002 Beetle which has an 06' Jetta motor in. After I did as he showed, I cranked it once & it shut down asap. I cranked it twice, she sputtered and she shut down. I cranked her the third time and I revved the motor up to keep it running. She sputtered a but but then levelled off. NOW SHE IS PURRING LIKE A KITTEN AGAIN!!!!! THIS SCHIT WORKS GUYS !!!!
Thanks so much man! I was hoping there was a way to clean it instead of replacing it when it was throwing a code. Big relief. Thanks for making this video! Very helpful!
haha man.. exactly the video i was looking for. thought it was a long shot that i would even come close, but kind internet folk aren't just a myth. many, many thanks.
No. The ECM has it's own pre defined program for starting the car. After the first seconds it relies on the MAF and other inputs to get the vitals going.
I came back here, a couple of years after first seeing it, and I enjoyed the video again (grin). Is this one of those problems that can silently cause poor performance? Presumably underestimation of air flow would not affect gas mileage....?
Thank you for your videos they ROCK. I am getting ready to trade my jetta for a 4x4 and it picks now of all times to mess up. So hoping the MAF is the problem if not i'll be back. peace out.
An honest mechanic showed me that Autozone has two MAFs that are almost identical. One model number just ends in "G" and the other doesn't. He showed me they gave me the wrong part. Thankfully, I was able to return it and get my money back after a little arguing with the clerk. I bought the correct part (OEM this time) and replaced it and it's worked perfectly since. The honest mechanic tested the voltage, etc for me and it was the MAF. Never again will I go to that dealership.
@TheRobersos I'm well aware of the marketing buzz around MAF cleaner and the taboo that is touching the sensors. They are quite fragile, but if you're gentle you'll find that this method works great. I've used both methods and I obviously like this way better. Think of a car wash- if you make contact with the car even gently it removes dirt and grime much better than simply rinsing over the car.
@PR4470 There are two likely scenarios that can cause this. 1. Something was inadvertently disconnected being a hose or the like creating a vacuum leak. 2. The cleaner was excessive and is supplementing the fuel side of the air/fuel mix by vaporization and will remedy itself as this supply/pool is exhausted.
AHHHH!!! Surprise ginger! Thanks for the walk through, just got my first Jetta and I'm trying to solve some issues that came up on the way home, 200mi from the dealer. (2002 J-wagon 2.0 5spd)
If it needs a jump your battery or battery terminals are failing due to an internal short or corrosion. Take your battery to a parts store and get it fully charged and then tested. Next undo your battery terminals and wire brush them clean. Next, use a battery terminal cleaner spray or baking soda and water to clean where you can't reach with a wire brush. If your battery tests bad replace it.
The thing to do is test for spark and injector pulse. That will tell you. If no spark it's your ignition system. If no pulse it's your Maf. If no spark and no pulse it's the crank sensor or PCM.
@JLAID It CAN. Most cars will start and then die due to an independent system for starting. Rough idle or stalling is a common symptom of a bad Mass Air Flow sensor.
Hi, your video is the best that I have found to learn how to clean the MAF. Making more research in the internet, however, I found that some guys recommend do not touch the air sensor and that MAF cleaner should be used instead alcohol. What do you think? What do you recommend?
@cars123911 Using MAF cleaner spray you'd be just fine. They are designed to hold up to moisture and dirt to a degree. Brake cleaner can ruin them, but doesn't every time and in all scenarios.
I have a 2000 VR6 as well. It seems to be the same. However, I did have one problem. The screws are 5 point T20 tamper proof screws. Apparently they aren't common. All Autozone had were 6 point bits. So I just bought the MAF Sensor clearer and am planning to just disassemble the hose with the sensor in it and use that. Hopefully it works.
The best thing to do is to check your motor mounts and the slack on the wires. You can glue them for support, but likely vibration isn't enough to pull the wires.
TPS is a throttle position sensor. It's located on the opposite side of your throttle body from your throttle cable where it kind of intercepts your intake hose. It's the black sensor with a three wire plug. Watch my vid on testing a TPS on my channel. *(they don't get dirty really_)
@01sirvtec I use MAF cleaner now for the convenience because I do so many. Alcohol does well to just clean without stripping the sensor. Brake cleaner is too aggressive to use in this context.
As you said on the video to use a torx t-20. And on your last comment you said a star. Those are 2 different wrenches. Torx t-20 is 6 points and the star is 5 points. There is also a hex. But anyway I bought the 6 points torx. I took off the whole unit and to my surprise it's a star 5 point. So looks like I'm going back to autozone tomorrow. But I'm learning.
My Mitsubishi Pajero SUV (you call them something else in the US, Montero?) often stalls when revs drop after acceleration. I'v done all the easy things I know how to do, eg, air filter, spark plugs, etc, thinking it might be the air flow sensor, what do you think? Also my mate says throttle body cleaner is good for cleaning electrical connections, is that right? Cheers for all the great vids btw
sorry brian I don't have the same car you have. I have a 09 Lancer... got off work last night then I felt like the car had less torque for a while so I heard about cleaning the maf so I did it before looking at your video... then my rpm goes up and down... in a loop... so I brought it to the garage this morning... they didn't had a spot available till tomorrow morning. They will fix it over night I let you know tomorrow... I am not a car wize... more like a computer wize... had I had rough week that was this was the cherry on the sunday for me... ouff I watched a lot of videos after that and they don't recommend using alcohol for car newer then the year 2000... My cousin had a mustang and he did the same trick you did and that pumped him with 10 hp more. His mustang is a beast now...
Hi Brian. I am having a problem finding the correct tool for my mass airflow sensor bolts. I've tried the T20 both hex and torx and star bit. Not fitting. I have a 2006 VW beetle convertible. Autozone has barred me from returning wrong items. Please advise.
Disconnect the power to the underglow and see if that helps. Otherwise go back over all your areas of work that may have affected the factory wiring harness or intake system.
Brian, I did this a while back, but was too hard on it and ruined the sensor. So I bought a new one from Autozone and it went faulty within a month. Took it to the dealership and they want $800 to replace the sensor, the housing, the wiring and the relay. I told them "NO WAY!"
It's like the carwash. Sometimes a good hose down is all you need (like CRC Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner Spray) other times you gotta "scrub" by making light contact to break up the yuck.
@adamdport It's either genuinely worn out and a small amount of dirt blinds it ....... OR...... it's getting a lot of dirt for some reason I can't see from here.
Awesome! Thanks for the pointers, AND for that lightening-fast response!!! How might I check for injector pulse? I have NO IDEA how Ive never even heard that particular term before! Perhaps youre using slightly different terminology than Ive heard in the past. Either way, Im at a loss on that one.
Excellent Brian ... I'll give it a try on my 2004 VW Golf TDI (Diesel) 1.9L when I can find the "security torx". Hope it fixes the car going into limp mode.
i just got through cleaning my MAF sensor and also cleaned my throttle body real good with the recommended cleaners, i used the CRC mass air flow sensor cleaner and the CRC throttle body cleaner, but now my car appears to be worse. before it was idling between 1200 to 1700 rpm up and down up and down when stopped at a red light, now it idles between 1600 to 2100 at a stop light. you think i need to replace the MAF sensor?
@Shawncherchio What were your symptoms/trouble codes? If you have a vacuum leak or need a tune up- no amount of cleaning the MAF will correct a vacuum leak or install new spark plugs.
@richu27 excessive fuel is not typically caused by dirty MAF sensor. The reference voltage to the sensor is usually 5 volts: At idle the value is half volts [approx] and at WOT wide open throttle close to 5 volts. a dirty or faulty sensor causes the voltage [or frequency] to be below normal values and most often create a too lean condition associated with CAT converter will not heat enough fault code. High fuel consumption is sometimes caused by injector dwell time or injector leaks
Thanks u for answer my comment. I cleaned it but it did work n after I did it the light "EPC" turned on n that one of the doble front traction. The car is hard to start It sounds n looks like is choke n shakes alot in low rpm. N after it starts it makes alot of exhaust n it smells like gasoline. Do u think I have to replace the maf sensor?or u think my car have another problem? I changed spark plugs n cables n oil filters air n oil. I don't think it has a problem w gas
Hey Brian, is there any chance that a dirty/faulty MAF could cause its vehicle to not start in hot weather? Ive got an 01 Golf that has been having problems firing up once it gets really hot outside. Engine turns over, just doesnt actually fire up. Plugs/wires/coil are all less than a year old, as well as the timing belt. Im going to check the fuel pump relay tomorrow, but just trying to troubleshoot as much as possible. Thanks in advance for your reply, and for this awesome video post!
Hey man I noticed on theright side of your sensor there are two really thin metal bars. I do not have those on mine, nor did I see them online when I looked at replacements. Is there a difference or?
@PR4470 part 2: fuel supply is disrupted especially if you break the electrical connection and ground by removing the throttle body. You would need to connect a programing scanner to the car and reestablish the base value for idle. The idle sometimes will not correct from draining the PCM memory or by driving the car. you need to establish a new base value [relearn] after cleaning. These systems are super sensitive and a cleaning alters the airflow value,so will replacing the throttle body
@PR4470 There are two separate issues here.If you clean the mas airflow meter [maf] you may not be solving the basic problems that are electronic in nature such as wrong frequency or voltage reading. You need to take some basic readings to insure that the voltage or frequency is correct to begin with. you need to verify the signal coming from the Power Control Module [PCM] and the ground. When you clean your throttle body the base factory value of airflow corresponding to the fuel supply is
i believe there is a fuse right at the top of the battery which controls ac fan and and rad fan(engine fan) see if the fuse is out? if its not the fuse its probably ur relay which is right at the bottom of the battery, to get there u need to remove ur battery, that relay also controls both ur fan
Ok, I did this, but may have been too aggressive with the cleaning. The q-tip didn't want to fit in those small spaces, so I had to apply a little pressure. Now I still have the check engine light and now the EPC light is on. Odd? Time to buy a new MAF?
I've changed the MAF sensor a couple of times over the last 6 years and it's fixed the problem immediately - so thank you for your video! Today's new trouble is a P0102 code "MAF A-Circuit low input" message with what appears to me to an obvious electrical issue. Do you know if there is an easy (as in: I can do it myself) way to check/change the connector, wiring, and pins?
hey buddy, my gf 2011 jetta has been getting check engine light, as well as EPC code on dash. her idle is really rough and getting on the road was slow get up, and in 3rd/4th gear it didnt want to go more than 30 mph... i unplugged the sensor to the MAF... and she said its driving like a brand new car. Do you think a cleaning would be good start or replacing the whole MAF sensor? thank you!
Hi mate. quick one: Opel Astra G 1.6 16V. When I drive it , it has no power and the engine feels like turning off. I disconnected the Air flow sensor and I have the same problem. if the sensor is the problem is it normal to have the same symptoms without the sensor? If yes, can I clean the sensor instead of buy another one? Thanks mate All the best
yeah it sure did,it says on the can not to use it on vortex maf sensor but i forgot to read the directions before i used,you think the 2.0 or 1.8 are interchangeable with the 3.0?
I recently replaced my MAF for my 2001 New Beetle Diesel TDI. The old one was missing the two wires. The new one lasted about a month and the wires also came loose. The disel motor vibrates alot-typlical of this kind of motor I'm told. I was curious-do you think I could use some type of glue to help hold these in place as long as I didn't get excessive or allow the glue to touch the other wires? Thanks
"(2002 J-wagon 2.0 5spd)" It's a 2 liter, non turbo and I'm using the T6 5w40, I use the 15w40 in "equipment" and a couple of motorcycles. "As you might realise I am tech nerd...haha" Haha indeed, me too. The plan is actually to swap out the AVH driveline/ecu/gauges/fuel tank for a 2002-2003 TDI setup. Over the summer I need to sell two cars and four bikes then find a running donor car for the swap. Geeky enough for you? I basically bought this car for the nice leather and rust free body.
Hi..i wanted to say that i did exact the same thing that you posted in the video and i broken my MAF..i broked it before i saw the video so stay chill :) i'm not blaming you but what could of broken the MAF?..i used Izopropilic Alchool and q-tips..the MAF was working but was dirty so i decided to clean it..now is dead..if I unplugged it the car is working fine..i think that i forced a q-tip to enter in the hole where the plate is at the bottom of the sensor..maybe that broked it?
Great video I have a 2002 Volkswagen Beetle 2.0 gas check engine light is on with a code of PO441 could be 1 of 12 things suggest to clean the MAF sensor and check purge valve or the air pump could be bad. Also suggest a new gas cap. From the video the MAF looks real similar to where mine is located I purchased the can of cleaner. My question is mine is attached to a black plastic coil hose do I pull it apart from the hose??
I got a 2010 vw jetta 2.5L it's been having some hard shifting issues going on not sure what it is, I gotta replace the tensioner and the belts but that shouldn't be the issue rn. No matter if I'm in drive or sport i usually have to let off the gas to reduce air flow before the hard shift. Even going 65 70 it will hard shift. Do you know what the possible issues would be?
Hey i'm a newbie trying to do the exact same thing but just messed up! I was reading on another site that you could spray the outside of the maf screen not the sensor exactly will i now need to replace it cause i didn't see this video in time?
Hi Brian, great informative video. Want to ask advice, I have a VW Polo, failed it's MOT on emissions, they were too high when on high idle, also the idle is lumpy when stationary, for example when stopped at traffic lights, the revs will go up and down and sometimes it will stall. Could this be a faulty Air Pressure Sensor? There is no engine management light showing up on the dashboard. Thanks. :)
I have 2010 VW Tiguan, the check engine light is on because of the mass air flow sensor. Is the light will go off if i do the same way cleaning? Thanks
Brian, I know this is an older video but I have a question and hoping you can help me. I have a 00 jetta 2.0 and when it is cold it bucks a little at low RPMS. Once it warms up to 190 degrees it runs like a champ. Do you think the MAF is my issue?
So i got the code for MAF i called vw they state there are 2 MAF on top and behind. Can i ise regular rubbing alcohol on this or does it have to be that kind you use
@joshw604 Could be the anti- theft system, MAF, etc. I'd get a wire diagram for you year model and check if it's got some funky kill features on the oil sending unit, or security crap in the door that has a broken wire in the boot at the front of the door etc. Try unlocking the trunk with the key and then get in and try to start it.
briansmobile1 ....congrats ....good video! question now ...can I replace the thermistor by heating the terminals, pulling out the faulty or broken one and setting new negative polarity one?..if could it be done ...what should I be care of? thinking about, it´s cheaper to buy a CH$2.000.- thermistor than a complete set of MAF for about $40.000.- therefore any help will be appreciated!
Hey man, I'm confused on this. I just did this, I did use the Mass Air Flow cleaner. But I wipped all the spots down like you said. Now. My car doesn't even recognize it's there. It's plugged in. Is there something I missed?
Thank you for sharing this. My car hasn't ran this good for 4 years! It's crazy how something so simple can make a car not stay started. I did it myself, and saved money!
Brian, i just want to say i watch your videos almost religiously. Your expert advice has never steered me wrong. That being said, i think it would be prudent to mention that you probably don't want to do this directly after turning the car off after it has been driven for a while. If i am not mistaken, the wire or plate is heated using current and the air running over the wire and / or plate in the sensor changes the temp depending on the air flow which the sensor measures sending the signal back to the ecm as a steady DC value. ( thermistor type of sensing would make sense" If you clean it directly after a decent drive the evaporation of the alcohol may damage the wire by cooling it too fast. I could be completely full of it. But whenever i am telling someone how to do this i always include that portion as a "just in case" Maybe the people that have cleaned the sensor and it failed did it directly after driving home from work or something and the wire was still hot. /shrug other than that i pretty much tell them word for word the way you described it. Love your videos and have been watching you work your magic for years, your advise has saved me a ton of time and a considerable amount of that useless piece of paper we call money. I consider you an authority on automotive how too. Have a great one, and keep on posting. ;P
Rhage73
exactly what I did and damaged my maf sensor I sprayed my maf sensor after a drive to the motor store to pick up the maf spray cleaner. I sprayed the sensor to soon and now I learned from such a simple mistake. your comment is something others should know before taking on this job, after all some of these maf sensors aren't cheap.
Thanks for the video - 2002 Jetta wagon 1.8T had 3 of 4 coils replaced and still misfiring. Mechanic suggested the mass air flow sensor was bad and thought it could be a $500+ replacement. I think I'll give it a cleaning and see if that fixes the issue. If it is just dirty you saved my ass. If it is broken, cleaning it ain't gonna hurt! Cheers!
Just did this on my 2002 Beetle which has an 06' Jetta motor in. After I did as he showed, I cranked it once & it shut down asap. I cranked it twice, she sputtered and she shut down. I cranked her the third time and I revved the motor up to keep it running. She sputtered a but but then levelled off. NOW SHE IS PURRING LIKE A KITTEN AGAIN!!!!! THIS SCHIT WORKS GUYS !!!!
Thanks so much man! I was hoping there was a way to clean it instead of replacing it when it was throwing a code. Big relief. Thanks for making this video! Very helpful!
Excellent shot of the driveway pavement
dude you rule. saved me buying a new MAF
haha man.. exactly the video i was looking for. thought it was a long shot that i would even come close, but kind internet folk aren't just a myth. many, many thanks.
No. The ECM has it's own pre defined program for starting the car. After the first seconds it relies on the MAF and other inputs to get the vitals going.
I came back here, a couple of years after first seeing it, and I enjoyed the video again (grin). Is this one of those problems that can silently cause poor performance? Presumably underestimation of air flow would not affect gas mileage....?
Thank you for your videos they ROCK. I am getting ready to trade my jetta for a 4x4 and it picks now of all times to mess up. So hoping the MAF is the problem if not i'll be back.
peace out.
Great video - very helpful - the ending was hilarious
An honest mechanic showed me that Autozone has two MAFs that are almost identical. One model number just ends in "G" and the other doesn't. He showed me they gave me the wrong part. Thankfully, I was able to return it and get my money back after a little arguing with the clerk. I bought the correct part (OEM this time) and replaced it and it's worked perfectly since. The honest mechanic tested the voltage, etc for me and it was the MAF. Never again will I go to that dealership.
@TheRobersos I'm well aware of the marketing buzz around MAF cleaner and the taboo that is touching the sensors. They are quite fragile, but if you're gentle you'll find that this method works great. I've used both methods and I obviously like this way better. Think of a car wash- if you make contact with the car even gently it removes dirt and grime much better than simply rinsing over the car.
@PR4470 There are two likely scenarios that can cause this. 1. Something was inadvertently disconnected being a hose or the like creating a vacuum leak. 2. The cleaner was excessive and is supplementing the fuel side of the air/fuel mix by vaporization and will remedy itself as this supply/pool is exhausted.
AHHHH!!! Surprise ginger! Thanks for the walk through, just got my first Jetta and I'm trying to solve some issues that came up on the way home, 200mi from the dealer. (2002 J-wagon 2.0 5spd)
If it needs a jump your battery or battery terminals are failing due to an internal short or corrosion. Take your battery to a parts store and get it fully charged and then tested. Next undo your battery terminals and wire brush them clean. Next, use a battery terminal cleaner spray or baking soda and water to clean where you can't reach with a wire brush. If your battery tests bad replace it.
The thing to do is test for spark and injector pulse. That will tell you. If no spark it's your ignition system. If no pulse it's your Maf. If no spark and no pulse it's the crank sensor or PCM.
Old but gold thanks man💯
Welcome!
@ricotinez Maybe so. GENTLE is the key. If the Q-tip don't fit... gotta trim it or skip it. Those little wires are pretty thin/weak.
@JLAID It CAN. Most cars will start and then die due to an independent system for starting. Rough idle or stalling is a common symptom of a bad Mass Air Flow sensor.
Hi, your video is the best that I have found to learn how to clean the MAF. Making more research in the internet, however, I found that some guys recommend do not touch the air sensor and that MAF cleaner should be used instead alcohol. What do you think? What do you recommend?
@cars123911 Using MAF cleaner spray you'd be just fine. They are designed to hold up to moisture and dirt to a degree. Brake cleaner can ruin them, but doesn't every time and in all scenarios.
Inspect the gas tank area that receives/ shields the pump. Wiggle test the wire harness with the engine running.
@djkarkar Yes on all counts. However there should be a check engine light on and some associated codes too. Go by the codes.
I have a 2000 VR6 as well. It seems to be the same. However, I did have one problem. The screws are 5 point T20 tamper proof screws. Apparently they aren't common. All Autozone had were 6 point bits. So I just bought the MAF Sensor clearer and am planning to just disassemble the hose with the sensor in it and use that. Hopefully it works.
Got my mass airflow Sensor from vehiclevalueparts for cheapppp. Never again will I buy from a junk yard or dealer.. Great video by the way!
The best thing to do is to check your motor mounts and the slack on the wires. You can glue them for support, but likely vibration isn't enough to pull the wires.
You're welcome! And it means even more coming from a Ken Block fan. Now I KNOW you have good taste.
Thanx 4 posting.read some comments tryin to figure difference between dirty yet good mas and just a bad mas.ill try tmrow thanx
TPS is a throttle position sensor. It's located on the opposite side of your throttle body from your throttle cable where it kind of intercepts your intake hose. It's the black sensor with a three wire plug. Watch my vid on testing a TPS on my channel. *(they don't get dirty really_)
Just got a code 0171 on my S2000. Gonna try cleaning the MAF like you've been doing to see if it helps. Great work Brian! :D
Not sure if you’re still responding to comments, but I cleaned my maf on my vr6 gli, and it gave me an epc light and a check engine light. Thoughts?
@01sirvtec I use MAF cleaner now for the convenience because I do so many. Alcohol does well to just clean without stripping the sensor. Brake cleaner is too aggressive to use in this context.
As you said on the video to use a torx t-20. And on your last comment you said a star. Those are 2 different wrenches. Torx t-20 is 6 points and the star is 5 points. There is also a hex. But anyway I bought the 6 points torx. I took off the whole unit and to my surprise it's a star 5 point. So looks like I'm going back to autozone tomorrow. But I'm learning.
My Mitsubishi Pajero SUV (you call them something else in the US, Montero?) often stalls when revs drop after acceleration. I'v done all the easy things I know how to do, eg, air filter, spark plugs, etc, thinking it might be the air flow sensor, what do you think? Also my mate says throttle body cleaner is good for cleaning electrical connections, is that right? Cheers for all the great vids btw
Had to buy a t25 from snap on for 30 bucks to get my maf sensor out. Fit perfectly.
sorry brian I don't have the same car you have.
I have a 09 Lancer...
got off work last night then I felt like the car had less torque for a while so I heard about cleaning the maf so I did it before looking at your video...
then my rpm goes up and down... in a loop...
so I brought it to the garage this morning... they didn't had a spot available till tomorrow morning.
They will fix it over night I let you know tomorrow...
I am not a car wize... more like a computer wize... had I had rough week that was this was the cherry on the sunday for me... ouff
I watched a lot of videos after that and they don't recommend using alcohol for car newer then the year 2000...
My cousin had a mustang and he did the same trick you did and that pumped him with 10 hp more. His mustang is a beast now...
Vacuum leak likely. What's M.O.T. stand for? We measure Carbon Monoxide, HydroCarbons and the like here.
Hi Brian. I am having a problem finding the correct tool for my mass airflow sensor bolts. I've tried the T20 both hex and torx and star bit. Not fitting. I have a 2006 VW beetle convertible. Autozone has barred me from returning wrong items. Please advise.
i did the same thing.. only thing i had to do was go buy the cookies to move them aside.. for the rest everything went fine!! :D
Disconnect the power to the underglow and see if that helps. Otherwise go back over all your areas of work that may have affected the factory wiring harness or intake system.
Brian, I did this a while back, but was too hard on it and ruined the sensor. So I bought a new one from Autozone and it went faulty within a month. Took it to the dealership and they want $800 to replace the sensor, the housing, the wiring and the relay. I told them "NO WAY!"
It will go back to normal on it's own with time. It will get better mileage and run cleaner faster if you reset the codes.
They're pretty easy as to change as long as you have the tamper resistant torx bit it takes.
It's like the carwash. Sometimes a good hose down is all you need (like CRC Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner Spray) other times you gotta "scrub" by making light contact to break up the yuck.
Of course you can use it- that's what it's for. The question is- does it work? Yes. Yes it does.
@adamdport It's either genuinely worn out and a small amount of dirt blinds it ....... OR...... it's getting a lot of dirt for some reason I can't see from here.
@jdmderick You're welcome- thanks for stopping by.
Awesome! Thanks for the pointers, AND for that lightening-fast response!!! How might I check for injector pulse? I have NO IDEA how Ive never even heard that particular term before! Perhaps youre using slightly different terminology than Ive heard in the past. Either way, Im at a loss on that one.
It's often a broken ribbon on the clock spring. (name for air bag wire coil in the steering wheel.)
Excellent Brian ... I'll give it a try on my 2004 VW Golf TDI (Diesel) 1.9L when I can find the "security torx". Hope it fixes the car going into limp mode.
Great Tip about cleaning. If its not dirt why do they fail?
i just got through cleaning my MAF sensor and also cleaned my throttle body real good with the recommended cleaners, i used the CRC mass air flow sensor cleaner and the CRC throttle body cleaner, but now my car appears to be worse. before it was idling between 1200 to 1700 rpm up and down up and down when stopped at a red light, now it idles between 1600 to 2100 at a stop light. you think i need to replace the MAF sensor?
My MAF is going bad more often than it should (even once a month!). My air filter seems clean, any ideas why it's going bad so often?
@Shawncherchio What were your symptoms/trouble codes? If you have a vacuum leak or need a tune up- no amount of cleaning the MAF will correct a vacuum leak or install new spark plugs.
I have several vids that show how to do it. I need to just make a reference vid on that. I'll try to tomorrow.
@richu27 excessive fuel is not typically caused by dirty MAF sensor. The reference voltage to the sensor is usually 5 volts: At idle the value is half volts [approx] and at WOT wide open throttle close to 5 volts. a dirty or faulty sensor causes the voltage [or frequency] to be below normal values and most often create a too lean condition associated with CAT converter will not heat enough fault code. High fuel consumption is sometimes caused by injector dwell time or injector leaks
Thanks u for answer my comment. I cleaned it but it
did work n after I did it the light "EPC" turned on n that one of the doble
front traction. The car is hard to start It sounds n looks like is choke n
shakes alot in low rpm. N after it starts it makes alot of exhaust n it
smells like gasoline. Do u think I have to replace the maf sensor?or u
think my car have another problem? I changed spark plugs n cables n oil
filters air n oil. I don't think it has a problem w gas
Hey Brian, is there any chance that a dirty/faulty MAF could cause its vehicle to not start in hot weather? Ive got an 01 Golf that has been having problems firing up once it gets really hot outside. Engine turns over, just doesnt actually fire up. Plugs/wires/coil are all less than a year old, as well as the timing belt. Im going to check the fuel pump relay tomorrow, but just trying to troubleshoot as much as possible. Thanks in advance for your reply, and for this awesome video post!
Hey man I noticed on theright side of your sensor there are two really thin metal bars. I do not have those on mine, nor did I see them online when I looked at replacements. Is there a difference or?
@PR4470 part 2: fuel supply is disrupted especially if you break the electrical connection and ground by removing the throttle body. You would need to connect a programing scanner to the car and reestablish the base value for idle. The idle sometimes will not correct from draining the PCM memory or by driving the car. you need to establish a new base value [relearn] after cleaning. These systems are super sensitive and a cleaning alters the airflow value,so will replacing the throttle body
I am trying to clean mine, but none of the hex keys in the kit I bought fit it. What brand of hex key did you use, and where could I find one?
@PR4470 There are two separate issues here.If you clean the mas airflow meter [maf] you may not be solving the basic problems that are electronic in nature such as wrong frequency or voltage reading. You need to take some basic readings to insure that the voltage or frequency is correct to begin with. you need to verify the signal coming from the Power Control Module [PCM] and the ground. When you clean your throttle body the base factory value of airflow corresponding to the fuel supply is
i believe there is a fuse right at the top of the battery which controls ac fan and and rad fan(engine fan) see if the fuse is out? if its not the fuse its probably ur relay which is right at the bottom of the battery, to get there u need to remove ur battery, that relay also controls both ur fan
Can't we use Denatured alcohol and just submerge this whole unit? I have a 2004 R32, but the process should be the same for my CAI mounted MAF sensor.
Ok, I did this, but may have been too aggressive with the cleaning. The q-tip didn't want to fit in those small spaces, so I had to apply a little pressure. Now I still have the check engine light and now the EPC light is on. Odd? Time to buy a new MAF?
I've changed the MAF sensor a couple of times over the last 6 years and it's fixed the problem immediately - so thank you for your video! Today's new trouble is a P0102 code "MAF A-Circuit low input" message with what appears to me to an obvious electrical issue. Do you know if there is an easy (as in: I can do it myself) way to check/change the connector, wiring, and pins?
hey buddy, my gf 2011 jetta has been getting check engine light, as well as EPC code on dash. her idle is really rough and getting on the road was slow get up, and in 3rd/4th gear it didnt want to go more than 30 mph... i unplugged the sensor to the MAF... and she said its driving like a brand new car. Do you think a cleaning would be good start or replacing the whole MAF sensor? thank you!
Hey Brian. Great vid. very helpful.
Instead of swabbing, is it ok to use the MAF sensor spray cleaner?
thank you in advance
I got some mass air flow cleaner , is it better to use the cotton swab method with alcohol and if using maf spray cleaner what would I spray ?
Hi mate. quick one: Opel Astra G 1.6 16V. When I drive it , it has no power and the engine feels like turning off. I disconnected the Air flow sensor and I have the same problem. if the sensor is the problem is it normal to have the same symptoms without the sensor? If yes, can I clean the sensor instead of buy another one? Thanks mate All the best
yeah it sure did,it says on the can not to use it on vortex maf sensor but i forgot to read the directions before i used,you think the 2.0 or 1.8 are interchangeable with the 3.0?
I recently replaced my MAF for my 2001 New Beetle Diesel TDI. The old one was missing the two wires. The new one lasted about a month and the wires also came loose. The disel motor vibrates alot-typlical of this kind of motor I'm told. I was curious-do you think I could use some type of glue to help hold these in place as long as I didn't get excessive or allow the glue to touch the other wires? Thanks
It COULD be the problem, but it can be something else making it lean too. Like a vacuum leak etc.
@LatinoHeatttt I would love to, but I don't repair them- just replace them. I can do one of those if you like?
"(2002 J-wagon 2.0 5spd)" It's a 2 liter, non turbo and I'm using the T6 5w40, I use the 15w40 in "equipment" and a couple of motorcycles. "As you might realise I am tech nerd...haha" Haha indeed, me too. The plan is actually to swap out the AVH driveline/ecu/gauges/fuel tank for a 2002-2003 TDI setup. Over the summer I need to sell two cars and four bikes then find a running donor car for the swap. Geeky enough for you? I basically bought this car for the nice leather and rust free body.
Hi..i wanted to say that i did exact the same thing that you posted in the video and i broken my MAF..i broked it before i saw the video so stay chill :) i'm not blaming you but what could of broken the MAF?..i used Izopropilic Alchool and q-tips..the MAF was working but was dirty so i decided to clean it..now is dead..if I unplugged it the car is working fine..i think that i forced a q-tip to enter in the hole where the plate is at the bottom of the sensor..maybe that broked it?
@fixityourself1 You're welcome. Thanks for posting.
@kyproset Sometimes a shot gun is the fastest way to clear the dishes from the table after dinner. I understand.
Great video I have a 2002 Volkswagen Beetle 2.0 gas check engine light is on with a code of PO441 could be 1 of 12 things suggest to clean the MAF sensor and check purge valve or the air pump could be bad. Also suggest a new gas cap. From the video the MAF looks real similar to where mine is located I purchased the can of cleaner. My question is mine is attached to a black plastic coil hose do I pull it apart from the hose??
Thank you. I will get back to this video and comment if the MAF has anything to do with my no start.
great help thanks for taking the time to make this vid
Is the theft (key) light on?
I got a 2010 vw jetta 2.5L it's been having some hard shifting issues going on not sure what it is, I gotta replace the tensioner and the belts but that shouldn't be the issue rn. No matter if I'm in drive or sport i usually have to let off the gas to reduce air flow before the hard shift. Even going 65 70 it will hard shift. Do you know what the possible issues would be?
Hey i'm a newbie trying to do the exact same thing but just messed up! I was reading on another site that you could spray the outside of the maf screen not the sensor exactly will i now need to replace it cause i didn't see this video in time?
Hi Brian, great informative video. Want to ask advice, I have a VW Polo, failed it's MOT on emissions, they were too high when on high idle, also the idle is lumpy when stationary, for example when stopped at traffic lights, the revs will go up and down and sometimes it will stall. Could this be a faulty Air Pressure Sensor? There is no engine management light showing up on the dashboard. Thanks. :)
I have 2010 VW Tiguan, the check engine light is on because of the mass air flow sensor. Is the light will go off if i do the same way cleaning? Thanks
I've tried cleaning mine. Code still comes up. Might just have to replace it. Thank you.
Brian, I know this is an older video but I have a question and hoping you can help me. I have a 00 jetta 2.0 and when it is cold it bucks a little at low RPMS. Once it warms up to 190 degrees it runs like a champ. Do you think the MAF is my issue?
am having same problem, did replacing the MAF fix the issue?
So i got the code for MAF i called vw they state there are 2 MAF on top and behind.
Can i ise regular rubbing alcohol on this or does it have to be that kind you use
Hi can I use maf sensor cleaning spray to clean the maf or should I use rubbing alcohol ? Thanks
The light is to tell you that it's not working (due to being unclipped) it's all to save you money on gas and to keep the air clean.
you mentioned the face was really dirty and was giving you a code, what was the fault code you received?
Hi brian you used Isopropyl alcohol, how about methylated spirit or thinner?
Time to get your codes read and post that info. You're check engine light should be on. If it's not- you may have a failed fuel pump.
Hi there.
Nice tutorial
Any idea on how to clean the maf on vw 1.6 tdi ?
Those are glued down to a plastic pipe.
Thanks in advance
What are the golf 4 8v maf sensor voltage values? There is fluctuation in the vehicle, can it be done from the computer
@joshw604 Could be the anti- theft system, MAF, etc. I'd get a wire diagram for you year model and check if it's got some funky kill features on the oil sending unit, or security crap in the door that has a broken wire in the boot at the front of the door etc. Try unlocking the trunk with the key and then get in and try to start it.
briansmobile1 ....congrats ....good video! question now ...can I replace the thermistor by heating the terminals, pulling out the faulty or broken one and setting new negative polarity one?..if could it be done ...what should I be care of? thinking about, it´s cheaper to buy a CH$2.000.- thermistor than a complete set of MAF for about $40.000.- therefore any help will be appreciated!
Hey man, I'm confused on this. I just did this, I did use the Mass Air Flow cleaner. But I wipped all the spots down like you said. Now. My car doesn't even recognize it's there. It's plugged in. Is there something I missed?
Are you trolling about people potentially being too rough with a sensor or are you serious?
maybe its just needed to be replaced