Cleaning MAFs

[mrbeetlebrain]

Hi all, is there a good how to on cleaning MAFs, I just cleaned my wifes MAF in her A4 and it made a lot of difference and I just wondered if there was a guide on here for the Beetle if (and when) it needs doing.

Cheers, paul

[beetlejuice]

I have never heard of routine cleaning of the MAF. Do you mean throttle body?
I had to clean the MAF on another car because it was throwing a CEL - possibly caused by running a K&N. If you do mean the MAF, just pull the sensor out of the tube and spray it with non-residue contact cleaner. Your may need a security torx bit to remove it.
I was thinking of cleaning the TB on our car but that stupid hose is freakin' hard to get off.
b

[manoverboard987]

i plan on cleaning my MAF this summer when i clean my air filter. the easiest way i've seen to clean it is, once it's off, leave it in a bag of isopropyl alcohol for a few minutes, then swish it around top dislodge whatever gunk is in/on it, then take it out and leave it dry completely.

as far as taking it off, it's bolted to the top half of the airbox (the airbox cover if you will). i plan on disconnecting the hose leading to it, then the electrical connection to the MAF, then loosen the tabs around the cover and the (i think) 2-ish screws holding it in, then pulling the whole thing out.

they say the 2 screws holding it to the cover don't fit any driver they've tried, but i trust you can figure out how best to creatively remove them. (as will I.) just don't forget that you need to resuse both the screws and the holes.

tell us how it goes!

[Oyveychris]

Vise grips work well!

[mrbeetlebrain]

Cool, thanks for that - everything's working great at the moment so I haven't got any plans to tamper with it - but when I do - I'll let you know!

[Fowvay]

"How To" Clean your MAF

Items needed. 90% or stronger Isopropyl Alcohol, 1 Gallon Ziploc baggy, Phillips head screw driver, 10mm socket and 6" extension.



1) Undo Clamp from the left side of the MAF and unplug.

2) Remove air box with MAF attached.

3) Unbolt MAF

4) Pour 1 bottle of 90% or stronger Isopropyl Alcohol (rubbing alcohol) into a 1 gallon Ziploc baggy.

5) Drop in MAF

6) Swish around for a few minutes.

7) Remove from baggy and allow to dry for 15 minutes

8) Reinstall.


As Always Do This At Your Own Risk

[manoverboard987]

Originally Posted by Fowvay

"How To" Clean your MAF

Items needed. 90% or stronger Isopropyl Alcohol, 1 Gallon Ziploc baggy, Phillips head screw driver, 10mm socket and 6" extension.

o good, so i had it pretty much right on the nose.

thanks!

[beetlejuice]

they say the 2 screws holding it to the cover don't fit any driver they've tried, but i trust you can figure out how best to creatively remove them. (as will I.) just don't forget that you need to resuse both the screws and the holes.

Those fasteners have what's called security torx heads. You can find a security torx bit at a tool store. Look in the yellow pages.
You don't really need to soak the sensor - just spray it good with non-residue electronics cleaner. And be careful not to damage it - sloshing may not be a good idea.
b

[mrbeetlebrain]

On the Audi website they recommended contact cleaner and it seemed to do the job - you don't have to dissemble it as well - I used a quarter of a can cleaning it and felt the cars power to be a lot smoother and stronger.

[No Slug]

First, here is my problem. Starts up on a cold start and runs perfectly. Turn off and re-start while hot, within 20-30 minutes, it idles rough and the brake pedal is hard to push in. It will fix itself each time, no CEL. It comes and goes. Just so I don't clean this wrong, it's the MAF hose and not the sensor, right? Any other thoughts? Thanks in advance.

Later, Rich

[Oyveychris]

vacuum leak in brake booster line!

[No Slug]

Wow, where's that line at? Is it the same vacuum line as on top of the 1.8t plumbing? If so, I have leftover.

Thanks, Rich

[Fowvay]

I was at Murrays the other day and noticed that CRC now makes an actual MAF cleaner. So this must be an issue across the board and not just on dubs.

I bought some. Sprayed it in and it cleaned it right up. Dried instantly. Seems like good stuff and not a bad deal for $5 a can. Should be able to clean your MAF a dozen times or so.

[mgwerks]

NO, it's the sensor. As in Mass Airflow Sensor.

[No Slug]

10-4...unplug the little sensor and spray her down, eh?

Later, Rich

[mgwerks]

NO, it's the sensor. As in Mass Airflow Sensor.

[Oyveychris]

Originally Posted by No Slug

Wow, where's that line at? Is it the same vacuum line as on top of the 1.8t plumbing? If so, I have leftover.

Thanks, Rich

I think it's larger diameter. Mine had a nasty split in it and caused all sorts of wierdness:hard brake pedal that would go away after restart, stumbling idle, hesitation. The booster is on the right side of the engine compartment just behind the air filter box. You'll have to feel around in there and try to locate the split.

[No Slug]

Thanks Chris, those are the symptoms. How was it to replace?

Later, Rich

[Oyveychris]

Actually, that was replaced by the stealer after me banging my head around under the hood for about a week. I tried everything I could think of before I took it, but they diagnosed it immediately, Doh! I wish there was a "ask a nurse" phone line for beetle owners, because sometimes the symptoms are so darned random. In this case I had a bad brake booster hose, bad o2 sensor, and bad fuel pump regulator. I fixed 2 out of the 3, but that vacuum leak was throwing all kinds of wacky codes.

I imagine it's a pretty easy fix, you'll just have to remove the airbox to get to it, loosen a couple of clamps, and you are home free. Good luck!

[No Slug]

I sure wouldn't have figured it was the brake booster line but it makes sense. I'll be pricing those lines and trying it this weekend.