If your vehicle shows signs of a rough idle, loss of power, or even a “Check Engine” light warning, there’s a good chance your Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor is dirty.
These days, most fuel-injected engines are equipped with an MAF sensor; this device measures the volume of air entering the engine. The computer then uses this information to determine how much fuel must be injected into the motor.
In most cases, the MAF sensor gets dirty with accumulated debris, usually oil, dust and pollen, that can cause inaccurate sensor readings and negatively affect the engine’s air-to-fuel ratio.
Signs of a dirty MAF sensor include:
- Loss of engine power
- Poor fuel economy
- Stalling
- Rough idle, and…
- Excessive emissions
Technicians and other DIY automotive enthusiasts will often try to use throttle body cleaner, carburettor cleaner, or even brake-part cleaner to clean the engine’s MAF sensor. These cleaners are often far too aggressive for this application and risk warping or damaging sensitive components – including the plastic housing surrounding the MAF sensor.
CRC’s Air Sensor Clean Pro is specifically developed to clean MAF sensors without damaging or degrading plastic, painted surfaces or sensitive components.
Here’s how to use CRC’sAir Sensor Clean Pro
- Use CRC’s Air Sensor Clean Pro with the engine off.
- Unplug the MAF wiring harness.
- Remove the vehicle’s air filter to gain access to the MAF sensor (usually located between the air box and the throttle body)
- Removing the sensor is recommended for best results, but it’s not necessary.
- Apply 10 to 15 short bursts of CRC MAF cleaner to the hot wire or hot plate.
- Keep the end of the straw 100 to 120 mm away from the hot wire while spraying.
- Allow to dry thoroughly before starting the engine
The above process takes under 10 minutes to perform and should be done every 15 000 to 20 000 km. Or alternatively, every time the engine’s air filter is replaced.
Click HERE for more information on CRC’s Air Sensor Clean Pro.
