The mass air flow sensor is a vital component for reliable and optimal engine operation. The air passing by the sensor will leave a microscopic residue that accumulates and eventually cause the sensor to malfunction.
The specialized MAF sensor cleaner seems like an added expense and you might be tempted to try something you’ve already got at home, like WD-40, brake cleaner, or a similar product.
The mass air flow sensor is extremely sensitive and cannot be cleaned by any alternative. Only use the products that are clearly intended for this application.
You’ve come to this article looking for alternative products to use on your mass air flow sensor, but I’m here to warn you not to use any of them. There are many articles recommending various mainstream cleaners, but using them guarantees sensor failure.
It’s better to buy a $10 cleaner than to spend $50 – $150 on a new mass air flow sensor.
While WD-40 and brake cleaner will get the dirt off the MAF sensor, the problem is that they leave a layer of residue on the hot wire, effectively making it worse. In theory, the residue provides an insulation layer to the wire, making it harder to cool. The computer will think there’s less air flowing, and adjust the fuel injection accordingly, resulting in a lean mixture.
The second problem is the sensitivity of the sensor wire. Brake cleaners and degreasers are aggressive chemical solutions and may damage the sensor. Even touching the sensor is enough to pass the grease from the skin to the sensor and affect its accuracy.
The only alternative that could potentially work is an electronics cleaner, but I wouldn’t take that risk. There’s no point in buying an alternative spray when the MAF sensor cleaner isn’t particularly expensive.
The mass air flow sensor is located between the air filter and the throttle body. Trace the air hose from the filter and you’ll find the plug sticking out with a wiring harness attached to it. The section of the hose is called a MAF sensor housing that has an additional particle filter.
The sensor uses an ingenious design to determine how much air is flowing towards the engine. It contains a hot wire that is heated through an electric current that wants to keep a constant temperature.
Once you accelerate or increase the speed of the vehicle, more air will flow through, cooling the wire down. In turn, more current will be sent to the hot wire to maintain the constant temperature. By checking the electrical current, the vehicle’s computer can tell how much air is flowing into the engine and adjust fuel injection accordingly.
The primary benefits of the MAF sensor are the faster throttle response and better fuel economy as the computer can quickly adjust the air-fuel mixture based on the data provided.
The particle accumulation on the MAF sensor will cause a number of problems with the engine. You might experience symptoms similar to low fuel compression or general fuel-related issues.
Starting the engine will be difficult and it may stall in the first few seconds of running. Stepping on the gas will cause jerking or hesitation, and the driving experience will feel off.
The engine will run rich or lean depending on how the sensor is reacting, so you may get a smell of gas or engine hiccups.
Without taking the drying period into the account, cleaning the MAF sensor is a 5-minute job. Aside from a screwdriver and a MAF sensor cleaner, you most likely don’t need any other tools.
| Image | Title | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 | CRC Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner, 4.5 Wt Oz, 05610 | ||
 | Klein Tools 32500 11-in-1 Screwdriver / Nut Driver Set, 8 Bits (Phillips, Slotted, Torx, Square), 3 Nut Driver Sizes, Cushion Grip Handle | ||
 | ACDelco GM Original Equipment A3144C Air Filter | ||
 | Black Vinyl Disposable Gloves Large 50 Pack - Latex Free, Powder Free Medical Exam Gloves - Surgical, Home, Cleaning, and Food Gloves - 3 Mil Thickness |
The first thing you need to do is disconnect the wiring harness. If possible, take it off with the housing, otherwise, unscrew the sensor and pull it out. Wear gloves and do not touch the sensor at any point.
Give the MAF cleaner a good shake and spray the sensor. If you’ve taken it along with the housing, do not spray through the filter as that will push the dirt towards the sensor. Instead, spray from the opposite side and you’ll clean both components. Repeat a few times to be thorough.
There’s an arrow on the top of the sensor indicating the direction it needs to face, but before placing the sensor back, let it dry for 10-20 minutes. If the cleanup didn’t help, you can use these steps to replace the sensor – but again, don’t touch the sensitive components.
There are a lot of DIY videos and written guides on the subject, but I wouldn’t recommend using anything other than a MAF sensor cleaner. Some people use acetone and cotton buds. The claim is that acetone does not leave residue, but the same cannot be said for the cotton bud which may leave fibres. Also, this method can only clean the sensor to an extent, while the spray has the capability to penetrate from all directions.
Electrical cleaners may contain oil to protect electrical contacts, which is not good for the MAF sensor.
Petrol is corrosive and it’s possible that it will damage the sensitive material the sensor is made of.
Given how easy and relatively inexpensive the cleaning is, you should always try it before replacing the sensor. Aftermarket sensors start at $50, while a can of cleaner solution can be bought for just $5 – $10
Yes, cleaning the MAF sensor will have a significant impact on performance, especially if it has become very dirty. The sensor indirectly affects the air-fuel mixture and helps the computer adjust the mixture for optimal performance.
VehicleFreak is on a mission to provide cheap and simple DIY repairs for your vehicle as long as they’re safe and reliable. Even though isopropyl alcohol, acetone, or electronics cleaner may work, there are plenty of cases where the car runs fine for a day or two only to shut down completely and require a new MAF sensor.
You’ll already save plenty by not going to a mechanic, so use a MAF sensor cleaner and get the job done right.
Find more tips about mass air flow sensors in these posts:
Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner Alternatives For Your Car
Why Does My Car Start Out Rough Then Smooths Out?
Car Won’t Stay Running Unless Foot Is On Gas
