Looking for MAF sensor cleaning advice

Hello forum. I was having really bad stumbling/hesitation issue while it was idling, while taking off from a stop, and even while maintaining a constant speed at freeway speeds. It was getting worse and worse until I finally got tired of it, did some research, and decided that cleaning the MAF sensor and throttle body butterfly valve was the most likely way to fix this.

Well I cleaned both things, and the problem almost went away, but the stumbling/hesitation issue is still there it's just far less intense than it was before. It's about 25% as intense as it used to be. I could live with this but I want it nice and perfect again. Let alone the gas mileage I'm missing out on having the air/fuel ratio going cattywompus all the time must be costing me money in fuel.

My question is: Can I clean the MAF sensor elements with more than just blasting it with MAF sensor cleaner from a can? Will I damage those little sensors if I use a small, fine-bristled brush (like a toothbrush or something even smaller) along with more MAF sensor cleaning solution?

Edit (12/29/20): This issue was eventually solved. The stumble/hesitation/misfire issue was fixed 75% of the way by replacing the MAF with a new one. The other 25% of this issue was fixed by replacing all 8 ignition coils and all 8 spark plugs. Replacing the fuel injectors made no difference at all.

 

I took macro pictures of the sensor before and after spraying it real good with CRC Mass Airflow cleaner. The picture that looks less dirty is actually the before picture. There was a fine layer of dust-like material that was washed off. But if I get in there with a brush and more solvent, I can get it a hell of a lot cleaner than that.

 

Go to Hitachi Store on the biggest retail website in the world and buy a new one. My 4.7L 2002 MAF was out of spec due to age and I asssume yours might be, as well. Hitachi makes Toyota MAF and they scratch the Toy name off due to branding issues. $50 vs 150.

I cleaned my old one with spray and it still wouldn’t get all the cack off (similar to yours). Used a Digital Meter and tested the spec OHMs and they were off so went and bought a new one. I’d not use any type of brush to clean your old one. Buy new.

 

This^^^^

 

Buy a new one, try your way and see if it works. If it does, report back. If it doesn't, you have a new one ready to swap in.

 

Yes! Awesome tip. I just went over there and found that exact sensor, MAF 0048, and ordered it. $55 with free shipping. Boo-yah! It's supposed to be here Saturday. I'll give an update soon.

Hey just for good measure, would you guys recommend replacing the O2 sensor too? Like maybe if the ECU is reading the wrong amount of oxygen in the exhaust, that might exacerbate air/fuel ratio issues caused by the MAF?

 

Yeah. I replaced all 4 of my o2 sensors at the same time as the MAF Sensor. My fronts were replaced about 8 years ago with Bosch by a shop. They were out of spec. My rears looked to be original Toyota. Those were out of spec, as well.

Go back to that website to the Denso Store and order all 4 New o2 Sensors. They run about $50 each. My truck runs so much better. The torque and engine response after is insanely better if yours were old like mine.

Buy a thread chaser and

$6 o2 Socket , 7/8" (22mm) with 3/8" drive, universal fit for vehicle oxygen sensor removal

o2 Socket to make things easy. You’ll need 4 new nuts for the rear.

 

Where is this voodoo cheap hitachi store you speak of @Professional Hand Model

 

Dammit, did I miss another big guurl reference?

 

$75 Hitachi MAF0048 Mass Air Flow Sensor

https://www.amazon.com/Hitachi-MAF0...maf+tundra&qid=1602224444&s=automotive&sr=1-2

 

Cheapest I found.....not sure I trust it at that price. LOL
https://www.walmart.com/ip/For-1997...453476?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=5404

 

Keywords: LIGHTEST POSSIBLE TOUCH, GENTLE TOUCH, BEARLY TOUCHING
(Just put that at the top so some ham-fisted knuckle-head doesn't reference this post and miss the most important part.)

I hesitate to give this advice because if you're not really gentle with the cleaning, you could possibly damage your MAF sensor. But here goes:

I've had the same experience as the OP with MAF sensors on my Tundra and other vehicles. The spray cleans the majority of the gunk off, but it's clear that there's still residue left on the elements. So what I do is soak the end of a Q-tip with MAF sensor cleaner and WITH THE LIGHTEST TOUCH POSSIBLE, JUST BARELY TOUCHING THE SENSORS, I thoroughy clean them with the Q-tip. Imagine you're using that Q-tip to try to clean a strand of a spider web -- that's how careful you need to be. Go gently and slowly, then rinse with a good blast or two of MAF sensor cleaner.

It works really well.

Now if you test it and it's not in spec, all the cleaning in the world isn't going to help... just replace it.

 

I can't stand that guy.

 

He is a valid source of information.

 

Bearly touch it though.

 

Good catch!

 

How did hand model get a red one? I don't see it.

 

So what you're saying is me and @FirstGenVol shouldnt use this method?

 

Instructions for you two:
Soak the head of your 5 pound sledge hammer with MAF cleaner, and give the MAF sensor a gentle tap.

 

Earlier this year I cleaned the MAF & TB on both trucks, my fingers don't always function 100% and I ended up dropping the MAF for the 2002 while cleaning it. I picked it up of the grass, sprayed it with cleaner again, and installed it after drying... it works just fine.

 

Depending on how dirty you throttle body was, it may make sense to unbolt it and clean the backside also. I thought I had cleaned mine really well, but then I had to pull it to replace the throttle position sensor and I was surprised how much gunk was still there.

Have you also checked your spark plugs and air filter?

 

This thread caused me to pick up TB and MAF cleaner today.

 

I just did our 4runner over the weekend

 

Ours come with a cover. If you look closely on yours you will see it. It pops off and can be painted. Snaps back on the new one.

 

I find his videos lacking in substance. And his delivery, to me, is like nails on a blackboard.

 

+1 to that. It was the worst behind the throttle plate on mine.

 

Ha ha, yeah really, me too. I know that guy's videos are full of great automotive information, but for some reason his personality makes me want to punch him in the face. Plus his nasaly, high-pitched voice makes my skin crawl. I'd rather listen to a cat being strangled. I'd rather listen to a baby elephant getting ripped apart by hyenas.

I didn't try using a small brush on the MAF sensor, I just bought that exact replacement mentioned earlier in this thread and installed it. I STILL have a slight hesitation/stumble/misfire sensation every once in a while, but it's now about 90% better than it used to be. I reckon I will be back to 100% better once I replace all 4 oxygen sensors. Thanks for your help everyone!

 

I’m thinking I should get one also. Everyone is going to buy them out and there won’t be any left!

Just like toilet paper earlier this year...