2004 Highlander MAF & TB Cleaning

[@abyssalsoul6216]

If I may add. There is a TSB ( Technical Service Bulletin) out for not sparaying into the TB ( Throttle Body). I found out the hard way. Rather spray unto a rag , wipe and clean the dirty surfaces. The problem is that cleaning fluid can, via the shaft , enter the electronics area of the TB and cause havoc. I realize that it is hard to film and perform this task and I applaud you for videoing this. When I do this I use one finger to gently rotate the butterfly and wipe with the other hand. Some folks turn the ignition on and depress the gas pedal for the butterfly to fully open. I rathe not do it this way though.

[@condor5635]

Thanks a lot for this little tip. I would assume you’re saying it would enter the throttlebody electronics at the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock positions where the throttlebody butterfly shaft is located and exits, the throttlebody on both sides. As long as you stay away from direct spraying at those locations, I’m guessing it’s safe to get fluid at the bottom area. Thanks again for posting this.

[@DIYLifeSkills]

Yeah, I can see some spray particles making it past the small hole. For video, I leave the TB intact, but without the video, I actually remove the TB to clean it thoroughly, including the back side.

[@condor5635]

@@DIYLifeSkills - i did it last night. I spent a good 45 minutes cleaning it - continued using pieces of shop rags until nothing left. Mine was very dirty so glad I did it. Also did the MAF sensor. Was careful to keep the two screws in a little plastic box. The box, however, fell over and I lost one of the screws - always has to be something! Now I gotta figure out where to find another screw like that.

[@DIYLifeSkills]

@@condor5635 Hardware store has it. Just drive over there and take out the screw to find a matching one.

[@DIYLifeSkills]

@@condor5635 Nice work. It's a pretty common screw. Drive to hardware store, and then, take out the remaining screw, and you can find a matching one. Should be like 10 cents. :-)

[@mikimiki195]

I just completed Throw the body and MAF sensor cleaning on three cars Lexus is250 Mercedes Benz ml350 Ford f150 Vehicle are tuning noticeably better and throttle body’s were crazy dirt specially inside Thanks for video 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@DIYLifeSkills]

Great to hear that those cars running better. Now do this cleaning every 25-30K miles.

[@TheN4UM4N]

This is a great video for any V6 Toyota owners! I think it’s roughly the same for all Lexus/Toyota engines as they share a lot of parts.

[@Holdmaabeer]

Thank for your info, it was very practical, informative, and relatable. Especially, since the Highlander you featured is a lot like mine.

[@DIYLifeSkills]

Very reliable car. Only valve cover leak is the weakest point.

[@RefrigeratedTP]

I have a 2005 Camry with the 3mz-fe in it that my younger self neglected. Thank you for making this video dude. edit: oh damn it's completely different LOL

[@DIYLifeSkills]

That’s a nice car they can last a long time. I used to have 2002 Camry 6 cylinder also.

[@RefrigeratedTP]

@@DIYLifeSkills I love it. Couldn't bring myself to sell it so I'm trying to take care of it. Got a 2018 Tacoma instead of a 2023 Tacoma. Gotta say I'm happy I made that compromise

[@DIYLifeSkills]

@@RefrigeratedTP Tacoma holds the resale value the best amongst all Toyota cars.

[@RefrigeratedTP]

@@DIYLifeSkills I love my Tacoma, but I do like driving my Camry more. Tacoma hauls my equipment- Camry is for errands done quick haha

[@DIYLifeSkills]

@@RefrigeratedTP My family had 4 Camrys (1985, 2002, 2009, 2013), 3 Corollas (1985, 2014, 2016), 2021 Highlander, and 2 Lexus (2006 GS300, 2008 IS250). Ive had other cars, but usually used it for short time just to fix and flip them. Basically, my family only drives Toyota and Lexus for their reliability.

[@milehighgaragespeedshop1065]

Pro video. Well done. THX

[@DIYLifeSkills]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@abyssalsoul6216]

I cleaned the TB on my sons 2010 Civic and that needed an interrogating scan tool ( OBD2) to reset the idle. Otherwise the idle stays at 1200 rpms or so till the reset. Fortunately I had that tool and did the reset

[@DIYLifeSkills]

Toyota and Lexus's ECU will just relearn as you drive, but I know some cars have to force the relearn.

[@mikimiki195]

I just give you 100th 👍🏻 I will try this tomorrow I will update you if it works 👍🏻

[@patkelly7839]

Hi..i have a 2006 V6 Highlander but could not open butterfly by stepping on the gas pedal. is this normal?

[@DIYLifeSkills]

Yeah it’s no longer manual and it’s electronically controlled, which means the engine must be running to open the butterfly using gas pedal. However, there is a motor with plastic gears attached that controls how much the flap is opened or closed, so when engine is running DO NOT try ti adjust the flap as you can break the plastic gear that’s engaged. It’s best to do TB cleaning with engine turned off. At that point you can adjust the flap but there is a spring force so close it carefully rather than letting it slam shut.