How To Clean A Toyota Mass Air Flow Sensor/ Hot Wire MAF

In this video I go over how to clean a "hot wire" Toyota Mass Air Flow sensor. Simply remove the MAF sensor. Spray MAF sensor cleaner onto the hot wires and temperature probe. Allow the sensor to dry completely and then reinstall the sensor.
Warning: As mentioned in the video Toyota used what is called a Karman Vortex MAF sensor on some of their earlier models. Using MAF cleaner to clean this type of MAF sensor can damage the sensor. Do not use MAF cleaner on a Karmen Vortex MAF sensor. If your can of MAF sensor cleaner does not have a 1-800 number to "tech support", I'd suggest calling a parts pro at one of many parts stores to confirm if the MAF sensor you are working on is not a Karman Vortex MAF sensor. You can also get this information from a reputable repair manaul.
Warning: Be sure your vehicle is not running and that the vehicle is placed into park with the parking brake applied before attempting this repair. Be sure that the vehicle is parked on a flat level surface. Doing these things can greatly reduce the risk of accidents.
DISCLAIMER
Barbour's Auto Help is not responsible for any damage or personal injury incurred in the process of performing any auto repairs done by you the viewer. Automotive repair is extremely dangerous. Repair your vehicle at your own risk. It is the viewers responsibility to verify all information and procedures as outlined in YOUR REPAIR MANUAL AND OWNERS MANUAL FOR YOUR VEHICLE. Owning and using a repair manual suited for your vehicle is essential for correctly and safely performing ANY repair to your vehicle. Always wear safety glasses, protective gloves and heed all instructions for use applicable to any piece of equipment you may use. Due to circumstances out of the control of Barbour's Auto Help, Barbour's Auto Help makes no guarantee that by the use of the information given in this video a quality repair will be made. Barbour's Auto Help makes no guarantee that the information provided is totally complete, synchronized and accurate. Verify everything using an appropriate repair manual. Verify everything with your own research

[@johnwagner4559]

Good job as ALWAYS Keith!

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

Thank you, Sir!

[@dalawa2557]

The MAF sensor of my '95 Tacoma looks different from what I see in your video. I have a CRC MAF sensor cleaner but have not yet used it yet because there is a notification at the back of the can not to use it if the sensor is the Karman-Vortex type as found in some older Toyota vehicles. I have not read on the Internet if my Tacoma has that type of MAF sensor. Appreciate any comment you can give.

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

I would ask your parts pro. They should be able to tell you.

[@oscarpintor7641]

No need gasket in the flange .

[@StormManAB]

Have you noticed improvement from cleaning this? I am literally replacing everything on my Corolla and I still have an unsteady idle and not good power vibration at 2800-3200rpm but mainly vibration relates to torque acceleration I am changing my vvti solenoids…. I thought of cleaning this mas airflow sensor. But literally getting no check engine lights…. But the drive is not as it used to be. It all started with fuel pump…. Had fuel pump replaced Timing chain Spark plugs Both cv axels All suspension Front bearings Hot oil flush Transmission Clutch All engine seals except head gasket Radiator flush and fill And all exhaust leaks repaired Throttle body serviced but not replaced And after all those replacements Still vibration So I thought to do vvti solenoids Because at one period I neglected oil changes the vvti solenoids were dirty I did clean them but then the performance suffered so now I am replacing…. I have done thousands in diagnostics and I now think it’s a sensor or solenoid causing the problems. But I am not a mechanic. I am 12k into a never ending headache and more then ever I just want to find the problem I thought of just buying a computer to check codes but worry I will get a bad brand and not sure what is the best computer for Toyota. Any thoughts to check would be helpful and immensely appreciated Thanks And thanks for the video as this I will attempt after vvti gear is replaced…

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

If you’re 12k in stop. Take it to a shop and pay for them to diagnose it. I don’t know how much it will cost but there is a better chance of you not replacing parts that are not needed. Sometime paying someone is cheaper.

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

Be sure to take it to a reputable shop. Do your research.

[@StormManAB]

@@BarboursAutoHelp I paid 12 k to reputable shops 3 Toyota shops, one specialty shop two local shops all have raved reviews…. Toyota 2k$ in diagnostics, specialty shop 450$ diagnostics, secondary raved shops 800$ in diagnostics. I did all of what everyone told me to do by hired professional, I only did little things ….Seems mechanics just guess. No codes no check engine. All the problems come from acceleration and around 3k rpm. Everything checked I figured maybe I can get them to check something they haven’t. I check many forums….. I have 3 shops willing to check and diagnose for free two Toyota shop which got me a to do list the whole list is completed…. But the main underlying problem is not fixed. I feel it’s something stupid….. something not failed but wearing or failing. That’s why I want to clean the sensors I can clean and replace what I can replace because that is cheap compared to what I paid. When your this deep into a car you bought from new kind of committed now. I will see this come if Friday what and if anything is discovered. Just frustrated with the industry I find mechanics plays with customers money rather then doing a thorough job…. They make suggestions but just pass it off whil I invested this much the car should be like new….

[@BEEZYS-WORLD]

Maybe time for a new car bud

[@moonrunnerredline327]

Dude I broke the wires down in the hole. Can I replace them or join them back up ?

[@BarboursAutoHelp]

I’d say it’s time to replace the sensor

[@moonrunnerredline327]

@BarboursAutoHelp yea I'd agree but I'm trying for a fix just enough to get to scrapyard. Just wondering what components are used for the platinum wire and the thermistor?

[@FatTofu-pu2li]

How did you break the wires lol. Did you shove the straw all the way into the sensor?

[@moonrunnerredline327]

@FatTofu-pu2li I was cleaning all the black soot stuff off the sensor with an ear cleaner and I poked it down the hole and broke the wires. Does anyone know what those components are made of ? Is there a temporary fix? After what I've done it won't Rev past 3000rpm