How to fix the MAF Mass Air Flow Sensor on a Volkswagon Jetta

There's a cleaner from CRC for MAF cleaning on Amazon HERE→www.amazon.com/...
How to fix the MAF Mass Air Flow Sensor on a Volkswagon Jetta. This quick little video will tell you what tools you will need, and how to make it work like new!
Here is a good DIY that can help with some of your basic questions and part numbers
hubpages.com/hu...

[@alysiakulla7233]

Thank you for sharing this. My car hasn't ran this good for 4 years! It's crazy how something so simple can make a car not stay started. I did it myself, and saved money!

[@AGuysGarage]

Brian, i just want to say i watch your videos almost religiously. Your expert advice has never steered me wrong. That being said, i think it would be prudent to mention that you probably don't want to do this directly after turning the car off after it has been driven for a while. If i am not mistaken, the wire or plate is heated using current and the air running over the wire and / or plate in the sensor changes the temp depending on the air flow which the sensor measures sending the signal back to the ecm as a steady DC value. ( thermistor type of sensing would make sense" If you clean it directly after a decent drive the evaporation of the alcohol may damage the wire by cooling it too fast. I could be completely full of it. But whenever i am telling someone how to do this i always include that portion as a "just in case" Maybe the people that have cleaned the sensor and it failed did it directly after driving home from work or something and the wire was still hot. /shrug other than that i pretty much tell them word for word the way you described it. Love your videos and have been watching you work your magic for years, your advise has saved me a ton of time and a considerable amount of that useless piece of paper we call money. I consider you an authority on automotive how too. Have a great one, and keep on posting. ;P

[@simonw6418]

Rhage73 exactly what I did and damaged my maf sensor I sprayed my maf sensor after a drive to the motor store to pick up the maf spray cleaner. I sprayed the sensor to soon and now I learned from such a simple mistake. your comment is something others should know before taking on this job, after all some of these maf sensors​ aren't cheap.

[@trey4169]

Just did this on my 2002 Beetle which has an 06' Jetta motor in. After I did as he showed, I cranked it once & it shut down asap. I cranked it twice, she sputtered and she shut down. I cranked her the third time and I revved the motor up to keep it running. She sputtered a but but then levelled off. NOW SHE IS PURRING LIKE A KITTEN AGAIN!!!!! THIS SCHIT WORKS GUYS !!!!

[@bhdfield]

Excellent shot of the driveway pavement

[@1n354a]

Thanks for the video - 2002 Jetta wagon 1.8T had 3 of 4 coils replaced and still misfiring. Mechanic suggested the mass air flow sensor was bad and thought it could be a $500+ replacement. I think I'll give it a cleaning and see if that fixes the issue. If it is just dirty you saved my ass. If it is broken, cleaning it ain't gonna hurt! Cheers!

[@gregoryk9351]

Thanks so much man! I was hoping there was a way to clean it instead of replacing it when it was throwing a code. Big relief. Thanks for making this video! Very helpful!

[@briansmobile1]

No. The ECM has it's own pre defined program for starting the car. After the first seconds it relies on the MAF and other inputs to get the vitals going.

[@nybe]

dude you rule. saved me buying a new MAF

[@ricotinez]

An honest mechanic showed me that Autozone has two MAFs that are almost identical. One model number just ends in "G" and the other doesn't. He showed me they gave me the wrong part. Thankfully, I was able to return it and get my money back after a little arguing with the clerk. I bought the correct part (OEM this time) and replaced it and it's worked perfectly since. The honest mechanic tested the voltage, etc for me and it was the MAF. Never again will I go to that dealership.

[@spelunkerd]

I came back here, a couple of years after first seeing it, and I enjoyed the video again (grin). Is this one of those problems that can silently cause poor performance? Presumably underestimation of air flow would not affect gas mileage....?

[@briansmobile1]

The thing to do is test for spark and injector pulse. That will tell you. If no spark it's your ignition system. If no pulse it's your Maf. If no spark and no pulse it's the crank sensor or PCM.

[@briansmobile1]

@ricotinez Maybe so. GENTLE is the key. If the Q-tip don't fit... gotta trim it or skip it. Those little wires are pretty thin/weak.

[@briansmobile1]

@PR4470 There are two likely scenarios that can cause this. 1. Something was inadvertently disconnected being a hose or the like creating a vacuum leak. 2. The cleaner was excessive and is supplementing the fuel side of the air/fuel mix by vaporization and will remedy itself as this supply/pool is exhausted.

[@briansmobile1]

@TheRobersos I'm well aware of the marketing buzz around MAF cleaner and the taboo that is touching the sensors. They are quite fragile, but if you're gentle you'll find that this method works great. I've used both methods and I obviously like this way better. Think of a car wash- if you make contact with the car even gently it removes dirt and grime much better than simply rinsing over the car.

[@briansmobile1]

@djkarkar Yes on all counts. However there should be a check engine light on and some associated codes too. Go by the codes.

[@briansmobile1]

@JLAID It CAN. Most cars will start and then die due to an independent system for starting. Rough idle or stalling is a common symptom of a bad Mass Air Flow sensor.

[@likelight2flies]

I have a 2000 VR6 as well. It seems to be the same. However, I did have one problem. The screws are 5 point T20 tamper proof screws. Apparently they aren't common. All Autozone had were 6 point bits. So I just bought the MAF Sensor clearer and am planning to just disassemble the hose with the sensor in it and use that. Hopefully it works.

[@Iwearskirts]

I've tried cleaning mine. Code still comes up. Might just have to replace it. Thank you.

[@briansmobile1]

@cars123911 Using MAF cleaner spray you'd be just fine. They are designed to hold up to moisture and dirt to a degree. Brake cleaner can ruin them, but doesn't every time and in all scenarios.

[@cesar630]

Thanx 4 posting.read some comments tryin to figure difference between dirty yet good mas and just a bad mas.ill try tmrow thanx

[@briansmobile1]

If it needs a jump your battery or battery terminals are failing due to an internal short or corrosion. Take your battery to a parts store and get it fully charged and then tested. Next undo your battery terminals and wire brush them clean. Next, use a battery terminal cleaner spray or baking soda and water to clean where you can't reach with a wire brush. If your battery tests bad replace it.

[@paulgross25]

As you said on the video to use a torx t-20. And on your last comment you said a star. Those are 2 different wrenches. Torx t-20 is 6 points and the star is 5 points. There is also a hex. But anyway I bought the 6 points torx. I took off the whole unit and to my surprise it's a star 5 point. So looks like I'm going back to autozone tomorrow. But I'm learning.

[@kadeneck5486]

Not sure if you’re still responding to comments, but I cleaned my maf on my vr6 gli, and it gave me an epc light and a check engine light. Thoughts?

[@TheRobersos]

Hi, your video is the best that I have found to learn how to clean the MAF. Making more research in the internet, however, I found that some guys recommend do not touch the air sensor and that MAF cleaner should be used instead alcohol. What do you think? What do you recommend?

[@dr4ven1982]

sorry brian I don't have the same car you have. I have a 09 Lancer... got off work last night then I felt like the car had less torque for a while so I heard about cleaning the maf so I did it before looking at your video... then my rpm goes up and down... in a loop... so I brought it to the garage this morning... they didn't had a spot available till tomorrow morning. They will fix it over night I let you know tomorrow... I am not a car wize... more like a computer wize... had I had rough week that was this was the cherry on the sunday for me... ouff I watched a lot of videos after that and they don't recommend using alcohol for car newer then the year 2000... My cousin had a mustang and he did the same trick you did and that pumped him with 10 hp more. His mustang is a beast now...

[@briansmobile1]

@Shawncherchio What were your symptoms/trouble codes? If you have a vacuum leak or need a tune up- no amount of cleaning the MAF will correct a vacuum leak or install new spark plugs.

[@childworshipsbuddha]

haha man.. exactly the video i was looking for. thought it was a long shot that i would even come close, but kind internet folk aren't just a myth. many, many thanks.

[@dwight6651]

Excellent Brian ... I'll give it a try on my 2004 VW Golf TDI (Diesel) 1.9L when I can find the "security torx". Hope it fixes the car going into limp mode.

[@dwight6651]

Great Tip about cleaning. If its not dirt why do they fail?

[@vatan1923]

i believe there is a fuse right at the top of the battery which controls ac fan and and rad fan(engine fan) see if the fuse is out? if its not the fuse its probably ur relay which is right at the bottom of the battery, to get there u need to remove ur battery, that relay also controls both ur fan

[@vickiemorgan9571]

Thank you for your videos they ROCK. I am getting ready to trade my jetta for a 4x4 and it picks now of all times to mess up. So hoping the MAF is the problem if not i'll be back. peace out.

[@briansmobile1]

@01sirvtec I use MAF cleaner now for the convenience because I do so many. Alcohol does well to just clean without stripping the sensor. Brake cleaner is too aggressive to use in this context.

[@briansmobile1]

@adamdport It's either genuinely worn out and a small amount of dirt blinds it ....... OR...... it's getting a lot of dirt for some reason I can't see from here.

[@sidvil]

@olmattieboy pull the maf sensor plug and if you feel more power then you have a bad maf sensor. I would also check out the vacuum lines getting dry rotted. good luck Phil

[@briansmobile1]

Inspect the gas tank area that receives/ shields the pump. Wiggle test the wire harness with the engine running.

[@tessawinfrey3926]

Thank you. I will get back to this video and comment if the MAF has anything to do with my no start.

[@brucebanner7490]

I got some mass air flow cleaner , is it better to use the cotton swab method with alcohol and if using maf spray cleaner what would I spray ?

[@ricotinez]

Ok, I did this, but may have been too aggressive with the cleaning. The q-tip didn't want to fit in those small spaces, so I had to apply a little pressure. Now I still have the check engine light and now the EPC light is on. Odd? Time to buy a new MAF?

[@MrOuchiez]

Had it parked in the shade today (it was 100 degrees today), and it fired up immediately (as normal). I drove it for 5 minutes, stopped at the store for no more than 5 minutes parked in direct sun , and when I tried starting it, the engine just cranked and cranked, but didnt fire at all. Not even a sputter.

[@macmatic]

AHHHH!!! Surprise ginger! Thanks for the walk through, just got my first Jetta and I'm trying to solve some issues that came up on the way home, 200mi from the dealer. (2002 J-wagon 2.0 5spd)

[@briansmobile1]

TPS is a throttle position sensor. It's located on the opposite side of your throttle body from your throttle cable where it kind of intercepts your intake hose. It's the black sensor with a three wire plug. Watch my vid on testing a TPS on my channel. *(they don't get dirty really_)

[@doughboy09bravo]

Brian, I know this is an older video but I have a question and hoping you can help me. I have a 00 jetta 2.0 and when it is cold it bucks a little at low RPMS. Once it warms up to 190 degrees it runs like a champ. Do you think the MAF is my issue?

[@jessealpren4797]

am having same problem, did replacing the MAF fix the issue?

[@PR4470]

i just got through cleaning my MAF sensor and also cleaned my throttle body real good with the recommended cleaners, i used the CRC mass air flow sensor cleaner and the CRC throttle body cleaner, but now my car appears to be worse. before it was idling between 1200 to 1700 rpm up and down up and down when stopped at a red light, now it idles between 1600 to 2100 at a stop light. you think i need to replace the MAF sensor?

[@YouTube.TOM.A]

@richu27 excessive fuel is not typically caused by dirty MAF sensor. The reference voltage to the sensor is usually 5 volts: At idle the value is half volts [approx] and at WOT wide open throttle close to 5 volts. a dirty or faulty sensor causes the voltage [or frequency] to be below normal values and most often create a too lean condition associated with CAT converter will not heat enough fault code. High fuel consumption is sometimes caused by injector dwell time or injector leaks

[@Bougie642]

Hi Brian. I am having a problem finding the correct tool for my mass airflow sensor bolts. I've tried the T20 both hex and torx and star bit. Not fitting. I have a 2006 VW beetle convertible. Autozone has barred me from returning wrong items. Please advise.

[@oscarcoxgomyl4276]

Thank You Brian!

[@friedchicken1]

i did the same thing.. only thing i had to do was go buy the cookies to move them aside.. for the rest everything went fine!! :D

[@Mobilematt69]

Got my mass airflow Sensor from vehiclevalueparts for cheapppp. Never again will I buy from a junk yard or dealer.. Great video by the way!

[@MrOuchiez]

Hey Brian, is there any chance that a dirty/faulty MAF could cause its vehicle to not start in hot weather? Ive got an 01 Golf that has been having problems firing up once it gets really hot outside. Engine turns over, just doesnt actually fire up. Plugs/wires/coil are all less than a year old, as well as the timing belt. Im going to check the fuel pump relay tomorrow, but just trying to troubleshoot as much as possible. Thanks in advance for your reply, and for this awesome video post!

[@noemendoza424]

Had to buy a t25 from snap on for 30 bucks to get my maf sensor out. Fit perfectly.

[@EYE_SPIDER]

Great video - very helpful - the ending was hilarious

[@gayemartin1400]

Great video I have a 2002 Volkswagen Beetle 2.0 gas check engine light is on with a code of PO441 could be 1 of 12 things suggest to clean the MAF sensor and check purge valve or the air pump could be bad. Also suggest a new gas cap. From the video the MAF looks real similar to where mine is located I purchased the can of cleaner. My question is mine is attached to a black plastic coil hose do I pull it apart from the hose??

[@briansmobile1]

Vacuum leak likely. What's M.O.T. stand for? We measure Carbon Monoxide, HydroCarbons and the like here.

[@lulutzuRo]

Hi mate. quick one: Opel Astra G 1.6 16V. When I drive it , it has no power and the engine feels like turning off. I disconnected the Air flow sensor and I have the same problem. if the sensor is the problem is it normal to have the same symptoms without the sensor? If yes, can I clean the sensor instead of buy another one? Thanks mate All the best

[@Abu7929]

My Mitsubishi Pajero SUV (you call them something else in the US, Montero?) often stalls when revs drop after acceleration. I'v done all the easy things I know how to do, eg, air filter, spark plugs, etc, thinking it might be the air flow sensor, what do you think? Also my mate says throttle body cleaner is good for cleaning electrical connections, is that right? Cheers for all the great vids btw

[@gabeferrell1436]

Old but gold thanks man💯

[@briansmobile1]

Welcome!

[@YouTube.TOM.A]

@PR4470 part 2: fuel supply is disrupted especially if you break the electrical connection and ground by removing the throttle body. You would need to connect a programing scanner to the car and reestablish the base value for idle. The idle sometimes will not correct from draining the PCM memory or by driving the car. you need to establish a new base value [relearn] after cleaning. These systems are super sensitive and a cleaning alters the airflow value,so will replacing the throttle body

[@YouTube.TOM.A]

@PR4470 There are two separate issues here.If you clean the mas airflow meter [maf] you may not be solving the basic problems that are electronic in nature such as wrong frequency or voltage reading. You need to take some basic readings to insure that the voltage or frequency is correct to begin with. you need to verify the signal coming from the Power Control Module [PCM] and the ground. When you clean your throttle body the base factory value of airflow corresponding to the fuel supply is

[@briansmobile1]

@fixityourself1 You're welcome. Thanks for posting.

[@MrOuchiez]

Awesome! Thanks for the pointers, AND for that lightening-fast response!!! How might I check for injector pulse? I have NO IDEA how Ive never even heard that particular term before! Perhaps youre using slightly different terminology than Ive heard in the past. Either way, Im at a loss on that one.

[@briansmobile1]

You're welcome!

[@nutricee]

Hi brian you used Isopropyl alcohol, how about methylated spirit or thinner?

[@spanky1023]

I recently replaced my MAF for my 2001 New Beetle Diesel TDI. The old one was missing the two wires. The new one lasted about a month and the wires also came loose. The disel motor vibrates alot-typlical of this kind of motor I'm told. I was curious-do you think I could use some type of glue to help hold these in place as long as I didn't get excessive or allow the glue to touch the other wires? Thanks

[@briansmobile1]

The best thing to do is to check your motor mounts and the slack on the wires. You can glue them for support, but likely vibration isn't enough to pull the wires.

[@mastermarius83]

Hi..i wanted to say that i did exact the same thing that you posted in the video and i broken my MAF..i broked it before i saw the video so stay chill :) i'm not blaming you but what could of broken the MAF?..i used Izopropilic Alchool and q-tips..the MAF was working but was dirty so i decided to clean it..now is dead..if I unplugged it the car is working fine..i think that i forced a q-tip to enter in the hole where the plate is at the bottom of the sensor..maybe that broked it?

[@alex8hdz]

Thanks u for answer my comment. I cleaned it but it did work n after I did it the light "EPC" turned on n that one of the doble front traction. The car is hard to start It sounds n looks like is choke n shakes alot in low rpm. N after it starts it makes alot of exhaust n it smells like gasoline. Do u think I have to replace the maf sensor?or u think my car have another problem? I changed spark plugs n cables n oil filters air n oil. I don't think it has a problem w gas

[@briansmobile1]

@jdmderick You're welcome- thanks for stopping by.

[@poncho82201]

Hi can I use maf sensor cleaning spray to clean the maf or should I use rubbing alcohol ? Thanks

[@ricotinez]

Brian, I did this a while back, but was too hard on it and ruined the sensor. So I bought a new one from Autozone and it went faulty within a month. Took it to the dealership and they want $800 to replace the sensor, the housing, the wiring and the relay. I told them "NO WAY!"

[@panchovillaxx7]

yeah it sure did,it says on the can not to use it on vortex maf sensor but i forgot to read the directions before i used,you think the 2.0 or 1.8 are interchangeable with the 3.0?

[@briansmobile1]

I have several vids that show how to do it. I need to just make a reference vid on that. I'll try to tomorrow.

[@djnorthington]

BTW, I bought a tamper resistent t25 bit, but the hole wasn't large enough... might this be a specialty tool? I ended up using a vice-grip to get the screws off.

[@briansmobile1]

They're pretty easy as to change as long as you have the tamper resistant torx bit it takes.

[@paulgross25]

Well I really like the video, but I'm at it right now. I went to parts place and bought the assorted fold up torx with the t-20 tamper resistant and it doesn't fit. None of the sizes fit. Just wondering if it was a star torque t-20 I was supposed to buy. I'm going to take the whole piece off instead of unscrewing the screws. Please help before I break something.

[@cars123911]

Hey i'm a newbie trying to do the exact same thing but just messed up! I was reading on another site that you could spray the outside of the maf screen not the sensor exactly will i now need to replace it cause i didn't see this video in time?

[@kingtim901]

will the MAF cause the car to shut down? Put in a new one and it started but theirs still weird feeling of cutting off. Is that normal or more issues? 2005 Mercury Mariner 2.3L

[@briansmobile1]

You're welcome! And it means even more coming from a Ken Block fan. Now I KNOW you have good taste.

[@briansmobile1]

Disconnect the power to the underglow and see if that helps. Otherwise go back over all your areas of work that may have affected the factory wiring harness or intake system.

[@adamdport]

My MAF is going bad more often than it should (even once a month!). My air filter seems clean, any ideas why it's going bad so often?

[@briansmobile1]

It's often a broken ribbon on the clock spring. (name for air bag wire coil in the steering wheel.)

[@brunoramos7823]

i got a Jetta Vr6 2000 , And its a must that i heat up the car for about 10 minutes or till it reaches 90 degrees , and if i try to drive the car before the 10 minutes it stalls and chokes up and this light comes one EPC any idea why that happens or what i need to change ? ..thanks man!

[@joshw604]

my car does this thing where when i start it, the engine turns over for a second before dying again. sounds like what you were saying to JLAID. Obviously it could be a number of things but where should I start? MAFs would be a good place yes? thanks!

[@briansmobile1]

It will go back to normal on it's own with time. It will get better mileage and run cleaner faster if you reset the codes.

[@huseyinaydemir8827]

What are the golf 4 8v maf sensor voltage values? There is fluctuation in the vehicle, can it be done from the computer

[@Toxxxica]

Hi Brian, great informative video. Want to ask advice, I have a VW Polo, failed it's MOT on emissions, they were too high when on high idle, also the idle is lumpy when stationary, for example when stopped at traffic lights, the revs will go up and down and sometimes it will stall. Could this be a faulty Air Pressure Sensor? There is no engine management light showing up on the dashboard. Thanks. :)

[@briansmobile1]

@kyproset Sometimes a shot gun is the fastest way to clear the dishes from the table after dinner. I understand.

[@briansmobile1]

@lulutzuRo It could be any number of things. EGR, ignition system, vacuum leak, timing etc.

[@shannonevans5006]

I am trying to clean mine, but none of the hex keys in the kit I bought fit it. What brand of hex key did you use, and where could I find one?

[@garyal17]

Great channel!! keep up the good work! I've been looking for a video regarding the TPS but you may not have one. I have a 2000 Jetta 1.8 T which has an unresponsive accelerator. I've been told that it may be due to a dirty TPS, but I haven't been able to find it on the car in order to clean it. Please let me know if you do have a video on this, or where I can find some info on the matter. Thanks! and once again Great Videos!!!

[@briansmobile1]

It's like the carwash. Sometimes a good hose down is all you need (like CRC Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner Spray) other times you gotta "scrub" by making light contact to break up the yuck.

[@ThomasVoMusic]

Just got a code 0171 on my S2000. Gonna try cleaning the MAF like you've been doing to see if it helps. Great work Brian! :D

[@cpk2GIRL]

Can't we use Denatured alcohol and just submerge this whole unit? I have a 2004 R32, but the process should be the same for my CAI mounted MAF sensor.

[@briansmobile1]

@joshw604 Could be the anti- theft system, MAF, etc. I'd get a wire diagram for you year model and check if it's got some funky kill features on the oil sending unit, or security crap in the door that has a broken wire in the boot at the front of the door etc. Try unlocking the trunk with the key and then get in and try to start it.

[@kirillmogilev]

Would dirty sensor prevent car from starting on the first key turn in the morning or after a long rest in the moist environment? I have a situation where car starts after 2nd or 3 try early in the mornig, but from first attempt when I start it during hot sunny days. Btw - I have a 2004 Jetta GL

[@macmatic]

"(2002 J-wagon 2.0 5spd)" It's a 2 liter, non turbo and I'm using the T6 5w40, I use the 15w40 in "equipment" and a couple of motorcycles. "As you might realise I am tech nerd...haha" Haha indeed, me too. The plan is actually to swap out the AVH driveline/ecu/gauges/fuel tank for a 2002-2003 TDI setup. Over the summer I need to sell two cars and four bikes then find a running donor car for the swap. Geeky enough for you? I basically bought this car for the nice leather and rust free body.

[@matthewstimmel1853]

I have a 99 VR6 new body, my engine light came on diagnosed MAF sensor. I plan on cleaning. Do you think that will solve my issues? also when the engine is cold shifting is way off could this be why?

[@themachine8009]

Can I use mass air flow cleaner instead of IA? Which one is better?

[@evarsonazevedo5321]

Of course! That's even better.

[@bilalsher1190]

I also have the same problem, where my check engine light, EPC light, and ASR light are on. I played with the MAF the other day, and want to know if I made a mistake... and how to fix it.

[@kshamo1187]

I have 2010 VW Tiguan, the check engine light is on because of the mass air flow sensor. Is the light will go off if i do the same way cleaning? Thanks

[@briansmobile1]

@asus3571 That could be a bad ECM, Ignition control module, or a leaky injector.

[@briansmobile1]

Of course you can use it- that's what it's for. The question is- does it work? Yes. Yes it does.