This article will show you how to clean a Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor on a 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 Mazda 3 (first generation). Photo's show my 2005 Mazda 3 2.3L, but this generally applies to all models. The MAF sensor may just be in a slightly different location like the one Cam shows in the comments for his Mazda 3 TS 1.6 from the UK. The MAF sensor is used to measure intake air volume for use in calculations to determine fuel and timing. Over time particles in the air build up on the MAF sensor wire, and need to be cleaned off. Cleaning them is very quick and painless, just be sure to use the proper chemicals. Note: Just a warning for other car models. If your car has a Karman Vortex style MAF, it cannot be cleaned. Karman Vortex MAF's are constructed quite differently and are generally easy to identify. They are used on Toyota Supra Turbos, Mitsubishi and most Lexus vehicles.Do It Yourself / Maintainance / MK3 Yes, there is a SpyderMagazine article on this. But, I thought, it assumes you already know WHERE the Mass Air Flow sensor (MAF) is.

So I thought I could make it more simple. N00b-proof, if you will. Hey, I’m learning too–may as well share the process. The engine should be cool for this procedure, or you are likely to get burned. First, you need to remove the ECU fuse or the positive battery terminal clamp. This allows the ECU to “reset” itself. What you’ll need to clean the MAF:MAF cleaner (the magazine article says choke & carb cleaner is OK too, but I just bought the dedicated stuff), Phillips head screwdriver So, pop the hood and let’s see where this puppy lives. Let’s get a little closer. Now he’s boxed in. OK, now we know where he is. There’s a tab on the top of the MAF sensor wire harness. Push the tab down and pull the harness away from the MAF There are 2 Phillips head screws to be removed, as indicated by the blue arrows. They’re little, so don’t lose them when you remove them! Remove the screws and put them somewhere safe. Now the MAF will lift out:

You’re ready to clean it. Here’s what you’re aiming for–the platinum wires in there. They can be damaged, so don’t put the spray nozzle directly in contact with them. Spray the cleaner into the MAF to spray the platinum wires. There is a little rubber O ring (blue arrow). The SpyderMagazine article mentions you might want to remove it on the chance the cleaner might make it brittle. training for air duct cleaningI didn’t see the spray getting much on there, but you can also spray it with the MAF at an angle so the spray doesn’t get near the O ring.best indoor plants for air purification nasa Put the MAF back in the way it came out (there’s only one way it will fit), and tighten the screws.ultra classic air cleaner cover

Reconnect the MAF sensor wire harness by pushing it back into place.Go have a beer, and pat yourself on the back for a job well done. Or better yet, take the Spyder for a drive, THEN have that pat and beer. This documentation in no way replaces the Toyota MR2 Repair Manuals. The purpose of this content is only to provide supplementary information to fellow MR2 enthusiasts. Midship Runabout and its contributing authors will not be held responsible for any injury or damages that may occur as the result of practicing any of the methods or procedures described within this website. Article and photo submissions are property of the contributing author.One of the most common problems, with MAF sensor equipped Ford (Mercury and Lincoln) vehicles, is that the MAF sensor's hot wires will get dirty (contaminated). This contamination will rob you of gas mileage and performance. Not only that, in some cases this condition will light up your check engine light with a P0171 or P0174 (lean A/F mixture) code.

Well, this article will help you to clean your mass airflow sensor in a step by step fashion. This article is broken up into several different parts and so to help you navigate it a little easier, here are its contents at a quick glance: Tip 1: The safest way to clean the MAF sensor's hot wires, is to just spray them and let them air dry. Avoid physically touching them, like with a cotton swab, since this could break the hot wires. Tip 2: Do not use carburetor spray cleaner or brake cleaner. Both of these are very harsh solvents and can damage the inner circuitry of the MAF sensor and now you'll have a BAD MAF sensor on your hands (this I can vouch for from personal experience) Tip 3: Do not use gasoline. Gasoline will leave a petroleum residue on the hot wires and this residue will attract more dirt (like a magnet to metal)... not to mention that gasoline is just too dangerous to use as a cleaner. Tip 4: Your local auto parts (like AutoZone or O'reilly Auto Parts) will have the appropriate MAF sensor cleaner.

The most common/popular is the CRC Mass Air Sensor Cleaner (part number: 05110). I've always thought the CRC MAF sensor cleaner a tad too expensive (but it beats using something unapproved and frying the MAF sensor) and so on occasion, I have also used a regular electronics spray cleaner from my local Radio Shack or Fry's electronics store with the same success. The most common symptom of a dirty mass air flow (MAF) sensor is a lack of power. Unfortunately, the PCM (Powertrain Control Module = Fuel Injection Computer) is not smart enough to sense a dirty MAF sensor and so you're not gonna' get a dirty MAF sensor diagnostic trouble code lighting the check engine light. A dirty MAF sensor will cause one or all of the following symptoms: The PCM uses the MAF signal to know how much air is entering the engine. In knowing the exact amount of air entering the engine, the PCM can now calculate the correct amount of fuel to inject into every cylinder. When the mass air flow sensor on your Ford car (pick up, van, mini-van or SUV) starts to get dirty, the dirt (technically called: contamination) starts to interfere with the way the MAF sensor measures the incoming air.