How can you clean the air flow sensor

Every car enthusiast who understands the design of cars knows what an air flow sensor is and what functions it performs. However, not every motorist has an idea of how to clean the mass air flow sensor with your own hands and what is needed for this. In this article we will talk in detail about the cleaning process and the choice of substance for this purpose.

How to check for a faulty air flow sensor?

The parameters transmitted by the mass air flow sensor play a large role in the balanced formation of the combustible mixture. Accordingly, breakdowns associated with the operation of the air sensor can lead to disruption of the functionality of the system as a whole. In some cases, incorrect operation of the sensor may make it impossible to start the engine.

Let's look at the signs by which you can determine if the mass air flow sensor has failed:

the Check Engine light comes on on the dashboard;
increased fuel consumption;
decrease in the level of power and traction of the car;
decrease in dynamics with increasing car speed;
Difficulty starting the engine or the impossibility of starting it at all;
in idling mode, the unit speed will float.

Design and designation of mass air flow sensor elements
Of course, such malfunctions indicate not only a malfunction of the mass air flow sensor, but also other failures. Therefore, a car enthusiast should know how to correctly determine the incorrect operation of the regulator. To carry out diagnostics, there are several options, the simplest of which is to turn off the power from the mass air flow sensor while the engine is running.

After the power is turned off, the machine control unit begins to operate in emergency mode; in this case, the dosage of gasoline, diesel or gas is carried out according to the readings received from the throttle. Note that in this case the idle speed may begin to increase to 1500, but in some injection engines the speed does not increase. When the mass air flow sensor is disabled, you need to drive the car. If engine performance has improved, the mass air flow sensor will need to be replaced or cleaned.

Replacement

It is not difficult to replace the mass air flow sensor with your own hands, even if you do not have any special skills in car repair. Having checked the condition of the device and determined that cleaning will not help, all that remains is to replace it.

Place the car on a level surface, lift the hood and remove the negative terminal from the battery.
Disconnect the sensor connector. We have already talked about its location, so there will be no problems with the search.
Using a screwdriver, remove the clamping bolt of the clamp that secures the corrugation to the mass air flow sensor.
The corrugation is removed.
Using a 10mm wrench, unscrew the two bolts that hold the sensor to the air filter housing.
After removing the failed oxygen sensor, install a new regulator in its place.
Screw back a couple of bolts, secure the corrugation and secure it with a clamp.
Reconnect the connector and return the negative terminal to the battery.

If everything is done correctly and the breakdown is correctly identified, then the engine will return to its previous performance and the error signal on the dashboard will disappear.

Replacing the device

To finally check the result of the repair, go out onto the road, do a test drive and be sure to try to press the gas pedal sharply. If the dynamics and power become the same as before the problems arose, you did everything correctly, and it was the mass air flow sensor that was the culprit of the malfunction.

Every vehicle owner who takes good care of his car and is interested in it knows very well what a mass air flow sensor, or MAF, is. Also, many car enthusiasts know what functions this device performs. At the same time, not every driver knows how to clean the mass air flow sensor. What exactly is this detail and what is its role? This question is relevant for many beginners.

Which cleaner should you choose?

If you decide to clean the mass air flow sensor yourself, you need to choose the right product:

Liqui Moly. To clean the regulator, you can use Liqui Moly liquid. Liqui Moly is known for all its automotive products. Products from the manufacturer Liqui Moly are characterized by high quality, as well as a considerable price. The liquid mass air flow sensor cleaner Liqui Moly is an effective product in practice. As practice and reviews from car enthusiasts show, Liqui Moly allows you to effectively get rid of contaminants and if the air sensor is in working condition, after cleaning it can work for a long time. This product is suitable for both petrol and diesel units. The cost of Liqui Moly today is about 12 USD. e.
Alcohol. You can clean the air sensor the old fashioned way - using alcohol. Alcohol allows you to effectively break down dirt and blockages. The use of alcohol was relevant twenty years ago; today this method is rarely used. To deceive the car owner and bill him for flushing the regulator with a cleaning agent. This practice occurs frequently at our service stations.
Liquid for cleaning carburetors. One cheap option to clean the device is to use carburetor cleaner. The cost of one cylinder is about 1.2 dollars. If you believe the reviews of car enthusiasts, this analogue is no less effective than Liqui Moly, while its cost is ten times lower.
"Liquid Key" Also a domestic product, sold in the form of a spray. The product is intended to rid various vehicle components and assemblies of frozen contaminants.
WD-40. Many motorists have such a tool. In practice, WD-40 has long shown its effectiveness, so many car enthusiasts use it for these purposes. It can also be used to clean the air sensor (video author - Pavel Ksenon).

Routine cleaning work

The air flow sensor is cleaned every six months or when changing the oil. Experts also recommend cleaning the device when the air filters are changed. Replacing the sensor at service centers costs $300, but if you clean it regularly, you can avoid car repairs. For this purpose it is recommended to use special means. The MAF cleaner costs about $7. The cheapest option is to take the air flow sensor and place it in a plastic bag filled with alcohol or a special cleaning fluid. Necessary tools for the process:

4-in-1 screwdriver;

digital camera;

Torx tool;

MAF cleaner.

After cleaning with cleaning agent or alcohol, allow the device to dry for 20 minutes. Only a completely dry air flow sensor can be installed in a vehicle. Algorithm for cleaning the device:

Before you go to the store for materials and parts, you need to remove the air duct to see how the sensor is attached. If it is held on by Torx screws, then you will need to purchase a Torx tool and a can of cleaner. It is not recommended to use other cleaning agents; they may damage the air flow sensor. Do not use the cleaner with the engine running and the key in the working position. This will cause serious damage to the sensor.
With the engine turned off and cooling, disconnect the mass air flow sensor.
Locate the sensor between the air filter box and the throttle body. Before removing the sensor, you should use a digital camera to record settings and connections.
Carefully remove the sensor from the air duct and disconnect the electrical connector.
Then remove the air intake pipe and mass air flow sensor.
Most sensors are connected to hose clamps, so you need to loosen the clamp and remove the device box.
Place the air flow sensor on a dry towel.
Spray the cleaner onto the inside of the body and the working element 10-15 times. When doing this, you need to be careful not to touch the wires, as they are quite thin.
Spray the product onto the entire surface of the air flow sensor, including connectors and terminals.
Install the sensor in the car and wait a few minutes before starting the engine until the chemicals evaporate.

Liqui Moly Cleanser

Liqui Moly is a special active solvent for cleaning the air flow sensor for all brands of engines. The cleaner removes contaminants on the hot wire or air flow sensor plate. Suitable for use in gasoline and diesel engines. The cleaning procedure is simple: you need to disconnect the electrical connection of the air flow sensor and remove it by spraying the solution on all dirty areas.

During operation, it is necessary to take into account the chemical properties of the cleaner, which is an extremely harmful and flammable substance. It may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and skin and eye irritation. If inhaled, the solvent can be fatal.

Multi-functional product WD-40

WD-40 is used to wash the sensor and metal surfaces of the car from rust and dirt. The cleaner penetrates boiling deposits, displaces moisture and lubricates almost everything. WD-40 is also great for removing grease, dirt, and other marks from most surfaces. It is an iconic multi-purpose product for general or spot applications.

WD-40 cleans and protects auto tools and mechanical equipment from rust and corrosion, removes grease, dirt, tar, rubber, scratches, water deposits, etc. It is able to penetrate deep into deposits, loosen rusty parts such as nuts, bolts , valves, locks, etc. WD-40 binds and displaces moisture from engines, spark plugs, power tools and vehicle fuel systems.

Cleaning the sensor yourself

How to clean the air flow sensor at home?

The process is considered using the example of a VAZ 2110 car:

Turn off the ignition and disconnect the connector from the regulator. It is necessary to dismantle the pipe; to do this, use a wrench to unscrew the bolt or two bolts securing the mass air flow sensor to the air filter housing. The principle of turning off the regulator may vary depending on the car model.
The regulator must be removed from the hose, otherwise flushing the mass air flow sensor will be ineffective. To dismantle the device from a VAZ car, you will need an asterisk key of the appropriate size. You will need to unscrew the screws, after which you can remove the regulator.
It happens that there is an oil coating on the device, so it is necessary to make everything as clean as possible. To clean the regulator from deposits, you can use carburetor cleaning fluid. You can also use a special Liqui Moly cleaning agent, it all depends on your financial capabilities. But in fact, there is practically no difference between these liquids. On the film located inside, you can see several sensors made in the form of wire; they are fixed using a special resin. Using carburetor cleaner or any other product, carefully spray this sensitive component. Do this carefully so as not to damage the film. Wait a few minutes until the liquid dries and evaporates. Depending on the amount of contamination, the procedure can be repeated several times. To make the product evaporate faster, you can use a compressor or pump. It is important to remember that a lot of pressure is not required for purging; the device just needs to be dried.

Instructions for washing the mass air flow sensor

Cleaning the flow meter can be done in a garage; there is nothing complicated about it.

Depending on the car model, the procedure for removing the sensor can be carried out in different ways; consider an example of cleaning with a domestic “Ten”:

First, you should turn off the ignition and, just in case, reset the battery terminal. Open the hood and find the mass air flow sensor, then disconnect the connector from it. There is a pipe connected to the flow meter; it must be disconnected. Using a wrench, you need to unscrew the screw that secures the device to the air filter, or rather, to its housing.
The flow meter itself is removed from the corrugation; in the case of the “ten”, an asterisk wrench is required to dismantle the sensor. Use it to unscrew the screws and then remove the device from the seat.
If, after removal, you notice that there is an oil deposit on the device, you will need to rid the case of this. Any product from those described above is suitable for cleansing. As practice shows, there is no fundamental difference between these means.
On the sensitive element, usually made in the form of a film, there are several controllers; they are made in the form of a wire and mounted on resin. Using the same cleaning agent, you will need to carefully, not in abundance, spray it on the sensitive element. At this stage, you should act as carefully as possible, since there is a possibility of damage to the film. After the sensitive part has been treated, you need to wait a little until the product takes effect. If there is a lot of contamination, then it may make sense to repeat this procedure once or twice. In order to ensure faster evaporation of the substance, you can use a pump or compressor device. But keep in mind that too much pressure can destroy the sensitive component, so don't overdo it.

Photo gallery “How to clean yourself”

Price issue

The cost of Liqui Moly cleanser is currently about 700 rubles. A cheaper analogue, liquid for cleaning carburetors, will cost the buyer about 70-100 rubles. As for WD-40, the cost of a 100 ml can today will be approximately 180-220 rubles.

What kind of device is this?

Such an element is present in any modern car, since the era of carburetor engines has passed and an electronic control unit (ECU), or controller in other words, is responsible for many operations. Many drivers even call him “the brain.”

The mass air flow sensor is used to measure the amount of air supplied to the engine. However, this device does not measure its volume, but only determines how much mass passes per unit of time, sending data to the ECU. In turn, the controller “understands” how much air has entered the cylinders at each moment of time, and depending on this, adjusts the fuel supply. As a result, the engine runs smoothly and without interruption.

Beginners may be interested not only in whether the mass air flow sensor can be cleaned, but, in fact, where it is located. Typically, this device is located in the area between the air filter housing and the pipe that goes to the throttle valve. It is equipped not only with gasoline, but also with diesel power units.

Sensing element of the air flow sensor

The most common cause of sensor failure is a dirty element. To resolve the problem, it is recommended to check it. To do this, you need to disconnect the mass air flow sensor from the air filter assembly and visually inspect it. If the sensing element is dirty, it may be serviceable, but contamination introduces errors into the measurement mode. Sensor check:

Identify the terminals on the MAF sensor itself that correspond to the signal wire and ground.

Set the meter to the continuity or low setting on the ohm scale.

Connect one measuring probe to the signal and the other to ground on the MAF electrical connector. Polarity doesn't matter.
The indicator should be 0 Ohm or close to this value. If the device displays infinite resistance, most likely the mass air flow sensor element is faulty.
Visually inspect the sensor.

When is it time to clean?

But regardless of the type of sensor, over time it begins to function incorrectly due to contamination - the platinum measuring elements become covered with dust. Therefore, the question of how to clean the mass air flow sensor will always be relevant.

Why does this happen? The main reason for sensor contamination lies on the surface - the unsatisfactory condition of the air filter. If the filter element is of poor build quality, then it is not able to trap microscopic particles of dirt and dust that settle on the sensing element of the mass flow sensor.

As a result, the device is not able to accurately measure the amount of air and sends incorrect data to the ECU. It's not hard to imagine what this might lead to. Here we gradually approach some characteristic signs that may indicate that the sensor is clogged and needs to be cleaned:

The need to clean the mass air flow sensor on a VAZ or other cars arises when the engine idles intermittently, in some cases they are too high - up to 1500.
The car may jerk and have difficulty accelerating.
Sometimes the engine does not start at all.
Increased fuel consumption - sometimes up to 15 liters per 10 km.
Check Engine light on the dashboard.

However, the above signs do not always accurately indicate contamination of the air flow sensor. A variety of situations may arise, and among them is one when the sensor itself is fine, but the fault lies in the hose that connects the device to the module.

In other words, although there are many obvious signs that a particular part of the car is faulty, they can indicate any other problem.

Comments and reviews

At idle it stalls and jerks when driving

Hello! VAZ 2115, 1.6 l, injection mileage 40 t.km. a year ago, when starting from 1500 rpm, it doesn’t troit, after 5 minutes it troits. I restarted it, it doesn’t troit. In the urban cycle, it’s normal. On the highway 90-110, when I release the gas, it troits. Restarts and normal acceleration is sharp. Thank you.

Hello. I have the same problem, fuel consumption has increased from 8 to almost 12, when starting the engine when cold, the speed reaches normal, then immediately drops to 500, then it rises to normal until the car warms up, and when warm, the speed in drive drops to 550 -600 in reverse gear the same, the speed of my car is 800-990

Sensor check

To accurately verify that the sensor is faulty and understand whether the mass air flow sensor on the VAZ-2114 needs to be cleaned or not, whether it needs cleaning or whether you will have to go to the store for a new mass air flow sensor, you will need a multimeter known to all radio amateurs:

The device is switched to voltage measurement mode (voltmeter).
Set the limit to 2 V.
There are two wires in the sensor connector - yellow (it goes to the ECU) and green (connects to ground).
The voltage is measured between these wires, and only the ignition should be turned on.
Now all that remains is to look at the instrument readings.

If the measurement result is 0.99-0.02, the sensor is working. If the upper threshold is exceeded to 0.03, the mass air flow sensor needs cleaning and the sooner the better. In the case when the measurements are less than the lower limit (0.95) or the upper limit is very high (0.05), then the chances of a successful outcome are 50/50. That is, either cleaning will help and the sensor will function properly again, or you need to buy a new device.

In addition to this, you can understand whether to clean the mass air flow sensor on a VAZ-2110 or not by using one more method when you don’t have a multimeter at hand. Disconnect the sensor, then start the engine, raise the speed to 2000 and drive for a while. If at this moment there are obvious changes, the car has become more dynamic, then the sensor is definitely dirty.

Liqui Moly

How to clean the MAF sensor? One option is cleaning fluid from Liqui Moly. The company is known to many car enthusiasts as a manufacturer that makes only high-quality products for cars. In addition, the ratio between reliability and price is at an optimal level. As for the use of liquid for cleaning the mass air flow sensor, most vehicle owners have already become convinced of its effectiveness. This has not been proven by a single procedure. And if the sensor is in working condition, then even after cleaning it will last no less.

The liquid can be used for both diesel and gasoline engines.

Alcohol

We can say that this is an old-fashioned method, which at the same time will never lose its relevance. Alcohol can effectively break down dirt and blockages. About 20 years ago, the question of how to clean the mass air flow sensor was mainly solved with the help of alcohol, and this method was held in high esteem by many drivers, but now they are trying to resort to it less and less.

Nevertheless, it is relevant in cases where the car owner needs to invoice for washing with special means. Unfortunately, such disappointing practice is not uncommon at many service stations.

Liquid key

This product from a domestic manufacturer is sold in the form of a spray. It is designed to get rid of frozen contaminants on various components and assemblies of vehicles.

Absolutely every car enthusiast is familiar with this product, regardless of experience. In addition, all other people who are not directly related to cars know about it. Over the course of its existence, WD-40 has proven itself to be excellent, and there is no doubt about its effectiveness.

For this reason, it is used not only to remove “deposits” from bolts, but also to clean the mass air flow sensor.

How to properly clean the air flow sensor

Let's consider the procedure for cleaning the mass air flow sensor using the example of a car of the 10th family - VAZ-2110:

Turn off the ignition.
Disconnect the connector from the mass air flow sensor.
Remove the sensor itself by unscrewing the bolts that secure it to the air filter housing. Depending on the car model, disabling the mass air flow sensor may vary.
The sensor is removed from its place, otherwise its cleaning will not be effective.
On the device itself there is an area with two bolts - these should also be unscrewed.
The selected cleaning agent is drawn into a syringe and then sprayed onto the sensitive element. At the same time, if necessary, you can wash the block with contacts.
Give time for everything to dry.
Assemble the sensor and install it in place.

To make drying faster, you can use a compressor only at minimum pressure. If the sensitive element is heavily soiled, the procedure should be repeated several times.

But even in this case, washing does not always give the desired result, and you just have to go to the nearest store for a new mass air flow sensor.

Rating of air flow sensor cleaners

Liqui Moly Luftmassensor Reiniger

The Liqui Moly Luftmassen-sensor Reiniger mass air flow sensor cleaner is the most popular and effective in its market segment. Can be used to clean the air flow sensor in both gasoline and diesel engines. After cleaning, it evaporates quickly and leaves no traces or greasy stains on the treated surface. Allows you to clean the element without dismantling it, but for better cleaning the sensor is still better to remove the sensor from its seat. In terms of smell, the composition of Liqui Moly Luftmassen-sensor Reiniger is based on isopropyl alcohol, although the manufacturer does not indicate this.

Reviews and tests from car enthusiasts suggest that the liquid air flow sensor cleaner "Liqui Moly" efficiently washes even old dirt from the external and internal surfaces of the sensor. It leaves no marks or greasy film. The only drawback of the purifier is its very high price.

You can buy Liqui Moly Luftmassen-sensor Reiniger cleaner in a 200 ml can. according to article 8044. The price of one such cylinder as of the summer of 2022 is about 950 Russian rubles.

Kerry KR-909-1

Kerry KR-909-1 is positioned by the manufacturer as an effective air flow meter cleaner. Can be used to clean a wide variety of air sensors, both mass flow and pressure or temperature, which can be installed in both gasoline and diesel engines. Safe for plastic, does not damage the coating on sensitive elements, evaporates quickly, does not leave greasy marks. The manufacturer recommends using the Kerry cleaner not only in cases where the sensor is clogged, but also simply for preventive purposes two to three times a year. It is also recommended to use during scheduled air filter replacement.

Found reports from car enthusiasts indicate that the Kerry KR-909-1 air flow sensor cleaner has very good effectiveness. It dissolves various deposits on the sensor, resins, oils and simply dried or clogged debris. An additional advantage is the low price. No deficiencies were identified.

The cleaner is sold in the form of an aerosol can with a 210 ml extension tube. The packaging article is the same - KR9091. The price of one package is 160 rubles.

Hi Gear Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner

Hi Gear Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner is another effective product for cleaning the mass air flow sensor. Can be used to clean sensors in any type of motor. For proper cleaning, it is better to dismantle the sensor. Suitable for cleaning both filament and film air flow meters. Designed to remove soot, dust, dirt, oily deposits and lint from air filters that settle on the inner surface of the sensor. The applied aerosol dries quickly and leaves no traces. Helps restore the sensitivity of the working element.

As for the effectiveness of the High Gear air flow sensor cleaner, it is quite acceptable. The composition removes various resins and dried dirt well. For ease of application there is an extension tube. The cleaner can be used not only for cleaning the air flow sensor, but also for surfaces for which exposure to chemically aggressive substances is critical.

The High Gear mass air flow sensor cleaner is sold in a 284 ml aerosol can, article number HG3260. The average price of a package for the above period is about 640 rubles.

CRC Air Sensor Clean PRO

The CRC Air Sensor Clean PRO mass air flow sensor cleaner is designed for cleaning the mass air flow sensor only in gasoline engines. The composition of the cleaning product is based on quick-drying naphthenic solvents. Does not contain chlorine glycol or other chlorine components. The composition is safe for metal and most plastics and rubber coatings. Can be used in any spatial position, there is an extension tube.

Car enthusiasts who have used the SRS air flow sensor cleaner note that it has good efficiency. It really washes away tar deposits and dirt and dust accumulated inside the sensor. The cleaner can also be used to clean other car engine sensors. The advantage is good efficiency. Disadvantage - with some cans it happens that the tube does not fit tightly to the spout, which makes it difficult to use and the relatively high price.

The CRC Air Sensor Clean PRO mass air flow sensor cleaner is sold in a 250 ml aerosol can. Product code: 32712. The price of one can is about 730 rubles.

Gunk Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner

The Gunk Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner is designed for use with any air flow sensors. It is also used by many professional auto mechanics in service centers and service stations. It works as standard - it dissolves and removes oil deposits, debris, dirt, carbon deposits and deposits on the sensitive element. Safe for use on plastic surfaces, however it is noted that rubber seals may be damaged. Apply using an extension tube. After evaporation it leaves no traces.

There are few reviews about the air flow sensor cleaner “Gank” on the Internet. However, based on the results found, one can judge the average effectiveness of the product. That is, it copes well with standard stains, but with heavy soot or resinous stains, re-application may be required.

The cleaner is sold in a regular 170 ml aerosol can. The price of one cylinder is around 500 Russian rubles.

Additional manipulations

It is now clear how to clean the mass air flow sensor, but this procedure alone does not end everything; it is necessary to perform a number of additional and necessary manipulations. And you need to do this before installing a clean device. And while the cleaning agent is drying, it’s time to work on the air pipe. It is worth carefully inspecting it for integrity. And if the condition is unsatisfactory - there are cracks and other damage, then it should be replaced.

As experts note, before installing the mass air flow sensor, it is advisable to replace the filter element. You should also check the condition of the rubber seal. Here it is important to pay attention to how tightly it fits, otherwise it will not be possible to avoid the suction of outside air, which is flooded with various contaminants. As a result, cleaning will be required again, and in a fairly short time. Or it will lead to its failure altogether.