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Why no writeup for cleaning MAF sensor?

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Old 09-30-2003, 05:38 AM
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Why no writeup for cleaning MAF sensor?

Anyone want to do one?

Seems like this has been a pretty persistant problem on most 3rd gen 4runners so maybe we should have a section for that in maintenance. Seems pretty improtant for keeping the old rig in tip top condition.....and besides, everyone who has done it reports great improvements in throttle response.

I haven't done mine, so I went to the tech writeup section.
I thought for sure there would be one but found nothing.
I know it is easy for those who have done it but it can be daunting for those who haven't.
Found some threads about it but not a single pic for a 96-98.

Seem like a good idea?
Old 09-30-2003, 05:47 AM
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FWIW...

I checked out my MAF when I cleaned out my throttle body. On my 96, it's just a very thin, delicate sensor that doesn't have much protection. I know how expensive these suckers are... so I ain't touching it. I cleaned the TB, but didn't do anything with the MAF. From the writeups I've read, on newer rigs they are easier to clean.

Here's my writeup on cleaning the TB... it's got some MAF pics in it.

Last edited by jacksonpt; 09-30-2003 at 05:49 AM.
Old 09-30-2003, 06:01 AM
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I think it is a very fine piece of wire, right?

You should be able to hit it with some kind of electrical contact cleaner without doing any damage. I am curious if anyone has done it on these vehicles and what was the best way to do it. Seems like a writeup would really help in this case (ie a don't clean 96-98 but do clean 99-02 and here's how you do it, type of thing) Can someone chime in if you have cleaned your MAF sensor on a 96-98 with a 3.4L
Old 09-30-2003, 11:02 AM
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Its really quite simple...
a. remove maf
b. clean
c. reinstall maf



Please feel free to copy this to the tech section:

99 4Runner 3.4 instructions for getting rid of P0171 and P0172 ECU codes:

The MAF/IAT module is located just downstream of the air filter. Two phillips screws hold the module in place. You may need to move the cruise control servo box to get at the MAF/IAT.

Once removed, clean by spraying contact cleaner on the IAT sensor (obvious little bulb thingy) and down into the MAF airflow tube. Looking into the downstream side of the MAF tube, you can see two wires which make up the hotwire MAF. The contact cleaner I used has silicone lube as part of the mix, so to get rid of that, just swish it around in dish soap and warm water, or use a toothbrush to get the gunk off. Don't be afraid of getting it wet, they are sealed.


Let dry throughly. You can gently blow dry.

Reinstall and watch the Check Engine light go off after 3 or 4 trips. Also notice that the momentary lag at 3200~3400 RPM is significantly reduced.

The MAF/IAT module will stay cleaner longer by using a quality air filter.
Old 09-30-2003, 02:31 PM
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That's great Unhappy99!
Any pics you can post for us too?

I would assume the 96-98 procedures are a bit different cause they use a different MAF.
Anyone done it on one that looks like this?
If so are the procedures the same?:



Sorry Jackson, I borrowed your pic.

Last edited by MTL_4runner; 10-01-2003 at 02:59 AM.
Old 09-30-2003, 08:55 PM
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Yep
Attached Thumbnails Why no writeup for cleaning MAF sensor?-maf1.jpg  
Old 09-30-2003, 08:56 PM
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And_a_2
Attached Thumbnails Why no writeup for cleaning MAF sensor?-maf2.jpg  
Old 09-30-2003, 08:56 PM
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Attached Thumbnails Why no writeup for cleaning MAF sensor?-maf3.jpg  
Old 09-30-2003, 08:57 PM
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Attached Thumbnails Why no writeup for cleaning MAF sensor?-maf4.jpg  
Old 09-30-2003, 08:58 PM
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Last one
Attached Thumbnails Why no writeup for cleaning MAF sensor?-maf5.jpg  
Old 09-30-2003, 09:14 PM
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What about the 3VZ-Es? I took mine out last week and there is just a "door" in the air passage. In the intake side, there is a little, yellow, plastic knob about 3/16" wide, 3/8" long that sticks down, too. Uncleanable MAF sensor on these engines?
Old 09-30-2003, 09:32 PM
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If I understand you correctly, your MAF is a big spring-loaded butterfly valve (or door as you describe)? I had this on an 87 22-RE.

In this case, no, there is no cleaning of the MAF sensor. Vane type sensors do not need cleaning, only hotwire types do.
Old 10-01-2003, 02:53 AM
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Thanks for posting those pics....this should help those with the 99 - 02 type!

Here they are so you don't need to view the attachments:

Location of your MAF sensor:




Removal of the sensor:




Sensor out:




Sensor parts:




Hotwire location:



Can someone post similar for the 96 - 98 type if they have them?

Last edited by MTL_4runner; 10-01-2003 at 02:58 AM.
Old 10-01-2003, 04:44 AM
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Mine is hanging out upside down for the time being without the box. After doing my body lift the factory air tube would not mount properly. I had to mount everything without bolting it down. I had to ditch the air box, rotate the MAG assembly over set the air cleaner on it and strap it down. Seems to work just the same. I am going to do Dr. Z's air tube mod asap though.
Old 12-10-2003, 12:52 PM
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Are you guys cleaning it with Isoporyl(sp?) alcochol or electrical parts cleaner?
Old 12-10-2003, 01:46 PM
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Just FYI guys, I don't think its as easy as just copying to the tech section.

Corey is the guy that uploads that stuff, and I believe he needs things to be in a certain format before submitting a write-up to him.


Here's the guidelines. If you have time it would be nice if you could get them in this format so we could then add them!
Old 12-10-2003, 02:47 PM
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Why does that airbox have the GM logo on it????!!!!! I hope it wasn't built by them. Nah.............it can't be...........its not broke yet.
Old 12-10-2003, 02:51 PM
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I remember someone else makes the tranny.....was it GM, Ford or Chrysler?
Anyone know the answer?


I would love to do a writeup for the MAF but I don't have time right now.
I might try to do one on an alarm install over X-Mas though.
Old 12-10-2003, 02:54 PM
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Originally posted by j-dub
Are you guys cleaning it with Isoporyl(sp?) alcochol or electrical parts cleaner?
I think either would work well but the electrical contact spray is very convienent for the job.
Old 12-15-2003, 11:07 AM
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Hi,
Anyone has pics for the '96 style MAF sensor for a 4Runner SR5 with the 5VZ0FE engine? Thanks in advance,
El.


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