johnw999

It should have been so simple. I tried to clean the MAF sensor today on my 2000 4runner. My check engine light was on, and I suspect that the TRD filter gummed up the MAF sensor with oil. Unfortunately, I couldn?t remove the top screw that secures the sensor. I tried to turn the screw at an angle with a phillips head and a wrench (as illustrated on 4x4wire.com). The screw wouldn?t break, and the screw head started to disfigure. I made more room for myself by moving an electric box that is mounted to the left of the intake. I then tried to remove the screw directly. Screw still wouldn?t budge, and now its head was really getting stripped. I tried to remove the screw with a kobalt screw extractor. The extractor broke off inside the head of the screw which is now hopelessly mangled! Arrgghhh!

I?m probably going to have to buy a new air cleaner box. Anyone know the part number for this (I have the v6 engine)? I may even need to buy a maf sensor if I can?t remove it.

Greedy

Just drill out the screw very carefully. If you replace the whole assembly and the MAF - you are looking at alot of $$.

Erich_870

I had the exact same problem and tried the same extractors.

I'll post some pics later, but basically I cut off the tabs on the MAF so I could get to the screws with a pair of pliers.

It turns out that I got the screw hot enough, with a small cut off wheel on my dremel, that the plastic melted on the air box so the screw and the metal insert that grabs the plastic came out. I was freaked out at first, but it was perfect because the screw was corroded behind the metal nut, explaining why it wouldn't budge.

I just mixed up a dab of epoxy and reset the nut then installed the new MAF.

You probably have the same corrosion, stopping the screw from coming out.

Erich

johnw999

Thanks for the reply. I don't feel so bad knowing that this has happened before. I might try to remove the air box and drill on the screw some more. Also, there is an airbox for sale on ebay for a V6 tacoma. Looks like my airbox. Anyone know if the 2000-2004 tacoma box is the same as the 99-02 4runner?

MTL_4runner

Ditto, just cut the head off the screw with a dremel tool cutting wheel. Then take off the MAF and overnight soak the remaining portion of the screw in WD40 or PB blaster. The next day you should be able to use a pair of pliers to remove what's left. Retap the hole if necessary and use new screws when reassembling.

gpcollen1

Its only 3 bolts to get the airbox out - I just pull it out every time I do anything. Much easier to work on.

You need to put a fair amount of pressure on the screw to get it moving - but I guess you know that already. If you get it out you may still be able to get the screw moving. Drill or cut the screw out like the others said and good luck

johnw999

Update - I pulled out the airbox, and then I used the dremel to cut the screw off. The remaining part of the screw came out easy. Since I had the air box out, I used the opportunity to clean it. There was quite a bit of oil from the TRD filter all over the bottom of the box. I thought I was being careful when I cleaned the TRD filter (I know not to apply too much oil). Apparently I need to use even less. Anyway, the MAF is clean, the check engine light is gone, and the 4runner is running good.

sharrack

Just did mine yesterday.
3 -12mm bolts gets the box loose and out of the way.

Of course dropping those little screws is another hazard.
Twice for me.............got lucky just to find them.
Kenny S>

Chapman88SR5

what happens when the maf is dirty like explained?

bigpoppa

Mine gets gunked up by the Amsoil filter every few months and I get a CEL code. I went to Radio Shack and bought some electronics parts cleaner. It is in a small can with a straw just like wd40.

You don't even have to take the air box or the MAF off. I just pull the filter, stick the can in upside down and spray it right into the opening in the front of the MAF. Let it sit for awhile and drop the filter back in. I usually don't bother to reset the code. It usually goes away in about a day of driving.