OK, So I've been reading how to clean my MAF and all the pics show one that is entirely different. There aren't two screws to remove it...it unclamps from the tube has a whole. Also, a while back it kept throwing a code for the MAF. Is mine not serviceable?

EDIT: I guess my question is: "Has anybody with a 97 runner actually been able to clean their MAF sensor?"

 

I have.
I am going off memory right now, so bear with me. Mine had the MAF sensor wire in the middle, you can only see the wire from the front, just spray there. Sorry its really vague. Just remove it and you will know what I am talking about.

 

yea... I think mine is the same way. Also going on memory here though, but I think the early 3rd gens differ slightly from the later 3rd gens. I had a writeup at one time with a pic, I'll see if I can dig it out.

 

Found it. Not the greatest in the world, but you get the idea. The actual sensor is behind the "crosshairs" looking center part.

 

Yeah, I have the same one, it looks like it's behind a bullseye. Can you clean those?

 

Great! Thats exactly what I needed! I actually already had it apart, but wasn't sure if I could safely spray in there.

 

I sprayed in there without any problems... Use a gentle spray though... not a lot of pressure. I've heard MAFs are delicate and EXPENSIVE!

 

Same here, I was very careful when I sprayed it. I let it dry completely and then installed it. I heard they are over $400!

 

I gave mine a full blast of contact cleaner 3X. No problems.

 

what kind of contact cleaner did you use Christian?

I have some Deoxit cleaner I use for guitar and amp related stuff...but I'm not sure its right for the MAF.

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I bought some at Home Depot. It was straight up contact cleaner. I really can't say if what you have will be ok...

personally, I would just go to HD or similar and get a can. It was around $3.

 

I seem to remember a write-up somewhere suggesting electrical contact cleaner...

 

Actually, I believe you are supposed to use carb/choke/TB cleaner... at least that's what I remember reading, and that's why I used the stuff I used. I got Carb/Choke cleaner from a local Nappa store for 3 and a half bucks or something like that.

 

The write-up on 4x4wire says to use "Electrical Contact Cleaner". Likely becasue it doens't leave a residue. I say use that, this is too expensive to break!

 

i'd think that throttle body cleaner might mess with the plastic as well....I'll be safe and get electrical contact cleaner.
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Does anyone have a pic of how to remove this version of the maf? Kinda stupid question but I dont want to accidentally take off teh wrong screws. When I do more than is actually involved in the project and guess around I tend to screw things up. THanks.

 

Remove the clamp on the intake tube (one screw, loosen it). On the other end, use a 10mm socket to remove the two bolts at the bottom of sensor. Pull out.

All of this assuming your MAF is the same as mine.

 

Thanks alot man. Kinda thought as much but just wanted to be careful.

 

No worries about hurting it from the outside, the case is pretty durable. I simply gave my MAF a full stream of contact cleaner and shook it out. Dried in about 10 seconds.