Is there a trick to loosen the mounting screws on MAF sensor? Looks really tight to get a real "Philips"-screwdriver in there.....

 

Are you taking it apart to clean it/replace?? I took mine off and put it on with a new intake system..i would imagine a specialty driver set.

 

I was just going to take it off to inspect and clean. I have owned the truck for almost 18 months and havent cleaned it yet.

 

Just ran down and checked mine..still dirt in there where the screws are from my last wheelin bit, but yeah I remember when i cleaned mine--specialty driver set. Now it's a part of my intake system and held in by hose clamps, etc. I used hi grade electrical cleaner specific to MAF, that was well over a year ago---no probs.

 

Yes, there is a trick to get good leverage on those screws:

 

Or why not just take it out!?

 

.....because on a 99-02, they are part of the airbox.

 

Question:

Wouldnt it be easier to take the whole intake tube out then remove the MAF sensor?

 

The MAF is part of the airbox not the intake tube.
If you wanted to pull that, then yes, it would make removing the MAF easier.

 

I find it easiest to unbolt the cruise control actuator and use a regular length philips screw driver to remove the sensor.

 

MTL_4runner's idea works well... I've done that before. I now use a phillips head screwdriver bit on my 3/8" ratchet.

 

I have cleaned and changed a few MAF's. The easiest way is to just pull the airbox and get the correct tool in there, use the right leverage, etc. Be careful you dont strip the phillips head (not hard to do as those suckers are sometimes tight). If it does strip, just use a dremmel cutoff wheel to notch it for a flathead screwdriver. Yes, I had to do that once myself.

Taking the airbox off will give you a chance to inspect it, inspect the hose and even inspect your TB to see if it needs to be cleaned too. Shouldn't take you more than 30 minutes

 

That's not my method, pic just came from the MAF maintenance writeup on 4x4 wire.
I use the same method you do (phillips screwdriver bit in a 1/4" socket on a 1/4" ratchet).

 

Remember also that not all Phillips head screws are created equal. It is VERY important to pick a Phillips bit that fits the head snug. Some heads are shallow and wide, some are deep and narrow, some are square at the bottom...

If you get one that slops around in the head, you'll strip the head and then be in real trouble.

Invest a couple of bucks in a good set of bits and a driver. Once you try the various Phillips options, you'll see what I'm talking about.

 

That's a good point.
I use ones for drywalling and they engage very well without rounding anything.

 

Well I have tried everything short of the Dremel tool. Blasted the tops off of both screws. Went tot he dealer to see if the screws are available as parts... Nope. They might come with a new MAF, so said my friend the Parts Guy.
two options for removal
1. Dremel
2. try with all my might to get the stripped ones out using an assortment of screwdrivers

two options for new replacement screws
1. junk yard, there is a local yard for toyotas
2. take the old ones to the Parts Guy and he might be able to match them up

simple tasks gone wrong. fumbling around when I should have stopped and pulled the air box out, used straight on over head weight versus sideways doo dads and buggering them up. Live and Learn

 

Make sure you have the proper size Phillips wet the screw driver tip with water/spit dip in Comet or other gritty cleanser. This helps gain extra grip.
I just checked my 96 to see if it had Posi-drive type but it has a combo slot/phillips kind of screw.

 

I assume that you have the bos out when trying this in oreder to get the best leverage.

It helps if you give the screwdriver a tap or two with a hammer. i do not want you to ruin the MAF but this does work. Make sure you are applying lots of pressure.

If the screws are that stripped, you are likely going to have to drill out the heads, then replace with similar screw. I do not think you need a screw from the dealer for this. You just need to get the remainder of the screw out and get the same thing from the hardware or auto store.

 

Even if the screw head is stripped, you can often use a dremel tool cutoff wheel to cut a slit in the screw deep enough for a flathead screwdriver. Unless the MAF screw is rusted in place, this should be enough leverage to get them out.