How to Clean the Mass Air-Flow (MAF) Sensor
2004-2009 Toyota Prius
Here's a simple maitenance item that can bring your MPG's back up slightly. If this sensor is too coated with carbon build up it won't function properly (lower MPG's) and needs a cleaning. All you need is a can of MAF cleaner and a few basic tools and you can DIY! This is more of a high mileage maintenance item but it never hurts to check and clean on lower mileage Prii. Oh yeah, and this is at least a $60 job at the dealer.
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Tools Needed:
- Small philips screwdriver or Flexible Socket Extension
Parts/Supplies Needed:
1) Remove the engine air filter. MAF is highlighted in green above. Actually this is more of an optional step, you can start with step 2 if you don't need to inspect or replace the air filter. This is more for reference so you can see where it's located in the engine bay.
2) Push on the tab indicted by the blue arrow while pulling out on the connector to release it.
3) Use a small phillips screwdriver or flexible socket extension to remove the 2 screws circled in red. Make sure not to lose the screws into the engine void!
Pictured is the MAF sensor removed along with the 2 screws. The flexible socket extension is also shown.
Circled in red is one part of the actual sensor. As you can see it has a fair amount of carbon built up on it. It should be somewhat transparent.
Here's the other part of the sensor that needs to be cleaned, these 2 wires. Tough to get a shot of this...
4) Use your can of MAF cleaner to spray off the sensor and 2 wires (2 previous pictures) and then let it dry off on its own on some shop towels.
5) Reinstall is reverse of removal. See how the sensor now has a shine to it? This = best MPG's.
Resources:
- 100k maintenance by Hobbit. Part of his 100k maitenance includes a MAF cleaning.
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