Cleaning a mass air flow sensor

[cscarlson]

How do you clean a mass air flow sensor on a C5 Corvette?

[WLS Ruby 93]

How do you clean a mass air flow sensor on a C5 Corvette?

Go to your nearest auto parts store, like Advance Auto and buy a can of CRC brand "Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner" and follow the directions on the can, it's easy to do.

Do not use Throttle Body or Air-Intake Cleaners, I have read they are very different chemicals and can gum up the MA Sensor.

Keep em' rollin'

Bill

[cscarlson]

I think my sensor needs to be cleaned. That may clear up the code I keep getting

[WLS Ruby 93]

I think my sensor needs to be cleaned. That may clear up the code I keep getting

Do you have a K & N filter in your car? If so, sometimes the oil used on the filter will coat the sensor and create false readings buy the computer. When cleaning that kind of filter go easy on the oil applied just a very light coating will do.

Bill

[cscarlson]

No everything is stock

[WLS Ruby 93]

No everything is stock

If the MAS has never been cleaned since 2003 then it's definitely time to do it.

Let us all know if it makes a difference.

Bill

[cscarlson]

Will do..thanks for the info and help

[cscarlson]

i found this info on the internet...

How to clean your Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF) | eHow.com


any comments?

[cscarlson]

I didnt notice... when the maf is installed does the sensors in the unit go across or go down

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2.

[fixvet]

It doesn't make any diffence. I think the plug connector is sort of on the drivers side of the MAF when in the proper position. It is on my '98...I just looked in my garage. More importantly, be absolutely sure you have the MAF faced the correct direction. Look closely, there should be an "arrow" on the housing that must be pointed toward the throttle body for the MAF to read the air flow correctly.

You may or may not notice much difference after cleaning it unless your MAF was very dirty or oily like has been already mention in this thread.

Good luck

I didnt notice... when the maf is installed does the sensors in the unit go across or go down

1.


2.

[cscarlson]

everything back in i still get the code

[fixvet]

everything back in i still get the code

Don't think I read what code you're getting, but the problem may something besides a dirty MAF sensor. I once had a MAF related code, and found a vacuum leak causing the dtc. Fixed that and no more codes or performance issues. Make sure the air intake system from the filter housing up to the manifold has no loose clamps or open hoses etc. Look over the pvc hoses around the heads under the fuel rail covers etc. for any loose clamps or hoses.

[cscarlson]

I keep getting...Code 10PCM PO174 HC ...checked all the hoses..could it be an o2 sensor?

[fixvet]

I keep getting...Code 10PCM PO174 HC ...checked all the hoses..could it be an o2 sensor?

Yeah, you have a Fuel Trim lean bank 2 condition....could be an O2 sensor.
Get out your GM Service manual and start studying the situation, or take it to a vette mechanic for diagnosis. I doubt we can help you much more here, but someone may chime in that's an expert!

I'm also a member of www.corvettemechanic.com another good site for solving problems run by GM trained techs.

[cscarlson]

Will this code cause me to fail an emission test?