Mass Airflow (MAF) and Mass Air Pressure (MAP) Sensor Cleaning & Cleaners

by Andy Published on Friday, January 10th, 2014

A Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF) measures the air entering an engine. It is important to measure air so the ECU can calculate the correct amount of fuel to inject into the combustion chamber to achieve the optimum air/fuel ratio. Because of the MAF’s important role, it should be attended to regularly, just as you would an air filter.

MAFs got their name because they are designed to calculate the entire mass of air rather than just the flow rate. This helps the ECU better respond to differences in air density, supported by Air Intake Temperature (IAT) sensors that measure air temperature and Mass Air Pressure (MAP) sensors that measure air pressure. Turbocharged engines, in particular, rely heavily on MAP sensors.

Together, these sensors provide valuable data to the ECU so that it can deliver correct turbo pressure and fuel injector timing regardless of conditions. When one of the sensors fails or starts to operate out of range, the ECU will take precautionary measures to protect the engine. This results in power loss and engine hesitation.

The most common MAF type is the hot wire. This pre-heated filament, when hit with air, cools and creates a change in electrical resistance. This subsequently changes the voltage signal (normally between 0 and 5 volts) sent to the ECU.

Over time, the hot wire on the sensor can accumulate debris, dust, and sometimes oil particulates, especially if an aftermarket filter or induction kit is fitted. The filter is typically coated with oil to trap fine dust. As a result, this oil and debris can make their way onto the sensor, affecting the accuracy of the airflow signal to the ECU. This can result in poor engine running, hesitation, increased emissions, reduced MPG, and so on.

MAP sensors are similar in that they accumulate deposits over time. Unfortunately, even the most modern ECUs cannot detect this degradation of performance. An error code or warning light will only appear if the unit has failed completely.

The solution is to clean the MAF and MAP sensor at each service schedule with a designated MAF cleaner. Standard electrical contact cleaners are also effective, but ensure they do not leave any residue. Also, remember that they usually contain a single basic solvent. In contrast, professional MAF cleaners have a blend of multiple solvents specifically for the type of debris that needs to be removed, making the job a little easier.

We recommend Archoil AR2810 MAF Cleaner, which contains 500ml of the best solvents available for precisely this task. It is also completely safe for all MAF and MAP materials and plastics, leaves absolutely zero residues, and is comparable in cost to basic contact cleaners when considering the size of the can.

Through research, Archoil discovered that customers were wasting product as MAF and MAP cleaning only required a few sprays. The latest version is now compatible with air intakes and EGRs so customers can clean the sensors as before and now use the remainder of the can to clean the EGR and Intake Plenum, ensuring zero waste.

If you require any advice or help, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Use offer code ‘MAF’ for 25% off when you purchase AR2810 through www.Powerenhancer.co.uk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a MAF Cleaner?

An MAF Cleaner is an aerosol-based product used to clean and remove deposits from the Mass Airflow Sensors.

What is a MAF Cleaner made of?

MAF Cleaners are made of solvents and aerosol propellants. Cleaners using multi-solvents work best.

MAF Cleaner vs Carb Cleaner?

Not all carb cleaners are residue-free, so this is not recommended.

MAF Cleaner vs Brake Cleaner?

Do not use brake cleaner, as it may remain on the sensor. Removing the brake cleaner residue would then require direct contact or another solvent-based cleaner.

MAF Cleaner vs Contact Cleaner

Contact cleaner is usually just isopropyl alcohol, which will clean but not as effectively as a multi-solvent cleaner. It is also unsuitable for cleaning intake plenums, EGRs, etc.

Can I use MAF Cleaner on a MAP sensor?

Check with the manufacturer for compatibility. Most should be suitable as the manufacturing materials and plastics are similar. AR2810 can be used on both MAF and MAP sensors.

Can I use MAF Cleaner on a Throttle Body?

Potentially, yes, but cleaning performance will be limited if the cleaner uses basic solvents. AR2810 can be used to clean Throttle Bodies. Check suitability with the manufacturer.

How to Use MAF Cleaner?

Disconnect and remove the airflow sensor. Then, in a well-ventilated area, spray the filament wire in the sensor with small bursts until deposits are removed. It is important to not touch the wire directly. Allow the sensor to dry fully and then reconnect.

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8 thoughts on “Mass Airflow (MAF) and Mass Air Pressure (MAP) Sensor Cleaning & Cleaners”

Pete Barry says:

October 27, 2021 at 8:21 am

Hi I have a1997 R/Rover 4.6 V8, today I hope to find out if the Maf sensor has had it for sure. My problem is what make to replace it with, I wonder if you could help, l have seen them for sixty pounds and one hundred & forty, I have looked for Sagem which looks to be the original, with no success, I will carry on looking.
Regards Pete

Reply
1. Andy says:
  
  November 17, 2021 at 11:02 am
  
  Stick to OEM with airflow sensors.
  
  Reply
Mike Penny says:

September 11, 2020 at 11:48 am

I have disconnected my MAF Sensor after an identified fault. My X-trail (2003) is now running well with only a slight loss of turbo boost. No faults are shown.
Is there any harm likely to be caused by me doing this?

Reply
1. Andy says:
  
  September 14, 2020 at 4:36 pm
  
  Yes – potential engine damage. The ECU needs to know the volume of air in order to calculate the correct fueling.
  
  Reply
Chris spinks says:

March 16, 2017 at 8:58 pm

Hi all,once my d3 gets warm it starts making a sucking sound or whoosh for a few seconds after de-celebration sometimes more prolonged up long hills or load, car power and performance are great but I think this air sucking sound shouldn’t be there, my friend is sure it’s coming from turbo, he thinks veins or actuator Rod sticking, but I get no smoke or error lights or codes etc. Hoses etc checked, gearbox had an overhaul as I was advised torque converter,doesn’t do it on the drive in neutral v v strange, someone suggested MAF sensor as it could be turbo overshoot…..help lol ?

Reply
1. Andy says:
  
  March 20, 2017 at 9:58 am
  
  Difficult to advise without listening to the vehicle. This could be due to a leak or just how excess pressure when coming off the turbo is being recirculated back into the intake. I am not familiar with the plumbing on that engine but I would check for a fault with the turbo recirc valve/system.
  
  Reply
Kev Hamlinton says:

May 9, 2015 at 6:54 pm

How much is the MAF cleaner from you guys please inc delivery??.
I await your responce.Thank you…..Kev.

Reply
1. Andy Archer says:
  
  May 11, 2015 at 8:19 am
  
  Hi, it can be purchased here http://www.powerenhancer.co.uk/product.php?xProd=864.
  
  Reply

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