[Grampstang]

Just cleaned the MAF sensor on my 2001 Buick for the first time (just shy of 200,000 miles). I used the CRC MAF sensor cleaner and it helped.


My 2011 V6 Mustang is just shy of 13,000 miles (C&L CAI and BAMA tunes for about 8,000 miles). I've had the car since June 2010 (I know, but I'm retired). I've used the 87S, 87P and 93R tunes so far and just got the 93H which I plan to load tomorrow.

But first, the air filter looks like it's getting dirty.


Should I clean BOTH now or just the air filter?


I plan to use the C&N air cleaner system to clean the air filter and the CRC MAF sensor cleaner on the MAF.




2011 Kona V6 Auto, Pony Package, 3.31 rear end, NAV system, other bells and whistles.

 

[Joenpb]

You really can't clean the air filter & MAF sensor too much, assuming its performed correctly. So clean away, but be easy on the MAF sensor, and let the air filter totally dry out.

 

[Plumbago]

Wait a minute "Grumps" What makes you think the MAF needs cleaning. Just as in the Buick they are designed to go a long long time without service....and more often than not, cleaning the MAF is a sure receipt for disaster.....Does it say anything about cleaning it in the manual? NO. Don't do it, find find something else to do with your retired time...........I'm there too....best regards Plum

 

[Joenpb]

I understand your concern plum, but does Ford not recommend cleaning the MAF sensor because it never needs it, or because 30-40% of peeps want to finger it?

I have over 25K miles on mine, and all is well, but I definitely can see myself cleaning it in the future.

 

[pmr2000]

Honestly if the MAF sensor ain't broke don't fix it. I'd leave it alone unless you have an issue.

Of course air filter can be cleaned if needed, I've only had K&N or disposable but 13,000 miles depending on area could be enough to clean.

 

[powerwhee]

How long do you guys take between cleaning intervals with your cold air intake filters?

 

[badyardmechanic]

How long do you guys take between cleaning intervals with your cold air intake filters?

With regular driving on a long gravel/dust road back and forth to the house, my CAI filter would need cleaning weekly! That is when the car's up and running, which isn't often these days,,,, waiting for parts,,,Still

 

[IbleedBlue]

Typically cars with re-usable air filters (you did not specify if you still have the factory paper filter, those must be replaced of course) we clean them at 50,000. Cheapie parts-store re-usable cone filters are pretty much shot at that point, and if you try to clean them the element starts to disintegrate and you have to replace it.

Re-usable filter elements DO contaminate a MAF sensor pretty quickly due the small amount of filter oil that gets sucked past it. Cleaning the MAF is not a bad thing to do once a year. You can use the special MAF sensor cleaner available at all parts stores to do this if you want to be super safe, or just use carb cleaner.

We clean Ford MAF sensors all the time. With carb cleaner. Everyone always cringes and says "You can't do that!" But you can. Haven't messed one up yet. 20 year exp. tech and shop owner here.

 

[Joenpb]

Typically cars with re-usable air filters (you did not specify if you still have the factory paper filter, those must be replaced of course) we clean them at 50,000.

While reusable filter manufacturers claim their filters can go 50K miles between cleanings, I clean mine about once a year. Much of the point of having a CAI is to increase the air flow to the combustion chamber, so for me using one until it has less flow than a clean OEM paper filter doesn't make a lot of sense.