CRC electronic cleaner?

[sd8683]

I'm gonna attempt to clean my "MAF" today and I've read a couple of old threads and in them they suggested to use "CRC MAF cleaner" but I couldn't find it anywhere, I ended up buying CRC electronic cleaner, is that ok to use, is it the same thing?

Also this is my first time cleaning the MAF, does anyone have any tips for me, I don't wanna screw anything up.

Thanks, Sean

[sd8683]

I also read in an old thread that it was necessary to disconnect the negative terminal on the battery? Is this true? If so will I have to reflash my tune.

I know, I'm an idiot!

[Bradley G]

You'll be fine!
go ahead, no reflash needed

[sd8683]

Also, after its cleaned do I need to oil or grease the MAF? I saw some DI-electric grease that claims to prevent rust and corrosion on contacts, the only thing that scares me is the fact that its grease. Has anyone used the grease?

Thanks, Sean

[CRC]

I Clean Cars and Bikes.....Electronics are not my "thing":neener:

[Breadfan]

Grease the MAF?

NO!

You may want to put some dielectric grease in the wire harness connector. But on the MAF element itself you want NOTHING on it except clean.

Beware of electrical cleaner - is there anything in there stating it doesn't leave a residue?

If it leaves a residue, you don't want to spray it on your MAF. If it's non-residue and dries relatively quickly, it's probably OK

[sd8683]

Yes it says fast drying and leaves no residue

[Breadfan]

Yes it says fast drying and leaves no residue

Probably fine then. Heck probably the same stuff different can :)

[sd8683]

Ok, one more ridiculously silly question, should I spray the cleaner on the male and female part of the connecter or just the male part?
Thanks

[Breadfan]

Ok, one more ridiculously silly question, should I spray the cleaner on the male and female part of the connecter or just the male part?
Thanks

The whole idea of cleaning the MAF is not to clean the connector. That is in a weather tight connector and should be clean and corrosion free for sure a new car. if you are cleaning THAT then yes you do want to disconnect the battery.

The idea of MAF cleaning is to clean the MAF element that is in the air tube. It can get dirty over time, even with an airfilter in front of it.

To do this you must disconnect the MAF harness, and then remove the MAF with the screws on top, carefully remove it, and you'll se a coiled wire in there, that is the MAF element. DO NOT TOUCH IT, or put any pressure on it, it's very fragile and finger oil is not good for it.

This is what you need to spray to clean. Spray short bursts, about 7 or 8, and let it thoroughly air dry. You want it clean, and dry before reinstalling.

Regarding the wire harness connector, yes you can use the electrical contact cleaner here too, most likely it doesn't need it. But if you do, disconnect the battery since you'll be spraying solvent on electrical connectors. I don't think that harness has power without the key in, but better safe than sorry. Me? I've never cleaned the connector. Just inspect it, and if it looks good, it's good to go.

[RF Overlord]

^^^what Breadfan said^^^

DON'T touch the MAF element with anything...not your finger, not a Q-tip, not the nozzle of the spray can. You also don't need to blast it up close...spray from a few inches away, let the runoff drain out and you'll be good.

[sd8683]

Thanks a bunch breadfan, I appreciate all your help, thanks to you I definatelyhave a better understanding of how the MAF works

Sean

[ctrlraven]

Yes CRC Electronics Cleaner is safe on the MAFS. I have always used it on my Ford vehicles and even use it to clean lots of other electronics and have never had a problem.

Take the MAF out, spray it from each way for 5-10 secs let dry completely before hooking it back up and thats it. I usually do it before and after I clean my K&N filter to get whatever oil buildup off.

[sd8683]

1 more question, what tool do I need to get the cover off the MAF?
I don't know what the actual name of the tool is but I call it a star key? But I can't get it in there because there is a little pin in the center of the screw preventing me from getting a good bite on it, I don't wanna strip it.

Is there a special tool?

Thanks, Sean

[larryo340]

1 more question, what tool do I need to get the cover off the MAF?
I don't know what the actual name of the tool is but I call it a star key? But I can't get it in there because there is a little pin in the center of the screw preventing me from getting a good bite on it, I don't wanna strip it.

Is there a special tool?

Thanks, Sean

You need anti-tamper torx, I don't know what size though. They should be available in most tool stores. I know Sears has them.
http://webserver.diygear.com/acatalog/66torx.jpg

[sd8683]

You need anti-tamper torx, I don't know what size though. They should be available in most tool stores. I know Sears has them.
http://webserver.diygear.com/acatalog/66torx.jpg


Thanks, that's exactly what I need

[RF Overlord]

You don't need to remove the cover from the MAF. Just unbolt the whole MAF from the airbox (4 common hex bolts- 8mm? 10mm? I don't remember)... it's much easier.