Are you dealing with some car hesitation and wondering if there is a problem with the mass air flow sensor?
If so, look no further because we have some expert tips from Scotty Kilmer that will show you exactly how to fix this potentially dangerous problem.
How do you clean the mass air flow sensor to stop car hesitation?
- Only use a specially designated mass flow air sensor cleaner
- Never clean the sensor while it’s on the vehicle
- Disconnect and unplug the electronics
- Remove the filter assembly
- Unplug the electrical connections
- Remove the sensor
- Spray thin wires inside of sensor with cleaner
- Let it dry for 30 minutes
- Properly put sensor back on vehicle
- Put everything else back together
Obviously, this is a quick overview of how Scotty recommends cleaning the mass air flow sensor. But there is more detailed information about exactly how to do this. So, keep reading and we will give you the step-by-step directions in the text. And, you can watch Scotty’s video on how to do this as well.
How to Get to the Mass Air Flow Sensor to Clean it
If your vehicle is hesitating when you accelerate, then your mass air flow sensor might be dirty and need cleaning.
First, you will need to use a special mass air flow sensor cleaner — don’t use anything else. Scotty emphasizes not to use anything but a product that is specifically made to clean mass air flow sensors.
Another thing to remember is that you never clean the sensor while it is on the vehicle. You have to disconnect it and unplug the electronics so you don’t end up frying anything.
Now, you need to remove the air filter assembly. This can be done by unbolting it. Then unscrew the clamp that holds the ductwork to it. After that, you just pull the entire assembly out of the way. Scotty shows you how to do this in the video.
Next, you will unscrew the back clamp that holds the sensor on. It is hard to get to, so you will have to use a wrench and a socket to remove it.
After that, you will unplug the electrical connections — they just snap right off. Then you can wiggle the sensor until it comes off.
How to Clean a Dirty Mass Air Flow Sensor
Once you have the sensor off you can look inside of it and you will see some thin wires. These thin wires can get dirt on them. When that happens, the computer receives the wrong reading and sends the incorrect amount of fuel to the engine. That’s when those thin wires will need to be cleaned.
So, take your mass air flow sensor cleaner and put the nozzle inside of the component. Then you will need to thoroughly spray those thin wires.
Those thin wires measure the actual grams of air that flow into the engine per second, and they are really sensitive. That’s why you want to make sure you get all the dirt off of them.
When you are done, dry the component for about 30 minutes or so. This is because it should be completely dry before you put it back together.
How to Put Everything Back Together
Once you are ready to put everything back together, you will have to make sure you do it right. There is a little sticker with an arrow on it that points to which direction the air should flow in. This will help make sure you don’t put it in backward. Now you put the component back on.
Once you have put the air flow sensor back on, you will then need to put everything else back together.
First, snap the electrical connections in place until you hear them click. Then tighten the back clamp until it is on nice and snug. Replace the air filter housing making sure the neck is lined up first, then slide it in the hole.
Next, line the air filter housing bolts up with the holes on the body. Then you just tighten the bolts.
And lastly, you will need to tighten the last clamp as well.
Now you can start the vehicle, step on the gas, and see what happens.
If there is no more hesitation, then this process worked. If it didn’t, there might be something else wrong with your vehicle.
Viewers Comments about This Video
There are many positive comments about Scotty’s video. This fix worked for many people. If it doesn’t work, though, there might be something else wrong. It could be that you used the wrong type of cleaner or you might need a new or rebuilt MAF. Or, it could be something else.
In the video, Scotty doesn’t specifically recommend a particular product verbally, but it shows him using a mass air flow sensor cleaner called CRC Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner. It looks like it is in a red, white, and gray spray can. And, some of the commenters stated that you could get this product for about $11 or so.
Other comments talked about using a product called Sea Foam, but this caused problems after using it. So, you might want to avoid that.
Also, other people were commenting that after using the mass air flow sensor cleaner and going through this procedure that not only was their car no longer hesitating, but it was also getting better gas mileage as well.
Your best bet is to use the exact same cleaner Scotty shows in the video. That way you will know for sure that you have a quality product that is not going to do more harm than good.
What’s Next?
If you would like more information about your particular vehicle, check the Vehicle History report. This free service will give you information about your vehicle and any known issues it might potentially have.
Click here now to get your instant free vehicle history report. There is no charge, no-obligation, and you won’t be asked for a credit card. This free report will give you the information you need to proactively deal with your vehicle’s potential issues.
You can use this service to request information for any vehicle. All you need is the VIN or license plate number. Or, you can just do a general search for any make or model.
