what is the proper way to clean one? i have never cleaned mine and was just curious.......i have the MAF that is built into the stock intake.......any help would be nice!

 

disconnect battery
take the MAF out, carefully
do not touch the wire element
be generous with the spray
let it dry completely before replacing
start truck and let idle a few minutes
take it easy for the first 15 minutes of driving to let computer adjust
here is what I use

 

i can't take it out....all i can do is remove the round filter cover from the intake tube and the filter housing......it is built into my filter housing cover......

 

there should be a t-20 security screw in there.. have to go down to ford and get the bit.. should be able to take it out then

 

here is the stock intake tube that i have....the wire going into the filter area is the MAF wires....

 

well I think you can remove it with torx drivers, but I am not sure about a 1997 truck
it changed for 2004 from plastic to metal but still can be removed
I bet you can take it out, it's a part that can go bad and be replaced

here it is on a 2003 because I think that is Wowak's truck
the top of the MAF is under the comma after the word 'case'

 

OK - late post on my part
still I think you can remove that part
look for a retaining ring or clip that holds it in place

 

CRC actually makes MAF sensor cleaner specifically. I first saw it in popular mechanics I think, so I went to the parts store and bought a can. Cleaned it up real nice and was made just for the job.

http://www.crcindustries.com/auto/co...x?S=Y&PN=05110

 

nice find
probably the same stuff - on the shelf attention grabbing label
that said, I will buy that type next....

 

You don't have to take the element out. Just clean it with the contact cleaner and let it air out a little.

 

This is what I have for the HOW-TO:

REMOVAL

CAUTION: Sensing elements located in the airflow bypass are not to be tampered with.



Disconnect battery ground cable.
Disconnect Mass Airflow (MAF) sensor extension wiring.
Release air cleaner band clamp.
Separate the inlet and outlet sides of the engine air cleaner.
Peel back the convolute from the MAF extension wiring. Cut tape if necessary.
Pull grommet out of outlet side of engine air cleaner and slide it down the extension wiring.
Remove the MAF sensor plate and the MAF sensor from the outlet side of the engine air cleaner.
Disconnect MAF sensor connector.
Remove MAF from sensor plate. The MAF sensor electronics module and body are calibrated as a unit and must be serviced as a complete unit.
INSTALLATION


Install MAF sensor to sensor plate. Torque MAF sensor to 8-11 Nm (72-98 lb in).
Connect MAF sensor connector.
Clean the screen and ensure it is properly aligned.
Install the MAF sensor plate and MAF sensor into outlet side of engine air cleaner. CAUTION: The grommet used to seal the opening for the MAF extension wiring must be fully seated, otherwise, unmetered air will enter the engine.
Slide grommet up the extension wiring and install into outlet side of engine air cleaner.
Replace the convolute around the extension wiring and tape if necessary.
Align the notch and position the inlet and outlet sides of the engine air cleaner.
Secure the engine air cleaner band clamp.
Connect the MAF extension wiring. NOTE: When battery voltage is removed from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) , all learned values will be cleared and reset to predetermined values. When battery voltage is restored to the PCM, the vehicle may exhibit certain driveability concerns. It will be necessary to drive the vehicle to allow the PCM to relearn values for optimum driveablilty and performance.
Connect ground cable at battery.

Let me know if you need any pictures :)

 

yea difinately need some pictures........if you dont mind....i think i know what you are talking about but i just want to make sure with pictures....

 

the only picture that I have is an engine compartment diagram. sorry.