How to clean the MAF on a Prior – Property protection

What kind of device is this?

Such an element is present in any modern car, since the era of carburetor engines has passed and an electronic control unit (ECU), or controller in other words, is responsible for many operations. Many drivers even call him “the brain.”

The mass air flow sensor is used to measure the amount of air supplied to the engine. However, this device does not measure its volume, but only determines how much mass passes per unit of time, sending data to the ECU. In turn, the controller “understands” how much air has entered the cylinders at each moment of time, and depending on this, adjusts the fuel supply. As a result, the engine runs smoothly and without interruption.

Beginners may be interested not only in whether the mass air flow sensor can be cleaned, but, in fact, where it is located. Typically, this device is located in the area between the air filter housing and the pipe that goes to the throttle valve. It is equipped not only with gasoline, but also with diesel power units.

When is it time to clean?

But regardless of the type of sensor, over time it begins to function incorrectly due to contamination - the platinum measuring elements become covered with dust. Therefore, the question of how to clean the mass air flow sensor will always be relevant.

Why does this happen? The main reason for sensor contamination lies on the surface - the unsatisfactory condition of the air filter. If the filter element is of poor build quality, then it is not able to trap microscopic particles of dirt and dust that settle on the sensing element of the mass flow sensor.

As a result, the device is not able to accurately measure the amount of air and sends incorrect data to the ECU. It's not hard to imagine what this might lead to. Here we gradually approach some characteristic signs that may indicate that the sensor is clogged and needs to be cleaned:

The need to clean the mass air flow sensor on a VAZ or other cars arises when the engine idles intermittently, in some cases they are too high - up to 1500.
The car may jerk and have difficulty accelerating.
Sometimes the engine does not start at all.
Increased fuel consumption - sometimes up to 15 liters per 10 km.
Check Engine light on the dashboard.

However, the above signs do not always accurately indicate contamination of the air flow sensor. A variety of situations can arise, and among them is one when the sensor itself is fine, but the fault lies in the hose that connects the device to the module.

In other words, although there are many obvious signs that a particular part of the car is faulty, they can indicate any other problem.

How to check the air sensor yourself

So, if the driver exhibits the signs discussed above, then the sensor needs to be checked. By the way, it is important to understand that the symptoms of a malfunction of the VAZ 2114 DMVR can be very similar to the symptoms of malfunctions of other components of the car. For this reason, before starting repair work, diagnostics are necessary.

To do this, you need to know how to check the mass air flow sensor on a VAZ 2114. Let us immediately note that this can be done with a multimeter. To check the mass air flow sensor, you do not need to go to a service station; it is enough to purchase a regular tester (multimeter) and know the pinout of the contact group.

DMRV pinout:

contact “5” - supplying an incoming signal from the electronic control unit (yellow wire);
pin “4” - power supply to the device (gray or white wire);
contact “3” - grounding (green wire);
contact “2” - transfer of information from the sensor to the main relay (pink-black wire).

To check the VAZ 2114 mass air flow sensor using a multimeter, do the following:

Set the multimeter to DC measurement mode up to 20 V.
connect the red wire from the multimeter to pin “5”, and the black wire to pin “3”;
Turn the ignition on without starting the car and look at the multimeter readings.

Decoding multimeter readings:

Then, based on the indications, appropriate repair work is carried out. In some cases, you can limit yourself to cleaning, checking contacts, etc. Others will require a complete replacement with a new device.

Sensor check

To accurately verify that the sensor is faulty and understand whether the mass air flow sensor on the VAZ-2114 needs to be cleaned or not, whether it needs cleaning or whether you will have to go to the store for a new mass air flow sensor, you will need a multimeter known to all radio amateurs:

The device is switched to voltage measurement mode (voltmeter).
Set the limit to 2 V.
There are two wires in the sensor connector - yellow (it goes to the ECU) and green (connects to ground).
The voltage is measured between these wires, and only the ignition should be turned on.
Now all that remains is to look at the instrument readings.

If the measurement result is 0.99-0.02, the sensor is working. If the upper threshold is exceeded to 0.03, the mass air flow sensor needs cleaning and the sooner the better. In the case when the measurements are less than the lower limit (0.95) or the upper limit is very high (0.05), then the chances of a successful outcome are 50/50. That is, either cleaning will help and the sensor will function properly again, or you need to buy a new device.

In addition to this, you can understand whether to clean the mass air flow sensor on a VAZ-2110 or not by using one more method when you don’t have a multimeter at hand. Disconnect the sensor, then start the engine, raise the speed to 2000 and drive for a while. If at this moment there are obvious changes, the car has become more dynamic, then the sensor is definitely dirty.

How to check the functionality of the sensor

To understand whether the device works, whether it will be enough to wash it or whether you will have to look for a new mass air flow sensor in a VAZ or another car, you will have to use a device such as a multimeter:

Switch on the voltage measurement mode (voltmeter).
The limit is set to 2 V.
There are two wires coming from the sensor: yellow to the control unit, green to ground.
The ignition is turned on and the voltage between the wires is checked.
They study the testimony.

If the multimeter shows values in the region of 0.096–1.01 Volts, then the device is in working condition. If the upper threshold has exceeded 1.02, it’s time to clean the mass air flow sensor. When it is below 0.095 or several times higher than 1.04, then the probability of a successful flushing outcome is 50%. Such a sensor will either work or it will have to be replaced with a new one.

If you don't have a multimeter at hand, you can use another method to check the device. They specifically turn off the sensor, start the car, raise the speed to 2000 and try to drive it. If you notice that the car has become more dynamic, then it’s time to buy a mass air flow sensor cleaner.

Cleaning products

Since the sensing element of the air flow sensor is made of platinum, therefore, it is necessary to choose the right means to clean it. And first of all, it’s worth understanding what you absolutely cannot use:

Any liquid that contains acetone, ketone, ether.
Products used to clean carburetors.
Cotton wool wound around a match, toothpick, etc.
Compressed air.

What then remains to be used? Well, there are plenty of options here too.

Liqui Moly

How to clean the MAF sensor? One option is cleaning fluid from Liqui Moly. The company is known to many car enthusiasts as a manufacturer that makes only high-quality products for cars. In addition, the ratio between reliability and price is at an optimal level. As for the use of liquid for cleaning the mass air flow sensor, most vehicle owners have already become convinced of its effectiveness. This has not been proven by a single procedure. And if the sensor is in working condition, then even after cleaning it will last no less.

The liquid can be used for both diesel and gasoline engines.

How to turn it off if you have a key fob

There are two options for disabling the security mode using the remote control - standard and silent.

Standard method

You can turn off the Tomahawk alarm on your car using the remote control like this:

The second button on the key fob is pressed; number 2 indicates controls with an indicator in the form of an open lock.
The siren will emit a short beep and the emergency lights will go off.
The door locks will be unlocked. External lights should turn off. The key fob may emit a confirmation beep and a symbol in the form of an open lock will appear on its screen.

Silent shutdown

The security system will be turned off in silent mode without confirmation sounds. Only external lighting devices connected to the anti-theft system are activated.

To disarm a car, you need to do the following:

On the key fob, first press button 1, and then immediately control element 2. The vehicle's headlights will blink twice, the siren will not work.
The car doors are unlocked. An icon in the form of an open lock will appear on the remote control screen.

Disabling the autostart system

If you need to disable this option, do the following:

On the communicator, press a key with an indicator in the form of an open lock and key. This control must be held for two seconds until a melodic signal appears.
The key with the locked lock “clicks” briefly.

Features of turning off a remotely started engine on X5 alarms:

A key in the form of an open lock is pressed on the remote control. The button is held for several seconds until the communicator beeps.
Within 3 seconds after the device is triggered, the button with the open lock “clicks” briefly, without being held down. The power unit should shut down and the alarm status will appear on the pager display.

Video: disabling the autostart system

User Ivan Vasilyevich in his video explained in detail how to set up the automatic engine start system and what you need to know about turning it off.

How to turn off the alarm

It is advisable to turn on the alarm when the engine starts automatically, but if you want to disable the option, perform the following steps:

On the communicator, press the button with the “F” indicator. This key must be held down for five seconds. The device will play a sound pulse and the clock indicator will begin to blink on its screen.
The "F" button is pressed four times.
Then the key in the form of a crossed out speaker is “clicked”. An icon with the word “Off” should appear on the key fob screen.
The “F” button is pressed for five seconds. This will deactivate the alarm.

Designation of control elements on communicators of different Tomahawk models.

Alcohol

We can say that this is an old-fashioned method, which at the same time will never lose its relevance. Alcohol can effectively break down dirt and blockages. About 20 years ago, the question of how to clean the mass air flow sensor was mainly solved with the help of alcohol, and this method was held in high esteem by many drivers, but now they are trying to resort to it less and less.

Nevertheless, it is relevant in cases where the car owner needs to invoice for washing with special means. Unfortunately, such disappointing practice is not uncommon at many service stations.

WD-40

Absolutely every car enthusiast is familiar with this product, regardless of experience. In addition, all other people who are not directly related to cars know about it. Over the course of its existence, WD-40 has proven itself to be excellent, and there is no doubt about its effectiveness.

For this reason, it is used not only to remove “deposits” from bolts, but also to clean the mass air flow sensor.

How to properly clean the air flow sensor

Let's consider the procedure for cleaning the mass air flow sensor using the example of a car of the 10th family - VAZ-2110:

Turn off the ignition.
Disconnect the connector from the mass air flow sensor.
Remove the sensor itself by unscrewing the bolts that secure it to the air filter housing. Depending on the car model, disabling the mass air flow sensor may vary.
The sensor is removed from its place, otherwise its cleaning will not be effective.
On the device itself there is an area with two bolts - these should also be unscrewed.
The selected cleaning agent is drawn into a syringe and then sprayed onto the sensitive element. At the same time, if necessary, you can wash the block with contacts.
Give time for everything to dry.
Assemble the sensor and install it in place.

To make drying faster, you can use a compressor only at minimum pressure. If the sensitive element is heavily soiled, the procedure should be repeated several times.

But even in this case, washing does not always give the desired result, and you just have to go to the nearest store for a new mass air flow sensor.

Video “Cleaning the air flow sensor”

The easiest way to consider cleaning the mass air flow sensor is using the example of a VAZ 2110 car. To return the air flow sensor to its former functionality, you must first turn off the ignition and disconnect the connector from the regulator. Unscrew the bolts (or 1 bolt) securing the air flow sensor to the air filter housing with a wrench and remove the pipe.

To quickly remove the mass air flow sensor, you will need a star key of the appropriate size.

Sometimes you can find oil deposits on the device; you can use any of the means described above to remove it. If finances allow, buy liquid from Liqui Moly, but if you don’t have money, you can also use carburetor cleaning products. After this, look inside the removed device, you will see several sensors in the form of a wire, fixed with a special resin.

A special Liqui Moly cleaner or carburetor cleaner should be carefully sprayed onto these sensitive components. Be careful not to damage the film. After this, wait until the cleaning agent dries completely and evaporates. If contamination remains, the procedure can be repeated several more times.

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When you start cleaning the regulator yourself, you should also pay attention to the air filter hose mesh and its internal surfaces. They, as well as the air flow sensor pipe, can also be cleaned

The pipe sometimes needs to be replaced if, upon visual inspection, you find traces of mechanical damage, cracks and other defects.

This completes sensor cleaning. All you have to do is install the device back. When performing this work, you can replace the filter elements; experts assure that this can significantly improve the operation of the unit.

Cleaning the flow meter can be done in a garage; there is nothing complicated about it.

Depending on the car model, the procedure for removing the sensor can be carried out in different ways; consider an example of cleaning with a domestic “Ten”:

First, you should turn off the ignition and, just in case, reset the battery terminal. Open the hood and find the mass air flow sensor, then disconnect the connector from it. There is a pipe connected to the flow meter; it must be disconnected. Using a wrench, you need to unscrew the screw that secures the device to the air filter, or rather, to its housing. The flow meter itself is removed from the corrugation; in the case of the “ten”, an asterisk wrench is required to dismantle the sensor. Use it to unscrew the screws and then remove the device from the seat. If, after removal, you notice that there is an oil deposit on the device, you will need to rid the case of this. Any product from those described above is suitable for cleansing. As practice shows, there is no fundamental difference between these means. On the sensitive element, usually made in the form of a film, there are several controllers, they are made in the form of a wire and mounted on resin

Using the same cleaning agent, you will need to carefully, not in abundance, spray it on the sensitive element. At this stage you should act with extreme caution, as there is a possibility of damage to the film.

After the sensitive part has been treated, you need to wait a little until the product takes effect. If there is a lot of contamination, then it may make sense to repeat this procedure once or twice. In order to ensure faster evaporation of the substance, you can use a pump or compressor device. But keep in mind that too much pressure can destroy the sensitive component, so don't overdo it.

Price issue

The cost of Liqui Moly cleanser is currently about 700 rubles. A cheaper analogue, liquid for cleaning carburetors, will cost the buyer about 70-100 rubles. As for WD-40, the cost of a 100 ml can today will be approximately 180-220 rubles.

Additional manipulations

It is now clear how to clean the mass air flow sensor, but this procedure alone does not end everything; it is necessary to perform a number of additional and necessary manipulations. And you need to do this before installing a clean device. And while the cleaning agent is drying, it’s time to work on the air pipe. It is worth carefully inspecting it for integrity. And if the condition is unsatisfactory - there are cracks and other damage, then it should be replaced.

As experts note, before installing the mass air flow sensor, it is advisable to replace the filter element. You should also check the condition of the rubber seal. Here it is important to pay attention to how tightly it fits, otherwise it will not be possible to avoid the suction of outside air, which is flooded with various contaminants. As a result, cleaning will be required again, and in a fairly short time. Or it will lead to its failure altogether.

Cleaning instructions

As practice shows, cleaning the mass air flow sensor is one of the most effective methods of restoring the functionality of the controller. Therefore, if the sensor breaks down, it is not necessary to change it, especially since such a pleasure today is not cheap. This procedure is necessary because over time it becomes dirty and shows other parameters.

So, how to clean the mass air flow sensor at home with your own hands:

You will need a Phillips head screwdriver; use it to loosen the clamp securing the line from the air intake.
Next, dismantle the corrugation and visually assess the condition of the system. You may see condensation or traces of engine fluid under the corrugation.
Carefully inspect the inside of the controller. If everything is normal with the system, then there will be no traces of leaks or contamination. As practice shows, the sensitive element often breaks precisely due to an excess of contamination. In order not to avoid problems of this kind in the future, it is necessary to periodically replace the air filter. This procedure is carried out in accordance with technical regulations. Engine fluid may enter the controller as a result of an increased level of consumables in the crankcase. Accordingly, this occurs as a result of a clogged oil separator in the ventilation system.
The regulator itself is fixed with two bolts on the line. The removal procedure is carried out using an open-end wrench. At this stage, if you are sure that the device has failed, you can replace it.
You can see the entrance on which there will be a sealing rubber band designed to protect the device from the suction of dirty air flow. If you do not have a seal, it may have caught on the filter element. Accordingly, this will lead to the regulator input grid being contaminated.
Clean the mesh using available materials. To do this, you can use a regular toothpick or toothbrush. After cleaning, the seal can be put back and the regulator can be put back in place.

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