Cleaning the MAF sensor

[delling3]

Doing some routine maintenance chores - including changing the air filter. Decided I would pull and clean the MAF sensor while in there. The studs that hold the sensor to the air cleaner cover are turning - I can't loosen the nuts. Looking at the other side, it appears that there is a cover held on with some small torx screws. I don't have the torx bit to remove the cover, and I am not sure that I would have access to the hot-wire resistors to clean them if I remove the cover. I am kinda stuck at the moment. Suggestions?

 

[ttocs]

get some torx bits? You can get a cheap set at harbor freight for a couple of bucks and you will use them more then you know. I just had mine out to use the T27 bit on some header bolts.

 

[delling3]

It's not buying the torx bits that's got me stalled. Just not sure that removing the cover is going to give me any improved access to what I am trying to clean.

Also, these torx screws appear to be a security screw - there is a center post in the torx socket, so I would need a special (?) bit.

 

[01yellercobra]

They make security torx bits. I bought mine at Sears. Harbor Freight by me didn't carry them.

Can you post pics? I'm having a hard time figuring out the cover you're talking about.

 

[ttocs]

my harbor frieght had them I think they are called tamper proof torx

 

[Silver95bird]

Tamper proof T20. I keep one in my glove box. Just like my wife's Fox has a spare TFI and the tool for that in hers. Lol.

Edit to add: Either just use the spray cleaner meant for the purpose, or VERY gently use a q tip to clean the wires wound around the porcelain. They are very thin and delicate. 1

 

[delling3]

I bought a can of spray MAF cleaner. This sensor is different than most I have seen - almost reminds me of a pitot tube. I sprayed the elements down well and allowed to dry. After looking at it closer, I couldn't see any reason to take the cover off - the wire elements were accessible thru a hole. Didn't get a picture before I reinstalled, but fairly sure it was the OE MAF sensor.