swan7 Posted June 8, 2007 Report Share Posted June 8, 2007 2001 Golf (IV) GT TDI 115bhp. I want to clean the MAF sensor myself but don't know how to do this. Normally, my local VW specialist does all work on my car, but I really want to do this myself so I can learn to maintain my Golf (and not get ripped-off again by the garage). 1. What does the part look like & where is it? 2. How do you remove it? 3. How do you clean it? 4. What cleaner/tools are needed & where can you buy them? I am hoping someone can provide detailed instructions with pictures if possible. Would really appreciate some help. Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rustynuts Posted June 8, 2007 Report Share Posted June 8, 2007 Not really a good idea to clean the MAF sensor. They're very delicate. That's the only advice I'm gonna give you, except that if you do decide you're going to do it I'd recommend you search out a suitably priced and available replacement before you start. Can I ask though. Why do you think it needs cleaning? Oh, go on then. I'll give you another piece of advice. There are some companies who're now selling "Maf cleaner" in an aerosol spray can. It's actually electrical contact cleaner under a different label, but I'd still source a replacement before I tried it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swan7 Posted June 8, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 8, 2007 The car just does'nt accelerate and seems to lose power. This happened about 9months ago and had the MAF replaced (£130 from garage) and the car's performance improved greatly. Also, I've recently had the clutch replaced (afer Rusty's advice on slipping clutch). It does'nt slip anymore but after changing gears, there is no power. I thought cleaning the MAF would be a good idea, but rather go ahead and fudge it up, i thought I'd get some advice from here first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rustynuts Posted June 8, 2007 Report Share Posted June 8, 2007 Well, it does sound a bit like you've got a dodgy maf, and you know the symptoms as it's done it before. I think the garage who charged you £130 for changing the maf had a good day. You can buy an exchange unit from VW for about £70 - £80 and it's 5 minutes to fit. All you need is a torx screwdriver and the ability to drive it. If I was you, I'd try and locate a tin of maf cleaner and make sure your local dealer has a replacement available. They'll want your old one in exchange. Then if it works, it works. If not then you've lost nowt but you'll still have to buy a new one. Wobby tried cleaning his maf with wd40 and bought another one the next day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swan7 Posted June 8, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 8, 2007 Sound advice to buy a replacement before any cleaning. However, I still don't know how to fit it. Any pics or instructions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benjie Posted June 9, 2007 Report Share Posted June 9, 2007 http://uk-mkivs.net/forums/thread/170890.aspx Here you go. Note in this 'how to' guide, they've updated it saying it's better to replace. I'd use the guide to find out how to remove/refit, then do it myself to save the charge from VW. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
activa Posted June 9, 2007 Report Share Posted June 9, 2007 I also tried to clean my MAF last year with WD and had to buy a new one the same day because it packed up completely. I still swear that nothing I did could have harmed it,but it obviously did. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jedster0 Posted June 9, 2007 Report Share Posted June 9, 2007 [ QUOTE ] I also tried to clean my MAF last year with WD and had to buy a new one the same day because it packed up completely. I still swear that nothing I did could have harmed it,but it obviously did. [/ QUOTE ] MAF's don't like oil on them ie WD a solvent based cleaner like Carburettor cleaner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve2 Posted June 9, 2007 Report Share Posted June 9, 2007 i cleaned mine with electrical contact cleaner and it worked a treat and i never disconnected it , i just turned the air filter box overand sprayed through the housing, worked a treat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wobby Posted June 10, 2007 Report Share Posted June 10, 2007 [ QUOTE ] Wobby tried cleaning his maf with wd40 and bought another one the next day. [/ QUOTE ] TBH it was 3 days before i changed it! Don't use WD40, mine did seem a little better afterwards but just got a whole lot worse after the first 24 hour. Its £70 (ish) for a replacement! Do it at the front of your local VW dealer (its fun). My advice..... Just get a new one... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger_Irrelevant Posted June 11, 2007 Report Share Posted June 11, 2007 Did mine with electrical contact cleaner & has been fine so far. My advice would be to first locate the thing, and figure out exactly what sort of tool you need to undo it. I read somewhere (I think it might have been mkivs.net) that a 5 point security torx bit was needed to remove the MAF, so I bought one, only to get the bonnet up & find I needed a 6 point bit! I may have just been dim & not read the howto properly, but my advice is check it before you buy. FWIW I was able to buy the necessary drive bits (both types) from my local hardware shop no problem, although admittedly they are very good in there. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now