05-24-2017, 08:02 AM
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#1
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Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Maine
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Clean That MAF Sensor -- Today!
Brief history: I've had my '02 Sport for about 3 years/25K miles (now at 150K). The engine performance has always been a bit sluggish -- weak throttle response, low power at high RPM, etc.
I just chalked it up to the 3.4 engine being a turd. Even the downshift behavior was odd. I couldn't get it anywhere near redline even when I floored it. Made hauling a trailer uphill a chore. I thought maybe the kickdown cable needed adjustment, but I never got around to investigating it. (does this electronic transmission even have a kickdown cable?)
So this week I get a CEL. Its throwing a P0171 code, and exhibiting slight hesitation on acceleration -- it's never done any of this before. My research on this forum leads me to the MAF sensor needing a cleaning or replacement.
It took me longer to walk in the parts store and buy the can of spray than it took to perform the service. Remove the connector, remove two screws, pull MAF sensor out of intake tube, spray BOTH sensors -- the "bulb" you can see, and the wires that you have to search for. Re-insert MAF sensor, re-install two screws, re-install connector, you're done! If it takes you five minutes start-to-finish, you're dilly-dallying.
Completely transformed the engine. No more hesitation, crisp throttle response, accelerates hard to redline.
Just did this last night after work, so don't have MPG numbers yet. I've been consistently at 15-16 mpg around town since I've owned it. We'll see. (I'll update after a couple tanks)
The takeaway: Don't wait for a CEL like me. Clean you MAF sensor as preventive maintenance. Super easy & inexpensive. Might help... can't hurt.
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05-24-2017, 08:52 AM
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#2
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Elite Member
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: CO
Posts: 6,023
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Adjusting my stretched throttle cable, lockdown cable, maf cleaning and oem plugs/wires transformed my truck. I'm like you. Took me 5 years and a hesitation to finally do it.
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1996 Toyota 4runner Limited - 4" Lift, 33's, AOR Bumper w/winch
1990 Eagle Talon Tsi- E316G @ 32psi E85 Tuned, 272 cams, ECMlink v3.0, 405whp - Gave back to Brother
2012 Toyota Tacoma DCSB - Stock on 32's- Wifes
2004 Cadillac CTS-V - 5.7L LS6 v8, 6-speed 400hp/400tq - My new DD
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...read-pics.html
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05-24-2017, 09:24 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Jul 2013
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@ HMGT4R
I think we should consider doing this just for the sake of cleaning it...
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05-24-2017, 09:31 AM
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#4
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Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Tennessee
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JayRolla
Adjusting my stretched throttle cable, lockdown cable, maf cleaning and oem plugs/wires transformed my truck. I'm like you. Took me 5 years and a hesitation to finally do it.
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Excellent suggestions. Adjusting the slack on the throttle and cruise control cables really helped with response time(s). I had to get in and clean the MAF sensors after I switched from stock intake tube to the airaid tube; apparently the difference was enough to trigger the code. Whole process was much easier than I expected.
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05-24-2017, 10:34 AM
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#5
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Join Date: May 2013
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Good for you OP
Cleaning the MAF is recommended at the air filter change interval.
If it weren't such a PITA to get the sensor out I think people wouldn't ignore it as much as they do. Wonder why the orientation couldn't be at 12:00 or 3:00.
Would love to see a write up of someone removing the slack from the cables mentioned.
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05-24-2017, 11:29 AM
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#6
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Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Rosemount, MN
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K&N filters and MAF sensors do not get along well. One of my first mods was to put the k&n where it belonged... in the garbage can (sorry Tom! )
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05-24-2017, 12:07 PM
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#7
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Join Date: Nov 2016
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Speaking of throttle cables, there seems to be a rubber bushing on my accelerator that is completely worn out, adding to the slack. Does anyone know this part number?
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05-24-2017, 12:21 PM
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#8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by octanejunkie
Good for you OP
Cleaning the MAF is recommended at the air filter change interval.
If it weren't such a PITA to get the sensor out I think people wouldn't ignore it as much as they do. Wonder why the orientation couldn't be at 12:00 or 3:00.
Would love to see a write up of someone removing the slack from the cables mentioned.
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Quick Fix for better Throttle Response, Better Shifts (Throttle Cables)
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05-24-2017, 01:00 PM
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#9
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Join Date: Dec 2016
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I just did a new air filter, cleaned the MAF, and cleaned the throttle body all at the same time this past Wednesday; prior to a 1,200 mile road trip to North Carolina. I blasted the "bulb", and the sensor as a whole with MAF cleaner..but can you explain a little more about the "wires you have to search for"? I have a feeling I may have left that part out of the process.
Getting ready to probably knock out the deckplate mod and the ISR mod here probably over the weekend to go along with it all.
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05-24-2017, 01:40 PM
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#10
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Join Date: Apr 2016
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Check the MAF
Chasing codes led me to clean the MAF several times.
I even got a back-up off eBay to swap it out.
Then I learned how to test the MAF :
| Repair Guides | Components & Systems | Mass Air Flow Meter | AutoZone.com
Now I know that I'm cleaning something useful.
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Last edited by BN-2B; 05-24-2017 at 02:15 PM.
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05-24-2017, 05:34 PM
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#11
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Join Date: Oct 2016
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fwankie
I blasted the "bulb", and the sensor as a whole with MAF cleaner..but can you explain a little more about the "wires you have to search for"? I have a feeling I may have left that part out of the process.
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Check out link: (scroll down a little, and there are six pics that are literally the steps you need to take... including putting a Phillips bit in vice grips if you don't have a ratcheting driver. Also, you don't need pliers to remove the connector.)
Toyota Maintenance: Tacoma and 4Runner 30K Mile Service
Last edited by tvpierce; 05-24-2017 at 07:34 PM.
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05-24-2017, 05:43 PM
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#12
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Elite Member
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fwankie
I just did a new air filter, cleaned the MAF, and cleaned the throttle body all at the same time this past Wednesday; prior to a 1,200 mile road trip to North Carolina. I blasted the "bulb", and the sensor as a whole with MAF cleaner..but can you explain a little more about the "wires you have to search for"? I have a feeling I may have left that part out of the process.
Getting ready to probably knock out the deckplate mod and the ISR mod here probably over the weekend to go along with it all.
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The bulb is only a temperature sensor. The real important part of the MAF is a hidden wire that actually does the air flow sensing.
It is a hot wire that is cooled by airflow through the tube, if the wire gets dirty, it changes the response and causes incorrect readings. It is also extremely fragile, so it is hidden up inside the sensor and air is drawn over it via the bernoulli effect. It should only be cleaned with a spray, never mechanically...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3QuuEPef4k
-Charlie
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05-24-2017, 06:23 PM
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#13
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Elite Member
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Elite Member
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tvpierce
Check out link: (scroll down a little, and there are six pics that are literally a the steps you need to take... including putting a Phillips bit in vice grips if you don't have a ratcheting driver. Also, you don't need pliers to remove the connector.)
Toyota Maintenance: Tacoma and 4Runner 30K Mile Service
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That's a pretty useful link for newbs
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1999 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Sport 4WD, V6 5-Speed e-Locker-> 4WD 4runner Journal Thread
1999 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Un-Sported 2WD, V6 Auto -> 2WD 4runner Journal Thread
1959 Chevy 3100 1/2 Ton Pickup EVERYTHING done 'cept paint and body
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07-02-2017, 09:30 AM
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#14
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Follow-up on this:
I've now gone through a few tanks of fuel.
First tank, normal commute of 10 miles each way. Net: 16mpg (no change)
2nd tank, I took a trip that was about 2 hours each way -- mostly 2 lane roads, 50-60 mph. Net: 20mpg!
3rd tank, back to commuting. Net: 19mpg
Wonder if on that first tank, the ECU had to re-learn? Don't know if the system is that sophisticated.
Anyway, great results from cleaning the MAF sensor.
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07-02-2017, 10:18 AM
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#15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tvpierce
Follow-up on this:
I've now gone through a few tanks of fuel.
First tank, normal commute of 10 miles each way. Net: 16mpg (no change)
2nd tank, I took a trip that was about 2 hours each way -- mostly 2 lane roads, 50-60 mph. Net: 20mpg!
3rd tank, back to commuting. Net: 19mpg
Wonder if on that first tank, the ECU had to re-learn? Don't know if the system is that sophisticated.
Anyway, great results from cleaning the MAF sensor.
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Thank you for the follow up.
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