Cleaning the MAF sensor ?

[Dkon82]

I decided to clean my MAF sensor since my 4r has just under 100k, and as long as I have owned it, have never cleaned it. I was expecting it to look dirty but to the naked eye it didn't.
If it has never been cleaned with that many miles on it, should it look dirty?
I sprayed it real good anyways with CRC maf cleaner and that was it. Is that good enough or am I supposed to physically/very gently clean the little sensors with a Q tip or something?
Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[ryangab]

DO NOT use a Q tip the little wire will break. All you need to do is spray it make sure it dry before you put it back. I did mine over the summer when I hit 100k and it wasn't dirty either.

 

[Sungod]

It sounds like your air filter has been doing it's job. Don't expect any changes in mpg from cleaning it. It is really more for peace of mind than anything.

 

[Dkon82]

Thanks guys!! Sounds like what I did is all I need to do.
I WAS secretly hoping it would have been dirty so that when I cleaned it I would then manically get an extra 2 or 3 mpg. Wishful thinking huh?

 

[message]

Mine did not look dirty initially either but under bright light once I sprayed mine REALLY good with the MAF cleaner I could see it was much cleaner than before.
As for cleaning the MAF with anything else? DO NOT do this. I carefully cleaned the MAF on my Subaru with a q-tip and alcohol and it appeared to be just fine until my car would not run normal. The wire does not have to break for you to damage the MAF sensor.

 

[goohead]

maf cleaner is just quick dry electrical cleaner just fyi, can use brake cleaner if u dont have any