Different and easy way to get to and clean a 3rd gen MAF sensor.

[lloydster]

I apologize if this has already been shared on here, but I used an alternative way to clean my MAF sensory today, and I just wanted to share it with you guys.

Edit: I did this on a 2000 Limited. I've been told below that this isn't possible on all 4Runners.

I originally read the 2 main posts for cleaning your MAF sensor (Toyota Maintenance: Tacoma and 4Runner 30K Mile Service and Toyota 4Runner Highlander Mass Air Flow Sensor MAF cleaning) but the screws holding in the sensor were rusted/stripped, so I couldn't approach it the way the first one suggests, and the bolts holding on my airbox were rusted and on pretty tight (even after a shot of PB Blaster) and I also didn't have an appropriate extension (I'm new to this and just starting to collect all the tools to the trade).

So I spent about an hour trying to fiddle with the airbox and the screws holding the MAF sensor in and was having no luck. The main thing in the way was this (I have no idea what it's called)

(this image is not my engine, just needed this image to show the part. The rest are mine.)

I noticed it was only held on by 3 bolts. 10mm I believe. So I decided to remove them.

After I removed those 3 bolts (sorry, I didn't take any pictures while I was doing it, just after), I moved the part to the side and had enough access to get a full-size screwdriver in there and easily get the sensor out.

Again, I do apologize if this has been posted already. But I hope this helps some people who might not have the appropriate tools or some stubborn bolts.

 

[ZionXIX]

That definitely works if you dont want to remove the air intake components. The part you removed to get to your MAF is the cruise control actuator (i suppose that what its called). This will only work for those who have the updated style of MAF sensor. Im stuck with the older "windtunnel" design that requires removal from the airbox and is prohibitively expensive to replace. It would be nice if the MAF was installed on the opposite side of tube so you would not even have to touch the cruise control.

 

[lloydster]

That definitely works if you dont want to remove the air intake components. The part you removed to get to your MAF is the cruise control actuator (i suppose that what its called). This will only work for those who have the updated style of MAF sensor. Im stuck with the older "windtunnel" design that requires removal from the airbox and is prohibitively expensive to replace. It would be nice if the MAF was installed on the opposite side of tube so you would even have to touch the cruise control.

Thanks for the reply and letting me know what that is called. I guess I should have pointed out this is a 2000 Limited. Not sure which models have the updated MAF sensor. I would have been SOL if I would have needed to remove the airbox.

 

[tarsun]

does the MAF get dirty and throw codes?

 

[lloydster]

does the MAF get dirty and throw codes?

I'm not sure about the code part, but it definitely gets dirty. I've been running through the checklist of things to do when you first buy a used 3rd gen (found here http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html#post706266) and it was on the list.

I did the MAF, TB, and tensioned the throttle cables this weekend and definitely notice a bit more pep and much improved throttle response.

 

[4run2000]

I apologize if this is off-topic. My 2000 4Runner SR5 is coughing, hesitating especially during acceleration. I changed the spark plugs and have no improvement. I "tested" the ignition coils by starting the engine and disconnecting one at a time. In theory, if one of them was bad, nothing should have changed when I unplugged each one. The engine shut off after I unplugged each one.

It's old and has almost 200k miles on it. They look like the original ignition coils. Next, I guess I'll look into the MAF, but something tells me that the problem may be more serious.

Please help me diagnose these problems. The mechanic was no help a week ago. Wanted to charge me $380 for spark plugs. They claimed they cleaned the throttle body. Of course, there's no way for me to know. They claimed that the catalytic converter looked clogged up but on further review the 4Runner ran fine when they disconnected the cat. This they claimed.

I would start a new subject but I am new and TPTB won't let me start a new thread.