Is it recommended to clean MAF Sensor and Throttle body as normal maintenance on FX?

[wrxsti04]

I had an 03 Lexus IS300 that I did a MAF Sensor removal, cleaning and ECU reset around 80K. It made such a difference, the car idled lower and more normal RPMs when driving.
It felt like it was a totally different car, it amazed me.

I am wondering if its recommended to clean the MAF Sensor and Throttle body on 03 with 80K. I doubt it was done in past by dealership. I am thinking if it aint broke why do it, sometimes scares me from wanting to do little things.

Are there any DIY write ups for these 2 procedures ? Haven't looked yet to see how easy MAF Sensor would be, I found a write up for throttle body cleaning on G35 but is there one specifically for FX35 ?

Looking for DIY's feedback and assurance from others that have done this.


Thanks in advance!

 

[Logan]

Can't hurt but probably not so critical UNLESS you are running a CAI with an oiled air filter.

 

[bleedingsujit]

G35, FX35...they are pretty much the same. and yes, cleaning the throttle body is the right thing to do since you are at 80k miles. as for the MAF sensor, I would not recommend that you do it yourself unless you are absolutely certain about how to do it. I find the sensor too critical a part for me to bother with it. check on the org, you might find some more info there.

 

[wrxsti04]

No CAI but have K&N drop in filter that been in there for 300 miles.

 

[Logan]

I'd clean it then. I did mine, its fairly easy. There are lots of DIY threads out there, here's one - http://www.clublexus.com/forums/mai...rottle-body-cleaning-diy-gs400-and-gs430.html

Two rules:

1. Make sure you DON'T let the throttle body slam shut, let it close gently while you clean it (and please note, the edges are sharp)

2. DON'T touch the MAF wires, make sure they dry completely before reinstalling.

 

[jbaker1121]

I need to clean mine badly....about 60k miles with an oiled filter :-/

 

[Bklynjohn718]

I cleaned both fairly easy. They sell cleaner to clean the throttle body and a cleaner to clean the maf sensor.

 

[maxblast]

I cleaned both fairly easy. They sell cleaner to clean the throttle body and a cleaner to clean the maf sensor.

What kind of cleaner are you using?

 

[sirtrojan]

To clean TB I'm using STP carb spray cleaner. Works fine for me.
After doing this got one issue : to high RPMs: 900 instead of 650 :/
Had to visit dealer to reset this via Consult ( there is a pedal and key procedure instead but didn't work for me :/ )


btw. I made the cleaning together with the Plenum Spacer installation.


Ive never cleaned the MAF sensor but suppose it should be cleaned with compressed air. Am I right?

 

[maxblast]

Ive never cleaned the MAF sensor but suppose it should be cleaned with compressed air. Am I right?

I once cleaned the MAF with brake cleaner sprayand had to replace the MAF:smile (2)::smile (2):

 

[Bigman]

There are throttle body cleaners that are not supposed to damage the finish on the throttle body blade. MAF sensors are sensitive and have a cleaner designed for them... Follow the instructions on the can and let it dry completely and be careful to not touch the wires.

 

[wrxsti04]

I cleaned both throttle body and MAF sensor yesterday.
Didn't take to long, expect when I kept dropping the bolts I unscrewed. The MAF was very easy to get to.

It scared me a bit first time starting if after the cleaning, the car hesitate on first crank, cranked it a 2nd time and started up

In the end I see a noticeable difference before and after
The throttle definitely appears more responsive and the idle is below 1k RPM when sitting at a stoplight. I recommend this easy DIY. I used CRC brand throttle boy cleaner and CRC MAF sensor cleaner.

 

[Chedman13]

I'd clean it then. I did mine, its fairly easy. There are lots of DIY threads out there, here's one - http://www.clublexus.com/forums/mai...rottle-body-cleaning-diy-gs400-and-gs430.html

Two rules:

1. Make sure you DON'T let the throttle body slam shut, let it close gently while you clean it (and please note, the edges are sharp)

2. DON'T touch the MAF wires, make sure they dry completely before reinstalling.

Cut yourself lance? =) Sorry, forgot to warn you on that one.

 

[Logan]

Lost a finger tip but it's pretty much healed up. Now I get why you had me sign the liability waiver.....

 

[Chedman13]

Lost a finger tip but it's pretty much healed up. Now I get why you had me sign the liability waiver.....

I sprayed throttle body cleaner into my eye when it bounced off the plate and had to run and flush my eye out.

=)

 

[Dracula]

Hey guys the part that needs to be cleaned, its rectangular right? when you pull it off from the tube??

 

[Chedman13]

Hey guys the part that needs to be cleaned, its rectangular right? when you pull it off from the tube??

Sort of, it's circular (the inside). You will see a plate that you can push open. If that's what you're talking about, yes.

 

[Dracula]

chedman- thanks for the response, pepboys guy was arguing with me, he was saying thats not the maf, i knew where it was and how it looked like, but he prolly got confused some other sensor lol

 

[tchuck]

Hey guys the part that needs to be cleaned, its rectangular right? when you pull it off from the tube??

Sort of, it's circular (the inside). You will see a plate that you can push open. If that's what you're talking about, yes.

chedman- thanks for the response, pepboys guy was arguing with me, he was saying thats not the maf, i knew where it was and how it looked like, but he prolly got confused some other sensor lol

The throttle body plate is what Chedman13 is talking about. The MAF sensor is this guy...

...and it is installed on the intake tube like this:

 

[Dracula]

tchuck- thank you for the pictures, yep this was it, i had to clean it today with a maf sensor cleaner, due to my rpm acting weird at idle, but didnt help much. Hopefully it will improve gas..