2000 Q45 - MAF Connector Removal

[sanjuandelsur]

Trying to remove and clean MAF. Having trouble disconnecting the MAF connector, and I don't want to break it. The connector is grey at the bottom with a green portion at top (with a tab) and black portion at the top also. Does the whole grey housing come out? Or does the black and/or green part come out of the grey housing? Thanks to q45.org and NICO for getting me this far ... just don't want to break the connector. Thanks in advance.

[maxnix]

Trying to remove and clean MAF. Having trouble disconnecting the MAF connector, and I don't want to break it. The connector is grey at the bottom with a green portion at top (with a tab) and black portion at the top also. Does the whole grey housing come out? Or does the black and/or green part come out of the grey housing? Thanks to q45.org and NICO for getting me this far ... just don't want to break the connector. Thanks in advance.

Can't answer your question because the car is not here, but at $160K, no need to clean my 2000 MAF. Unless filter change intervals have been grossly abused, there is more risk than benefit.

[sanjuandelsur]

Thanks for the advice. Have a slight "tick" at idle that bugs me. Removal and cleaning MAF seemed simple (until I tried to remove the connector), but I will certainly listen to someone who really knows. I was also going to clean the throttle body also. Should I also avoid this task? Is "risk/reward" similar to MAF and hence should be avoided unless necessary?

[paranoidjack]

tick at idle is headwork. Nothing to do with MAF. MAF issues are closer to inexplicable stalling, running rough, etc...you don't need to do that. Cleaning throttle body is a good idea, use a toothbrush and fuel injector cleaner. Don't use carb cleaner. Let it dry out before you start the car also. No real risk with cleaning the throttle body, just take care not to put too much cleaner in, soak the brush, not the TB.

[maxnix]

Fairly easy to remove the TB to clean behind on the backside of the plate.

Messing with the MAF hot wire just because it is easy is not a good idea. It really has to be dirty for sure.

[sanjuandelsur]

Paranoid -

Thanks for the reply. That's two votes against the MAF cleaning - I ain't messing with it. I replaced the air filter and cleaned the intake box really well.
I, like you, have a 2000 AE - and I am also committed to OEM for Life. The longer I have this car, the more I like it - and want to preserve it.
Can you please elaborate on "headwork"? The "tick" I mentioned is almost imperceptible. My wife tells me I am crazy and looking for something to tinker with. But "headwork" sounds a bit out of my league.

[paranoidjack]

With all due respect, it probably is

By head work I mean a noisy valvetrain. Basically the upper half of the engine. I've heard some of these engines have ticks etc, noisy valvetrains after age. Not a big deal, unless it's erratic or very loud. If your wife can't even hear it, it's probably nothing. It's OK, just be sure to maintain oil changes. Mine was always pretty quiet, got slightly louder before she blew, but at 195 with MANY redlines, I'm cool with it.

Also, the connectors are best separated with a precise flathead. Depress the clip with appropriate tools, (pliers, etc) and use the screwdrive to slide between and gently twist. Work your way AROUND the connector and don't just pry one spot. Some plugs take many twists. Clean them up and put some dielectric grease in there.

[paranoidjack]

Like max said, it is easy to clean the TB, it requires disconnecting 2 connectors, 2 coolant lines (same line), and replacing the gasket. DON'T take off the TB unless you have another gasket handy. I'd pull it off if you really want to get it clean.

[maxnix]

Be sure that fuel injector ticking is not upsetting you. It is normal.