Can I clean my MAF sensor? Car hard to start.

[Daledude]

I am having starting problems with my 2003 G35 (all stock). It starts right up sometimes, but about half the time it takes 2-4 times to start. It turns over fine but won't fire up consistently. I took it to the dealer and was told first to use premium gas and injector cleaner (made it a little better), then they told me my battery was weak (replaced it) and yesterday they cleaned the Throttle Body and injectors but it is harder to start than ever. They told me I needed a Mass Air Flow sensor because it probalby got dirty, but they want $500 for the part and more to install it. On my Mustang I was told to clean the MAF with some brake cleaner when the little wire inside gets dirty. Can I do that on a G35? Any other theories about what the problem is with my car? Thanks for your help.

[gwoods]

I wouldn't use brake cleaner on it but auto parts stores sell electronic parts cleaner that should be safe to use.

You may try a non dealer part too... MAF sensor should be a piece of cake to change yourself.

[smockers83]

There was actually a video posted in these forums somewhere a long time ago showing how to clean the MAF. Search for it on here, if you can't find it come back and I might be able to help you.

[RED_DET]

NAPA sells MAF cleaner. Just take the MAF off the car, spay the cleaner inside, let it evaporate, put MAF back on car and see what happens.

[Daledude]

Thanks guys. I found it. I was searching for before I posted, but I was in the "recent"section instead of the "archive" section.

[joe603]

Be sure and let us know if it helped!

[Daledude]

Well, I took the MAF out, sprayed a whole can of electrical contact cleaner all over it, and it didn't change anything. The car still starts great first thing in the morning, and takes 2-3 tries to start it sporadically later in the day. It seems to start easier in very cold air (below 35 degrees). Any other ideas? Any recommendations on a MAF to buy to replace it?

Thanks

[telcoman]

Well, I took the MAF out, sprayed a whole can of electrical contact cleaner all over it, and it didn't change anything. The car still starts great first thing in the morning, and takes 2-3 tries to start it sporadically later in the day. It seems to start easier in very cold air (below 35 degrees). Any other ideas? Any recommendations on a MAF to buy to replace it?

Thanks

INMHO I would bite the bullet & let the dealer check it out again to be sure that the replacement MAF is going to fix your problem. Ask to speak to the Service Manager and take care of him or her. Explain that you do not want to end up replacing a bunch of parts. Their OBDll scanner should give them the failure codes to accurately repair your vehicle. Assuming that it is a dirty or defective MAF, how often do you change your air filter?Here is a photo of mine after only 7k miles. You may need to replace your air filter more often?



Telcoman

[ugaexploder]

are you sure it's your MAF? it sounds to me like it could be spark plugs

[telcoman]

are you sure it's your MAF? it sounds to me like it could be spark plugs

It could also be wires to the spark plugs, fuel filter or weak fuel pump, or other electrical related problems? After spending lots of $$$$ and time perhaps you may want to obtain a quote on a new one. The week between Christmas and New Years is an excellent time to purchase a new G

Good luck

Telcoman