Resolved Air flow/Intake Air Temp sensor cleaning???

[mattinthebox]

I was replacing my air cleaner today and noticed that the Air flow/Intake Air Temp sensor was lookin pretty grimy.

Will the dirt/soot on this component cause any false readings?

If it's a problem what's recommended to clean this sensor and also is there anything I should avoid while trying to clean it?

Thanks...

 

[steve]

Unless you see a problem while logging the ECU your best bet is to leave it alone.

 

[1992awdlaser]

If you want to clean it, use this stuff. While we find your parts, please enter your ZIP Code at PartsAmerica.com

 

[mattinthebox]

I've not got to the "logging" point yet. I still have some learning to do before I can go there.

The ECU has never caused any MIL/CEL so I guess it can't be that much of an issue.

I just thought I'd stay on top of keeping things clean.

So there's no drawbacks as far as crap buildup insulating the element and the wrong reading sent back to the ECU? I mean it's not that bad, it was just a question regarding how sensitive these are.

 

[steve]

I've not yet seen any insulating the element but I guess that depends on how often you clean/change the air filter. Since the Karman MAF doesn't use a hot wire element to sense the air flow it isn't as sensitive to getting dirty.

When cleaning there is always a risk that your going to have the solution leak into somewhere it's shouldn't or drive oil, grease, dirt someplace that it shouldn't be in the process. Even mechanical cleaning by wiping has a small risk that you damage the sensor. The IAT thermistor is pretty robust and if it was covered with something I doubt wiping it off would be much of a risk but I wouldn't make cleaning the MAF part of a regular schedule.