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Mass Air Flow Sensor Question

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by volksrods, Feb 21, 2012.

  1. Feb 21, 2012 at 5:35 PM
    #1
    volksrods

    volksrods [OP] New Member

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    Ok so my check engine light came on so I plugged my code reader in to my truck and it said the Mass Air Flow Sensor was bad. I was wondering if MAF Sensors from 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 were all compatible? Thanks for any help.
     
  2. Feb 21, 2012 at 5:45 PM
    #2
    Steves104x4

    Steves104x4 Well-Known Member

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    BUCKLE UP! It makes it harder for Aliens to pull you out of your Truck.
    If nothing has changed between years I can't see why any of them wouldn't work.
     
  3. Feb 21, 2012 at 5:47 PM
    #3
    Robertgeejr1

    Robertgeejr1 Well-Known Member

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    I have done all the hi-pro mods for a life time, since I got this truck at a great price, I will be happy with showroom new.
    have you tried to clean it first? post on here on how to do it.
     
  4. Feb 21, 2012 at 7:43 PM
    #4
    Norton

    Norton Senior Member

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  5. Feb 22, 2012 at 7:46 AM
    #5
    volksrods

    volksrods [OP] New Member

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    Well when I ran the code it said MAF/VAF a code malfunction. I have a can of cleaner just for cleaning the MAF but it didn't do anything. I looked it up and found some used ones that will hopefully work and then I won't have to pay the retarded amount for a new one. I'll check the link out too thanks.
     
  6. Feb 22, 2012 at 7:48 AM
    #6
    seksilumpia

    seksilumpia Well-Known Member

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    honestly,i would just pay for a new one.I know that its expensive,but just go to autozone or some auto store.Is cheaper than the dealership and youre also paying for that piece of mind that its new.Who knows,you might buy a used maf and it may just be going on its way out soon.Good luck with this OP
     
  7. Feb 22, 2012 at 7:53 AM
    #7
    Steves104x4

    Steves104x4 Well-Known Member

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    BUCKLE UP! It makes it harder for Aliens to pull you out of your Truck.
    With the vehicle idling tap the MAF lightly with the handle of a screwdriver; if the idle fluctuates, you need a new (or rebuilt) MAF.
     
  8. Feb 22, 2012 at 7:54 AM
    #8
    98tacoma27

    98tacoma27 is going full "SANDWICH" Moderator

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    Some stuff. Not a lot, just some.
    There not all the same. They changed in 99, depending on the engine.
     
  9. Feb 22, 2012 at 12:51 PM
    #9
    Robertgeejr1

    Robertgeejr1 Well-Known Member

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  10. Feb 23, 2012 at 11:26 AM
    #10
    Dtom

    Dtom Member

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    Change it! Mass air flow sensor cleaner will do more damage than good! You could also try a junk yard or pick-a-part for a slightly used one.
     
  11. Feb 23, 2012 at 11:55 AM
    #11
    lil J

    lil J Well-Known Member

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    you can get a denso MAF at autozone pretty cheap by trading in your old one as a core deposit
     
  12. Feb 24, 2012 at 2:13 AM
    #12
    shampoop

    shampoop Well-Known Member

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    Why? Please back up your statement.
     
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  13. Feb 24, 2012 at 5:13 AM
    #13
    98tacoma27

    98tacoma27 is going full "SANDWICH" Moderator

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    Some stuff. Not a lot, just some.
    X2

    Totally un-based claims here
     
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  14. Feb 24, 2012 at 8:37 AM
    #14
    volksrods

    volksrods [OP] New Member

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    Well I found out that 95-96 MAF will work on 95-96 tacomas. 97-99 the connector is a lot wider and the MAF is just all the way around bigger. I ended up picking up a used one for $50 and it worked like a charm.
     
  15. Feb 24, 2012 at 8:42 AM
    #15
    Dtom

    Dtom Member

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    Idk I'm not a scientist but I've used it once, fuck up my sensor had to buy a new one. Every body I've ever talked to that used it says it fucks them up! I just don't recommend it from experience that's all.
     
  16. Feb 24, 2012 at 8:47 AM
    #16
    deadhed61

    deadhed61 :notsure:

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    Have you tried actually testing it to verify it is bad? It was a super easy task for my 90' 4Runner. All you need is a multi-meter.
     
  17. Feb 24, 2012 at 8:48 AM
    #17
    tacoma04

    tacoma04 Laissez les bons temps rouler

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    What did you clean it with? Was it MAF cleaner or something else?

    I have cleaned two different taco's MAFs and had no problems.
     
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  18. Feb 24, 2012 at 8:57 AM
    #18
    Robertgeejr1

    Robertgeejr1 Well-Known Member

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    I have done all the hi-pro mods for a life time, since I got this truck at a great price, I will be happy with showroom new.
    If you touch the sensor with your hands (the small wires are the sensors) and this is in the write ups the oil can ruin the sensor. Just like if you put a oiled air filter on, and have just a tiny bit too much oil on,when driving it gets pulled on the sensor and can ruin it. sometimes it will mess up your idle before it gets ruined, its just dumb luck as far as i can tell. I cleaned mine several times on my ol stang and never had a problem.
    I just cleaned the one on my truck, and I guess after 176,000 miles it covered with Texas red dirt, but she cleaned well and after everything else she is purring now.
    Every Toyota forum covers this issue.
    Right now we are keeping cars and trucks on the road way longer than the auto makes ever planned. When I was a 16 a car that had 100,000 was considered a Beater for winter, or it was sent to the junkyard. Now its preowned.
    I'm not trying to be a smartass, just trying to help.
    Back then they used to say that emissions stuff and stuff like seatbelts for covered for the life of the car, not anymore..............
     
  19. Feb 24, 2012 at 8:59 AM
    #19
    Hillingdoner

    Hillingdoner Well-Known Member

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    Strange, not heard this and not arguing/flaming you at all. I've never had a problem with cleaning. From my understanding (which may be incorrect) the MAF cleaner is similar to an electrical contact cleaner. I always buy the CRC MAF cleaner though just to be safe. You spray the MAF to clean and flush away anything on it. That's it!

    Seems where people run into issues is where they touch the little wires you are cleaning and break one. You just need to spray them with the cleaner, don't stick anything in there to scrub them or you'll undoubtedly break the fine wire and have to buy a new one. Only issue I've ever had is getting that straw thing in the spray nozzle on the can of cleaner lol.

    OP- glad you fixed it and thanks for the info on years as mine is a '95 also. I noticed in the various write ups I'd seen on cleaning the MAF that there were some differences in how they looked. Knock on wood, mine is fine right now. Not long since got the truck so cleaned it, the idle control valve and the throttle body.

    Worth doing as I was amazed at the gunk in my throttle body. Know its off topic, but just wanted to add. Took mine off to clean it. Wow the muck in it!
     
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  20. Feb 24, 2012 at 10:48 AM
    #20
    98tacoma27

    98tacoma27 is going full "SANDWICH" Moderator

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    Some stuff. Not a lot, just some.
    X2. I have seen people try to clean them with it still hooked up also. That's also another no no. I've cleaned countless MAF's on automobiles and a few ATV's without issue.

    The key points:
    1. Unplug it
    2. spray it
    3. do not touch anything but the outer housing with your fingers
    4. make sure it is dry before installing
     

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