MAF: Clean or just replace? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

shertex · #1 04-02-2017, 07:33 PM

Got P0100 code on the 98. Just so I make sure that I'm not misunderstanding anything...that can only be thrown by the MAF, correct? Is is worth the effort trying to clean it? Or will that just prove to be a nuisance so that I might as well just replace it?

Thanks.

Clemson88 · #2 04-02-2017, 07:42 PM

It's not dirt.

You can disassemble it and reflow the solder joints inside. Just touch the tip of a good soldering iron to the board at the joints and keep it there no longer than it takes to make the solder flow.

shertex · #3 04-02-2017, 08:17 PM

I managed to find the Bosch until for $138 with free shipping. Better than I thought.

compress ignite · #4 04-02-2017, 10:23 PM

Our Thanks to Clemson88 for his Wonderous suggestion !

To All Others:

I'd SURE CLEAN by spraying MAF/MAP cleaner on the element even before
trying Clemson88 ' s Suggestion.

shertex · #5 04-03-2017, 08:34 AM

Tried cleaning...code still thrown...new MAF ordered.

New skill acquired: removing 5-pt. torx security screws with needle nose pliers. Next time I'll try to do it without giving myself a blood blister!

Clemson88 · #6 04-03-2017, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by compress ignite

Our Thanks to Clemson88 for his Wonderous suggestion !

To All Others:

I'd SURE CLEAN by spraying MAF/MAP cleaner on the element even before
trying Clemson88 ' s Suggestion.

Sir, I have never seen anyone fixing a MAF code with a can of magic. Have you?

ROLLGUY · #7 04-03-2017, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shertex

Tried cleaning...code still thrown...new MAF ordered.

New skill acquired: removing 5-pt. torx security screws with needle nose pliers. Next time I'll try to do it without giving myself a blood blister!

The new unit should come installed in the tube, no need to remove the security torx screws. Two Phillips screws, and a hose clamp is all it takes. Also, cleaning should not require disassembly.

shertex · #8 04-03-2017, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

The new unit should come installed in the tube, no need to remove the security torx screws. Two Phillips screws, and a hose clamp is all it takes. Also, cleaning should not require disassembly.

That's not my understanding from what I have read. See attached DIY from Benzworld.

engatwork · #9 04-03-2017, 01:30 PM

I just spray em without removing them.

Diseasel300 · #10 04-03-2017, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clemson88

Sir, I have never seen anyone fixing a MAF code with a can of magic. Have you?

Yes. Specifically one that was oil-fouled from a K&N air filter that someone over-oiled. Other than that, no. If the MAF is visibly dirty, cleaning might help, otherwise, there's usually an electrical failure.

compress ignite · #11 04-03-2017, 02:25 PM

Shertex,
Thanks for the Pictorial

I've always taken Engatwork's approach.

In Fact for such an A.R. Type such as myself it's weird
that I "Just Hose Down" everything about the Maf/Map liberally.

ROLLGUY · #12 04-03-2017, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shertex

That's not my understanding from what I have read. See attached DIY from Benzworld.

Unless I am missing something, the sensor wire is clearly visible through the inlet side of the tube. Cleaning it in or out of the tube will net the same outcome. I see no need to remove the sensor assembly from the tube/housing.

treetops · #13 08-14-2018, 08:15 PM

Tagging on to this thread instead of starting a new one. My 99 has the CEL with the P0100 error. Ive tried cleaning the MAF with crc cleaner but no change. All happened about 1.5 months ago when both my headlights burned out. The passenger side is easier to get to with the air filter and box out of the way. Perhaps I over extended the MAF wire harness or disturbed it all in some way.

Question for those who may know. Has any tried to buy just the sensor instead of the whole shebang for 150-200(330+ at the dealer)? Im seeing sensors for under 100 on the sponsors website, but not sure of fitment, and a Walker one for $47 on another site. The Walker unit looks promising and I'm going to stay away from the Chinese $15 ones although tempting. Any thoughts or experience with this or ideas on checking the MAF wire harness.

Inspection is due by 10/1 and a CEL will be a failure.