Mass Air-Flow Sensor & Throttle Body

[mmulcahy1]

I have a question that I hope someone can help me with.

What is a Mass Air-Flow Sensor (MAF) and a Throttle Body? I've seen many posts regarding these items but can't really put my finger on what they are.

The reason I'm asking is that I want to install a True Flow air filter but have seen things saying that you shouldn't use one because it has to be cleaned and oiled.

The other posts go on to say that the MAF and throttle body should also be cleaned when using "oiled" types of filters.

Sorry, but I'm confused and not quite sure what is the best couse of action on this issue.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[ddvk]

MAF is a sensor that senses the air flow thro the throttle body that makes it to the combustion chamber. The sensor sends signals to the ECM to control air-fuel mixture based on the flow of air.

The throttle body comes after the MAF and it is equally sophisticated with a bunch of sensors hanging off it. Some think it is a purely mechanical butterfly plate connected to the throttle cable, but then it isn't. The idle sensor (IACV) is one sensor hanging on the throttle body that controls the idle in your vehicle.

Hope that helps.

[LifeTech]

Originally Posted by mmulcahy1

I have a question that I hope someone can help me with.

What is a Mass Air-Flow Sensor (MAF) and a Throttle Body? I've seen many posts regarding these items but can't really put my finger on what they are.

The reason I'm asking is that I want to install a True Flow air filter but have seen things saying that you shouldn't use one because it has to be cleaned and oiled.

The other posts go on to say that the MAF and throttle body should also be cleaned when using "oiled" types of filters.

Sorry, but I'm confused and not quite sure what is the best couse of action on this issue.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Regarding MAF and oiled filters... some more reading to help make a decision on using oiled filters. I use K&N in my Toyotas. Not for performance. Never had a single problem in 17 years of use.
But everyone has their own opinions. Your decision should be an educated one whatever yu decide.

K&N Response to Mass Air Flow Sensor Concerns

BTW, any MAF Sensor should be cleaned periodiclally with a MAF specific cleaner spray(CRC Brand) regardless of the type of air Filtration.

LT

[ddvk]

Originally Posted by LifeTech

BTW, any MAF Sensor should be cleaned periodiclally with a MAF specific cleaner spray(CRC Brand) regardless of the type of air Filtration.

LT

I wouldn't clean it until you see any issues of buildup etc.

I am not sure of the Toyota MAF sensors (need to do more learning about failures due to cleaning) but my other vehicle Nissan's MAF sensor is super-sensitive and it does not like to be even touched/bothered. Even a mechanical shake can ruin it (someone said that, not me).

[LifeTech]

MAFs in general are very delicate, however Toyota's variants are ok to clean. I would not let it get grunged out before a cleaning. Then it's heater becomes compromised. I/A's become innacurate affecting the Air/Fuel ratio... then the cat. in extreme circumstances.

A good spraying and let air dry for 10-15 mins is safe. It will evaporate fast. Yu don't want to start it up when wet. That will fry it for sure.

A Periodic cleaning might be every 25-35K. That's what I do. Or eve at least every air filter change or service is good depending on the miles. I don't feel that's too much.

Yes, in general excessive handling and definitely dropping or jarring this part is NOT good at all.

LT