SlkySmooth

For once I read a label before spraying away on a bottle of MAF cleaner. It said not to be used on certain sensors including the ones used by Lexus.

Anybody know if that applies to the LS430 or is it safe to clean the sensor?

Romanova

Search this forum for 'maf cleaning' in the title... you'll find it's been covered numerous times.
Good luck.

4litre

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bradland

IIRC early 90's model LS400's used an Air Flow Meter but later switched to the current Mass Air Flow Sensor. The earlier technology measured air flow differently and could be damaged easily by cleaning solvents.

911LE

That video is misleading. The actual sensing wires are in the top of the tube, not shown in the video. He didn't spray enough to actually clean the elements. Flood the tube with cleaner until it runs clear. Let it dry. The sensor with the bulb shown in the video is the intake air temp sensor.

Mbodall

This is correct. The IAT and MAF are located within the same unit, but are very different components and perform very different functions. While it's good to clean your IAT, cleaning the MAF will yield different results.

Bocatrip

Mbodall

How much did you pay for the MAF and where did you buy it from? Did you buy it from the dealer?

911LE

Air doesn't clean a MAF. The residue on the wires is usually oily. There is nothing wrong with spray cleaning as the chemicals involved evaporate with no residue. Your dealer knows all of this but they can't sell you a new one if the proper cleaning is 100% effective, which if it is done correctly, is.

Bocatrip

I didn't go to the dealer for advice on the MAF. It was an independent of which the owner at one time worked for Lexus as a Service Manager. He always encourages me to buy OEM parts when necessary. I felt that 16 years was long enough for most parts including the MAF. I purchased the Denso MAF at Rock Auto. Denso in Viet Nam makes the MAFs as OEM equipment. after doing some research. I did the same thing when replacing my my front wheel bearing hub and purchased a Koyo which also at the time was manufacturing the part as OEM for the dealer.

LS430Lexus

Denso 197-6030 MAF, about $45 on Amazon. The part number is confirmed by Amazon and can be checked on Denso's "First Time Fit" website. On my '03, I used this to replace the original after cleaning yielded "so-so" results. I noticed an improvement after replacement.