Mass air flow sensor removal

Anyone know what type of bit I need to remove it? My torx set does not have the right one. Here is a pic of the screws I need to remove. My T25 is the closest fit but still won't work.

You’ll need to get a security torx bit ( has a hole in the middle).



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I think it’s a security t27 if my memory serves me correctly.

A nice big pair of pliers or vice grips work also. Clearly, you'll have to install new screws after. Preferably a standard torx or Philips.

Why do you want to remove it? When you buy a replace it comes as an assembly.

Last time I was at harbor freight, they were selling a security bit set for something like $10.


https://www.harborfreight.com/100-pc-security-bit-set-with-case-68457.html

Curious Chris said:

Why do you want to remove it? When you buy a replace it comes as an assembly.

Click to expand...

My daughters Lexus is throwing a code and so I bought a can of mass air flow sensor cleaner to hopefully eliminate the code on her car and then I got to thinking that maybe I should also clean mine since I bought it several years ago and the can says to clean the MAF sensor every time you change the air filter.

The people that sell MAF cleaner are inclined to put that on the side of the can of MAF cleaner.

The truth is that they are not the traditional hot-wire style but rather hot film, with much closer tolerances... and very tricky to clean without making them worse.

I personally would only clean one as a very-last-ditch effort, with the full expectation that I'm gonna end up buying one anyways. Certainly wouldn't do it as preventative maintenance. Just my opinion, of course.

To the OP:

those screws are Tamper Proof Torx Plus

Torx: 6 points, no pin

Torx Plus: 6 rounded points, no pin

Tamper Proof Torx: 6 points with a pin

Tamper Proof Torx Plus: 5 rounded points with a pin

Hope this helps anyone wanting to know the proper terminology.

I have a set of these TPTP bits, but honestly the only thing I can recall ever using them on is Bosch MAFs, so I think I only ever use the one size.

Cut a slot with a Dremel tool and use a screw driver.

RedTDIowner said:

My daughters Lexus is throwing a code and so I bought a can of mass air flow sensor cleaner to hopefully eliminate the code on her car and then I got to thinking that maybe I should also clean mine since I bought it several years ago and the can says to clean the MAF sensor every time you change the air filter.

Click to expand...

I only repeating what I have seen and heard on U tube , there is several and the one I watched lately I Scanner Danner, a smart guy to say the least , he teaches at a collage and also does trouble shooting for shop including dealers on electrical systems. Pretty interesting and very helpful . He uses scopes , meters , test lights ect to see what the problem is not a parts changer . From what I seen the air mass can get dirty and not meter the air proper and I seen the air mass cleaned and it worked . I want to see if the ground and ref voltage is proper. I not sure how the system works on your application , a wiring diagram might help . I watched Paul and one of his ex students , a master vw tech trouble shoot a TMC module and it was very helpful . It cost nothing for me or very little to watch these guys

You need these: https://www.idparts.com/metalnerd-maf-element-removal-bits-p-401.html

The Huco MAF inserts we now carry come with the bits. Nice touch.

I would NOT attempt to clean a hot-film MAF; the odds are very high that you will destroy it.

(Finally) found the post with the great electron microscope pics of a hot-film MAF:

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=282433

Cleaning a hot wire type MAF is fine, but cleaning a hot film type is not recommended, and you run the risk of ruining it.

Fortunately, the later Bosch hot film MAFs are more robust than the older ones, and do not fail nearly as much, if ever.

I sprayed some MAF cleaner on mine. Didn't fix/improve anything. But a new Bosch new style MAF seemed to have solved my low power problem.

If you really want to try the cleaner, I think you can just take off the whole housing. The cleaners usually come with a long straw that should allow you to reach where you want to spray.