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Cleaned MAF sensor, now I have Idle Problems?

I just cleaned the MAF sensor with Carb and Choke cleaner, waited till dry, and installed back in, but my car is experiencing weird Idle problems, the RPM's start at 2k then constantly drops and the engine sounds like its bogging, the car ran fine before I cleaned the MAF sensor please help

Update:

did I mess up my engine as well?

5 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    You used the wrong cleaner and damaged the sensor. Carb and Choke Cleaner is not intended to be used on sensors.

    You should have used MAF sensor cleaner instead. See link below.

    You may now need to replace the sensor.

    Next time, use the correct cleaner.

  • 1 decade ago

    Yep, sounds like you'll have to replace the MAF sensor. You can also try disconnecting the maf sensor and starting the car. the check engine light will probably come on, but the engine will now run on the base calibration in pcm. If the sensor is bad, it will run better. If not, then you know the problem isn't the maf. but since you said it was running ok before cleaning it, then the cleaner you used probably messed it up.

  • gary o
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    If you used the wrong material you probably damaged the MAF, especially if you touched it. A MAF sensor should only be cleaned with material designed for this purpose and carefully follow the instructions.

  • 1 decade ago

    replace the MAF sensor. the greater majority of them don't like spray cleaner chemicals. not knowing what make and model i cant be dead accurate, but sounds like it

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  • Anonymous
    5 years ago

    a 02 sensor can do it. the 02 sensor can make your plugs black and it will run rough. it happened to my car. you could also check for vacuum leaks too.

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