Cleaning the MAF & IAT sensors
Disclaimer: If you're not confident in your abilities do not attempt to do this. This guide is provided for information purposes only and any action you take as a result of reading this guide is at your own risk. 
Note - This guide uses a Mazda6 MPS as the example vehicle.
Background
MAF (Mass Air-Flow) Sensor - The MAF's function is to measure the quantity of air being drawn through the intake, so that the vehicles ECU can calculate the required fuel necessary for combustion within the engine
IAT (Intake Air Temperature) Sensor - Operates alongside the MAF, determining the temperature of the intake air which influences the combustion characteristic of the air.
These sensors sit in the air stream of the vehicles intake, after the filter. Filters are unable to remove 100% of the particulate matter from the air and fine particles can lodge themselves onto the surface of the sensors, causing them to become less accurate and can cause a reduction in performance, efficiency, reduce throttle response and potentially cause erratic idle.
Cleaning these sensors can give your car a new lease on life, by removing the buildup of dirt, the sensors can function properly and the cars performance, efficiency, throttle response can be improved.
Equipment
Phillips Head Screw Driver
* Can of electrical cleaner
* 10mm socket wrench/spanner
* Old towel to cover the negative terminal
Instructions
* Disconnect the batteries negative terminal using the wrench/spanner, cover the terminal with a cloth/rag so that it doesn't touch any metal surface (precautionary manoevre) Note: disconnecting the battery will reset the radio/clock
* Locate the MAF sensor on the airbox/CAI/SRI, it is prominently located ontop of the filter box or intake as below:
* Disconnect the plug from the MAF
* Remove the screws from the MAF (placing the screws in a safe place) and remove the MAF from the airbox/CAI/SRI
* Identify the MAF/IAT sensors
*note how dirty the IAT Sensor is
*note the fine wires
The IAT is the tear shaped bulb at the end of the MAF, it should be an amber colour (unless its completely filthy), it is most likely one side will be dirty, this being the intake side of the sensor. The MAF sensors are located inside the housing, if you look up into the MAF, you should be able to see a series of small wires running parallel to one another, this is the MAF sensor.
Extreme caution must be taken not to damage these sensors (particularly the MAF), moving the sensor will damage it and a new sensor will be required in the event they are damaged, which could cost ~$200
* Invert the MAF and insert the nozzle taking caution not to touch the wires inside. Spray inside the housing for a few moments, allow the excess liquid out, then spray again. Allow to dry for a few minutes, the repeat to ensure the MAF is clean.
* Spray the IAT, ensuring both sides are cleaned, repeat until there is no visible buildup
* Allow the sensors to dry before replacing the MAF into the intake/CAI/SRI, and reconnect the plug
* Once the MAF has been replaced and plugged in, re-attach the battery cable.
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Dan's notes: This is a pretty simple process, it only took me 15-20 mins on mine. Just be very careful when spraying the wires with contact cleaner. DON'T physically touch the wires inside the housing!! otherwise you're in for a world of pain and wallet hurt.
Credit to Mazda6ex from OMC for this informative guide
ex MPSer
Cleaning the MAF & IAT sensors
Jmac liked this post
Originally Posted by Swallowtail
and runs alot smoother. got a can of CRC MAF cleaner $25 worked awesome.
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