[V6-12v] Check/clean those MAF sensors - ADDITIONAL INFO

[Joel Lenorovitz]

I'm glad this seems to be helping some of you out.  Here's a little more detail:

My car is a '95 90Q, although I imagine that all of the 12v V6's (and probably most
other Audi models) have the same MAF sensor (Hitachi style) or a similar one.

As far as cleaning, I started out just spraying the sensor elements lightly with
carb cleaner, then used additional spray pressure, and then went to gently scrubbing
with toothbrush bristles as it seemed more dirt was coming off and I wasn't damaging
the elements.  The elements are somewhat like a light bulb filament and should be a
uniform gray or tan when clean (they almost look like a really skinny resistor).  I
would definitely use some caution as they seem delicate (though I had nothing to
lose in my case because I knew the sensor was the problem).

The info at this website describes things fairly well and it's what I was going off
of:
http://www.aircarecolorado.com/repair/acnews/oct01.htm (scroll down to MAF section)

Removal of the MAF sensor (which is located immediately aft of the flexible hose
coming from the airbox) is painfully easy.  You just need a security Torx bit (i.e.,
with a hole drilled in the middle to accomodate the tamper resistant pin) of T-25
size, if I recall.  They won't be in your everyday hardware store, but they're not
impossible to find (I know Craftsman makes them or check out
http://www.lara.com/cgi-bin/store/commerce.cgi?product=workshop).

There is the possiblity that the circuitry for my 'burn-off cycle' is faulty and
that's what allowed the problematic build up of dirt.  However, unless someone has
an easy diagnosis/repair procedure for that, it's very little trouble to just
occasionally clean the sensor over time.  Hope this helps,

Joel

>Great discovery Joel!
>I had recently been experiencing the random check engine lights that
>revealed code 2331.  I am also experiencing rotten egg smell and
>sporadic performance.  As soon as I get some time you can be sure I will
>be diving right into this.  I'll let you guys know if this fix resolves
>my problems.



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