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Chevrolet Silverado 2007-2013: How to Clean MAF Sensor

Cleaning your MAF sensor is easier than changing the oil and does wonders for your truck. This article will show you just how it's done.

By Jared Hammond - June 10, 2015

This article applies to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2007-2013).

The MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor is in charge of keeping track of the amount of air going to your engine. When the sensor gets dirty or clogged, bad things start to happen. You'll notice a rougher idle at first, but then you'll start having bigger problems like the engine misfiring. If it get's bad enough you'll have to replace the sensor itself which is an expensive component. This is why it's often recommended you clean the MAF sensor around the same time you change the air filter. Cleaning the MAF sensor is simple enough that anyone can do it so long as you have the right cleaner. Simply follow the instructions below to complete this task.

Materials Needed

  • MAF sensor cleaner (CRC recommended)
  • T15 Torx screwdriver

Step 1 – Remove the MAF sensor

Start by opening the hood. Look for the little black box attached to the air intake hose. You'll see it just down from the large air intake box on the far left. It'll have a large electrical connector plugged into it. Push in on the tabs of the connector and unplug it from the MAF sensor. Next, look for the two T15 Torx screws on the opposite corners of the MAF sensor. Remove the two screws and you should be able to pull the MAF sensor out from the air intake hose.

Figure 1. Unplug the MAF sensor.

Pro Tip

If your MAF sensor has triggered the check engine light, disconnect the battery before cleaning if you want the light to go off.

Step 2 – Clean the MAF sensor

Set the sensor on a desk or table where you can see inside the sensor. There will be a pair of wires inside. You need to get those wires as clean as possible. Take your MAF sensor cleaner and clean the inside of the MAF sensor thoroughly so that cleaner touches each part of the wires. Wait for it to dry before you reinstall it. Once it's dried, you can reinsert the MAF sensor to your air intake hose. Tighten down the two T15 Torx screws, then reattach the electrical connector. After you've finished, drive around for a bit and see if it made any difference in your truck's performance.

Figure 2. Use MAF sensor cleaner.

Pro Tip

The MAF sensor is very delicate, so only use the special MAF sensor cleaner. Other cleaners could potentially damage the sensor. Also be careful when handling the sensor that you don't damage any of the components inside the sensor.

Featured Video: How to Install MAF Sensor 2009-13 Chevy Silverado

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