yes it possible to clean without removing the housing and even easier if you desceen the maf housing they are restrictive and shouldnt be used with aftermarket intakes.....but with the stock air box i think you need them for the flow

 

Not to beat a dead horse (my own post!) but I just went back out there and went over some things...

Last week I replaced the spark plugs and the air filter. I went through both to check all connections and all other connections that could have been disrupted by moving that stuff...The only thing I found was a hose of some kind going into that electrical box on top of the last coil pack, it wasn't in all the way. I pushed it in, checked other items, started it up and the light is gone, and the car is running better than ever. Weird stuff. Hopefully the light stays out.

But now I have to find engine cover bolts, dropped one into no man's land...

 

sigh im in the same situation as bcart... damn i really wish i could figure out what to do!

 

I decided to clean my MAF today also to see if it would liven my REVOd 225up a bit.(it did not, still dissapointed) and i was cussing up a storm at the torx screws.I decided on a quick fix. Just got out the dremel and small cutting disc and cut a slot right across the top so my flat head driver worked like a charm. Problem solved. Took about 10 seconds or less per screw. Sure beat running around for an elusive bit.

 

I may be wrong but I believe it takes 50+ miles for your ECU to adapt to your MAF if a change has been made. the only way you'll see an immediate change is unpluggin it and runing the car.

 

P1296 - after searching I found its the coolant sensor, I'll get at it this week I hope.