I'm pretty sure that my MAF sensor is going bad on my 2001 A4 1.8T quattro. It's not giving any direct codes, but I'm getting other codes (CEL on, "System too lean", mult trim way too high) and the "g/s" reading isn't cracking 70 at full throttle.

Should I even bother trying to clean it, or just get a replacement before diving in?

Sorry if this has been answered before. I searched previous threads but couldn't find any direct thoughts on cleaning vs. replace.

 

I'd clean it and see if the readings change.. it may not be that.

 

(your car repair store name here) will carry a spray called "MAF cleaner", usually $5 or so.

 

i wouldnt bother cleaning it. just buy a used one fom the junkyard

 

I've got a used OEM Bosch MAF out of a 98.5 2.8 AHA. If it's compatible, you can have it for $30.

 

Ah, thanks for the offer but that one isn't compatible.

 

J would just clean it,
It's very easy to do

 

I ended up getting a used one at the salvage yard and swapping it in. Lo and behold, my g/s numbers are back up to normal at wot (110+) and more importantly my trim numbers (group 32) are looking good again! This was a tough one to track down since I was getting no actual errors from the MAF.

Dang, so pleased that this is solved. I'm still very curious if cleaning my old sensor would restore it, but I don't think I have the patience to swap it back in again, test it, then potentially swap it back out again. Taking off the filter housing isn't too bad, but still kind of a pain. The heat shield is extremely annoying and it also took me forever to put the second small hose on the front back on, the rubber is so tight that it just wouldn't go on easily.