Here's one to the forum:
MAF sensor cleaning more than likely helps out with fuel mileage and better readings to the PCM, right? So why not clean the Inlet Air Temp sensor while you are there.
I work on aircraft engines, and fuel scheduleing for engines depends on several factors, including inlet air temperature.
I opened up the housing after the MAF sensor, and used CRC brand maf sensor cleaner to clean the IAT sensor as well. ill see if that adds any benefits via fuel mileage increase, and hopefully it will.
Anyone else here tried this as well?

 

There is no point in cleaning the IAT.

The only remotely possible benefit of removing any dirt from the exterior of the thermistor would be a minute increase of it's response time due to removal of thermal insulating debris. Since the response time of the thermistor is pretty irrelevent anyway, there's really no point in cleaning it.

However, like your mother's chicken soup, it likely won't hurt anything.

Steve

 

i dunno about response time, mine is instant... I dont see why not, just clean it.

 

like anything else, if it's out, there's no reason not to clean it.

 

i cleaned mine the last time i oiled my air filter. i didnt notice any difference though

 

I wouldn't use MAF Sensor cleaner on the IAT - The important part of your IAT Sensor has a plastic like coating, unlike your MAF wires.

 

My point was that there is no point in screwing with it, it won't make any difference if you clean it or not.

Steve

 

The IAT is an epoxy-dipped thermistor, Nothing fancy is needed, and it's not as fragile as the MAF, So, a can of compressed air (like the stuff sold to clean pc's) and a very gentle wipe with a Q tip is fine if you feel the need.

It would take a lot of buildup to affect it's accuracy and response - the air charge temperature gradient does not change very swiftly; sensor capability is orders of magnitude faster.


bubba

 

I tried to clean my MAF with a Q-Tip once, they must of been pretty cheap because half the Q-tip ended up stuck to the MAF sensor

I thought , now WTF am I going do?!?! Have you ever played that game operation ? You operate on this dude by extracting bones out of his body and if you touch the sides , You get a loud buzzer sound and his nose turns red ..

Well , that's what I was reminded of as I plucked Q-Tip shrapnel off my MAF wires...

NEVER touch the MAF Sensor... Just use the spray clean in a can..

Someone MUST HAVE deposited a handful of stupid pills in one or MORE of my brewski's that day ..

 

Right on - touching the MAF is a BIG No-No.


MGD

 

i clean mine when i clean my MAF i dunno if it helps but it dont hurt and makes me more secure with knowing im taking care of it