Tried cleaning my MAF sensor with brake cleaner instead of the proper stuff...

Sprayed it down on a 2005 Civic last Friday and the car ran rougher than before for about 20 miles before throwing a check engine light. Learned the hard way that brake cleaner leaves a residue that messes with the sensor film has anyone else wrecked a MAF by using the wrong cleaner?

2 comments

2 Comments

henry_moore5515h ago

thomas291 nailed it with "silicone film" that's exactly the problem. That residue doesn't just mess with one sensor, it's the same logic behind why you shouldn't use dish soap on car paint or windex on a computer screen. People grab whatever's cheapest under the sink and expect magic, then wonder why their 05 Civic hiccups for 20 miles. I've seen guys use WD-40 on throttle bodies and it's the same story, just different symptoms. Brake cleaner works great for brakes because it evaporates clean, but on a MAF those additives linger and mess with the voltage reading like you found out.

thomas29116h ago

You ever try cleaning a greasy pan with windex and wonder why your eggs taste like chemicals? Because that's basically what you did. Brake cleaner leaves a silicone film that coats the sensor wires and messes with the voltage reading. Your poor Civic's ECU was getting data that said "air is thick as syrup" and tried to dump fuel accordingly. Next time just buy the CRC MAF cleaner for eight bucks. Or honestly just leave it dirty. Cheaper than a new sensor and way less headache.