I cleaned my MAF sensor and now my car won't idle or idles roughly. What happened???

35

Asked by JackCelica Oct 21, 2015 at 09:53 PM about the 2000 Toyota Celica GT

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Hello All!

I have a 2000 celica (280K miles *whew*). My Check engine light was one
due do a lean reading in the o2 sensors. I unplugged my battery and
cleaned the MAF sensor in hopes of getting rid of the light. The light went
off and and started up just fine. I drove to the store and back. The next
morning I went to crank up my car and it stalled right after. I tried 10 times
and it will idle roughly (200 rpm) half of the time and stall out the other. I
feel terrible for trying to improve something and only making it worse.
Please help

Thanks

6 Answers

70,095

if you didnt damage the maf.....change the O2 sensors.

1 people found this helpful.
157,475

Check to see if the MAF is properly plugged in. What method did you use when cleaning the MAF? If you touched the fine wire with anything besides MAF cleaner the MAF may be damaged. O2 sensor really does nothing at start up with a cold engine.

1 people found this helpful.
35

I have tried almost everything! I un-hooked the battery OVERNIGHT to allow the computer to reset, still nothing. I held the rpms at 3k for 7 mins to help the computer relearn how to idle and still... nothing. I replaced the spark plugs, fuel filter, and put in A NEW MAF SENSOR! And still I have nothing. Now, I'm suspecting that it's the IAC (Idle Air Control valve). I unhooked the IAC and I got no difference in idle, could this mean it's broken? if not is it a broken fuse? Bad computer? or am I way off of the map? :( I'm freakin out

2 people found this helpful.
60,405

Lean o2 points to a vacuum leak or the intake plenum is letting air in after the maf.

1 people found this helpful.
60,405

The rubber ducting that goes from your air cleaner to the throttle body

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