I know this is common maintenance, but I was changing the oil yesterday and I decided to take a look at the air intake, right at the butterfly. I was surprised to see how much crud had accumulated around the opening!

Some throttle body cleaner and a good rag did the trick!

Though it ran fine, it now idles more smoothly and is more responsive at low rpms.



All I did was...

-loosen the hex screw that clamps the intake snorkel to the throttle body. This is a black 10mm screw with a phillips center.


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-release the air filter hold down clamps (3).

-pull the intake snorkel off of the throttle body intake.


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The butterfly will now be staring right at you.

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I used throttle body cleaner (as opposed to carb cleaner) so there was no chance of boogering up the positioner. Also, I sprayed a clean rag (old tee-shirt!) and wiped it clean while holding the butterfly open. This way none of the dissolved gunk would go into the intake.

Additionally, while I was in there, I cleaned the Mass Air Flow Sensor. This is located directly between the air filter chamber and the Throttle Body.

To get at this, loosen the 10 mm hex screw that clamps the unit to the air snorkel.

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Then, using MAF Sensor Cleaner only (otherwise you may strip the coating off the heater wires), spray the heater wires and surrounding assembly till clean.

**Remember, these are heating elements that register airflow by the amount of current it takes to maintain temp as air passes over them. Do not touch them with anything, do not clean while energized, and allow to dry before you turn on the ignition or you will damage the unit.**


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You may also want to spray the honeycomb opening of the MAF Sensor from the air cleaner side to be sure it's clean as well, for proper air flow.

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Once everything is cleaned, allow to dry and reassemble. Be sure not to over tighten the hex bolts or they will strip.

Don't be surprised if its hard to start at first due to residue or fumes left in the intake. Once she fires up, it will purr like a kitten, start easier, and have better acceleration from idle! Gas mileage should improve as well! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumbsup.gif)

Go get 'em!

This post has been edited by ThunderLizard: Jan 21 2010, 06:12 PM

Pictures will help great deal.

Edited post to add pictures! Hope it helps!

Good info... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumbsup.gif) I'm pinning this thread. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumbsup.gif)

Thanks for posting this. Funny there's no mention of cleaning (or even inspecting) the air intake in the owner's manual. I wonder how many driveability issues result in unnecessary parts-swapping, when a simple cleaning would do it?

Your instructions are fairly clear, but are there any warnings with respect to the use of aerosol cleaners under the hood? My understanding is that O2 sensors and certain other components can be damaged by them.

I understand your concern. You'll be ok though on two counts: both cleaners state (or at least the ones you buy should state!) "...will not harm sensors or catalytic converters...". Also, when you do the maintenance, the vehicle must be turned off (it won't run anyway with the snorkel disconnected - no air over the mass air flow sensor, and you'd throw a code, which is a pain!)

Please note the precautions - simple, but vital. No power to the unit (ignition key off) and do not damage the little wires inside the MAF sensor. Besides that, piece of cake! Go have at it! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumbsup.gif)

Good recommendation and great pictures. I have been doing this on all my cars for years. It can solve a lot of poor running issues. Take it to a dealer and they will want to replace stuff.

Also, make sure to use Throttle or Intake cleaning spray, never Carb cleaner.

BillC

07 GLS AWD 20k (have only owned it for 3 months)

Amen!

Thanks Bill C.

I use this Amsoil Power Foam to clean my TB.
Check it out here: http://www.amsoil.com/StoreFront/apf.aspx

Good writeup. Another thing to keep in mind with electronic throttle control is; Make sure the key is out of the ignition before you attempt to clean the throttle area by hand. Moving the throttle plate with your fingers with the ignition on WILL throw the electronic throttle control system into fits. The reversed feedback between the throttle position sensor and accelerator pedal position sensor will put the system into limp mode, require you to pull battery power to reset or worse. Also be careful around the edges of the throttle plate when you swing it open. It's razor sharp and can cut you to ribbons. I too use decent quality spray intake cleaner, but a rag dampened with mineral spirits will work excellent too. Just don't use any silicone based sprays in the intake. Silicone will destroy O2 sensors on contact (if it gets on the business end of them).

Joel

This post has been edited by PoMansAWD: Feb 6 2010, 11:36 AM

I'm looking at that picture of the MAF sensor with the three heating elements. Am I right that one should simply spray them with MAF sensor cleaner (that is, don't wipe them with a cloth after spraying)? Also, I've never purchased MAF sensor cleaner before. Is one brand preferred over another?

Thanks in advance,
Ryan

Yes, you are correct - spray ut don't wipe, or you'll risk damage. Besides, the cleaner is designed to remove any crud without wiping.

As for MAF cleaner, I've seen CRC and I believe Gumout, but I believe that any cleaner designed for Mass Air Flow sensors should do. Evidently there is a coating on teh elements that should not be stripped off, and MAF designed cleaner will leave this coating intact.

Good luck!

YOW!! I was shopping for MAF sensor cleaner on Friday at Advanced Auto Parts and they wanted around $7.50 a can (it was the CFC brand).

Since I only need it for a few squirts, does anyone know whether it comes in a smaller bottle?

I called Paramus Hyundai and asked if they would do this service under my warranty or service plan. They wanted to take the car in to do a major diagnostic production, run up a big bill and then decide. I went to a local speed shop that works on my other cars - $20 to clean the throttle body and MAF using the special sensor cleaner. If you live in N NJ they are very good - Stage 1 Automotive, 422 Rt 23 N, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444 973 839-4900