Report on MAF cleaning

[isisalar]

I was asking for advice last week re cleaning the MAF due to high fuel consumption on my HDI Xantia, thanks for the replies.
I cleaned it with the switch cleaner, and mindful of the warning about leaving oily residue which I saw after I'd done the job, i resolved to do it again with contact cleaner asap(today), Maplin's had run out of contact cleaner last week! There was an immediate improvement in driveability and performance. I've been working less than a mile from home this week so hadn't really even got the car properly warm until today when I had to do a round trip of about 20 miles, this confirmed the massive improvement in driveability, the car is now able to pull cleanly from less than 1500 rpm and take advantage of the extremely long gearing. It now drives like a completely different car. I'm sure the mpg is going to improve significantly.
HOWEVER halfway home I felt a sudden loss of power, the engine symbol on the dash came on and I experienced limp mode for the first time. Having got home and re started it a few times the light remained. I went on a few errands and the limp mode seemed to be no more, it was driving fine but the light was still on. Went down to Maplins and on the way the light went out. Got home cleaned with contact cleaner road tested and all seems fine. One thing that may be relevant is that I had neglected to tighten the jubilee clip between the MAF and the trunking last week.
Any idea's anybody?
Also I couldn't for the life of me work out how to separate the electrical connector and did the job in situ.
Kind regards
Paul

[Hell Razor5543]

On Gracie I had to disconnect the MAF sensor (to remove the air filter box). It is NOT a push to release clip, it lifts to release the connector. You might find a small flat bladed screwdriver helpful.

[c.morewood]

You might find that the MAF has come to the end of its life. I cleaned mine early last year with cellulose thinners and the a few months later experienced the power loss, which I found out last week was the MAF, after loads of false leads ... EGR, Electrovalve Injectors and fuel filter. I got a MAF from here
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261143233220? ... 1439.l2649" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Offered him £25 and he accepted, much to my surprise.
I thought I couldn't go wrong at that price.
Hope this helps,
Chris

[isisalar]

Thanks for that link, I've bookmarked it. Considering the massive improvement in performance now it's clean, I can imagine how bad it would be if it failed, and considering the modest cost and the easiness of the job it's certainly worth trying if the engine's misbehaving.
Cheers
Paul