How to Clean the Mass Air Flow Sensor on a VW Golf

1. Locate the air box. It should be in the upper right-hand corner of the engine compartment (right in front of the driver's seat). You should see a little stem of plastic and metal jutting out from the cylindrical air flow tube--that's the mass air flow sensor.

2. Remove the wiring connector from the MAF sensor by sliding a flathead screwdriver into the wiring release clip on the sensor. When the clip pops, pull the wiring apart from the sensor.

3. Use your screwdriver to unscrew the two screws connecting the MAF sensor to the air flow tube. One is located above the sensor and one is underneath.

4. Gently pull the MAF sensor free from the engine.

5. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding together the exterior assembly of the VW mass air flow sensor.

6. Use your electrical contact cleaner to spray an ample amount over the entire interior of the MAF sensor. Take great care not to actually touch any of the internal wirings, as they are extremely sensitive.

7. Leave your sensor to dry for about an hour.

8. Screw the exterior assembly onto the MAF sensor, and reattach it to the air flow tube and wiring connector.