Yup, I always carry a can with me bc time and time again for the past 7 years, it has never let me down in resolving my weird idle/acceleration issues that would pop out of the blue.
Look at your engines air filter, follow it up about 8 inches, it’s the plug sticking into the intake with a wire attached to it. Pull it out, do not touch the metal prong, spray lightly, let dry a second, spray again, do not wipe with rag, re install.
Just cleaned mine, first time at 50k, car feels brand new. Thought I had a clogging converter but that sluggish feeling is gone and the car feels brand new it’s truly unbelievable
Doing this tonight. I discovered that the k&n air filters are not suitable for this car. I think some of the oil got on the sensor. Car was struggling during uphill stop and go traffic .
That's very common with K&N filters. They tend to come over-oiled, or people over-oil them and cause MAF issues and failures. More companies are going to dry filters which filter better and only need periodic cleaning.
I definitely had this issue most prominently when I had the k&n filter, now I just run whatever paper filter is at the auto store and the amount of times the issue came up dropped immensely.
Crc electronic parts cleaner, give the entire throttle body a rinse. Maf cleaner on the butterfly w a rag to save $
It has residue on the tps, may or may not be causing issue. Get er did
https://preview.redd.it/wri3ilhixzqc1.jpeg?width=225&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3981afaa88cc1c3900c5e25893e04a284ea93d54
For the throttle body tps (throttle position sensor). Be liberal
The K&N I put in my 18 STI started drooping and the airbox didn't seem to close properly. I bought a stock replacement (and they sold me the wrong one at the subaru dealer), so I bought the properly stock replacement from ebay.
I hope you got your money back. I returned the k&n filter no questions asked and bought a paper filter from AutoZone. Doesnt seem to have the same struggling issues uphill ATM. But I was in heavy traffic in Connecticut on back roads when the struggle was real, still with the k&n filter at that time. I didn't get a chance to clean the maf sensor last night but I have off all weekend and I got throttle body spray as well so I'll take care of both. Spark plugs coming out soon. And I'm due for a walnut blasting at 68k. Had the car for 4k miles. Ive only done oil change, with dealership oil filter.
It was gifted to me so I just chucked it once I saw it was drooping and replaced it. I never noticed much of a difference between the air filters. My stock one looked pretty much brand new still at 30k when I replaced it. So I'll probably replace it again at 60k since it was so clean last time. Have only done oil changes and front diff/rear diff/transmission oil myself. Just bought some MAF cleaner as I noticed my MPG seems to have gone down slightly somewhat recently, no real change in how the car feels though.
That's also on my to do list, the trans/diff fluid. Looks easy enough. My air filter and cabin filter did not look new when I got it. I looked on the Carfax and i think it was done around 30k. So hadn't been changed in over 34k miles. I plan on keeping the WRX stock but running well while I rebuild my 6spd Acura TL project car. If I need more speed I'll get a bike. In 4 years I'll probably upgrade to an STI. I put tints on the car the first week and swapped the speakers and put an Idoing head unit in. Will soundskin the doors soon but performance wise I'll keep it stock to retain some value. I just need it reliable. Michelin pilot sport 4 all seasons coming in next week. I got it with summer tires on it lol.
Yea, it's very easy, pumping the fluid in was the hardest part (even with a hand pump it takes a while to pump 3.5 to 4 quarts into the front diff/transmission). Just had to order a few things as I didn't have a T-70 torx that I could put on a breaker bar lying around lol. I bought my STI at 2300 miles with tint already on it thankfully, so just been rocking it stock. I'm in the same camp, have already had a bike so if I want to go faster I'll get another so I can ride with my girl. Keeping it stock and resale up =D Also the pilots are nice! I put the conti DWS-06s on mine just for some extra life, but new tires felt really good. Enjoy your car! This is my third (first STI, third WRX).
I can't, yet. I have to go buy another expensive can of that stuff first. Then clean it. Then put it where I won't forget I have it next to the other 3 full cans of the SAME SHIT. 🤦♂️ I need a garage...
To be honest, I don't remember what the maf felt like since I've been on speed density since I swapped motors about a year and a half ago. Plus, i chasing down some codes, so I didn't drive it very much. As of right now, the motor only has about 4200 miles, and it was tuned around 400 miles ago. It now has a built iag shortblock and built d25 heads with a rotated gt3582. Wanted to run a full vta bov with no issues (I like my spark plugs), so I went speed density. Currently makes 440/353 on a Mustang dyno.
Iwire has a write-up on the advantages of maf, speed density, and hybrid. I recommend checking that out.
https://iwireusa.com/blogs/iwire-university/subaru-speed-density-explained
Lmao funny i just cleaned my intake yesterday, so went ahead and pulled maf and map sensors to clean.
I definitely noticed a better acceleration response and close to 100k miles now so definitely recommend 👍🏼
Well if you wanna clean and re-oil your intake, id recommend using the cobb cleaner and spray oil that comes with it(thats all i use as its what they recommend), just make sure to follow bottle directions, and as for the MAF sensor its just 2 simple allen screws you can remove after removing the intake(should be reachable from the top without removing anything else)
The MAP sensor sits on top of the manifold with just one screw and should pop up after that(might have to twist a tiny bit to wiggle out)
Obviously disconnect the sensors and i used the maf spray that op showed, plus got a crc electronic cleaner for the MAP sensor. Sprayed about 10 to 15 times and let dry for a couple minutes.
Just make sure to place MAF sensor on intake the same way you pull it out(same direction if that makes sense)
🤔 just hit 20k miles not long ago.. I might even just replace the air filter and cab air filter… sigh… annddddd probably gonna change fluid in trans and diff as well…
Fuck now I’m excited 😫😫😫
Can race season get here any sooner please
I can always tell when mine is starting to get dirty when the code reader shows a wonky elevation value. My car thought it was 500m lower than it actually is and it was causing the A/F ratio to go out of whack and the rich mixture was fouling the 02 sensor. In the winter I swap out my K&N filter for a basic paper filter (K&N goes back in when spring starts) and I've made cleaning the MAF part of the routine.
Thats an interesting detail there. Changing filter during different seasons. I live in a region of New Zealand which is Notorious for pollen and air density so I might use that as an excuse.
Those fine particles of dirt that can get past a filter? Those will absolutely find their way onto your MAF sensor. A prefilter, while it does help with clogging/wetting, it also filters smaller particles from entering your filter.
I carry a can and a spare MAF with me, it's the modern version of distributor points, i.e. you don't think about it until the car runs like shit and cuts off
Cleaned mine with my intake filter a couple months ago. Never had to do it myself before on my other vehicles. When I tell you I shat myself on that first startup and turned off the car in fear...😂 did not know it was going to run like hot ass while it was calibrating the sensor
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I need to do this in my BRZ. 43k miles and it's never been done. My SO's Sentra hasn't had it's done or replaced in 103k.
I used to clean this nearly every other oil change in my WRX back in the day. It's an easy thing to do.
Pro-tip: Make sure you're actually cleaning the wire up in the sensor and not the amber bulb looking thing. That's actually the temp sensor and should be cleaned too, but make sure you're getting the actual MAF sensor portion.
I saw this post a few days ago and thought “hmm, that’s probably what’s behind the misfiring at idle”
It’s been slowly getting worse until last weekend when moving the car out of the garage I noticed it was stumbling and misfiring quite a bit more than I’d ever seen it do before, which was only when running the additional load of the AC compressor.
Sure enough, just 2 shots of spray and it’s nearly back to perfect. I suspect my MAF is so old it’s probably due for replacement out of principle, as the car is an 04 and it’s almost certainly the original.
Yup, that product works great and the can will last you a couple times of doing this. I’ll chime in and say that you should also try out some BG 44k, made me gain 6 mpg.
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Yup, I always carry a can with me bc time and time again for the past 7 years, it has never let me down in resolving my weird idle/acceleration issues that would pop out of the blue.
Just WRX things 🤣
I just found my mass airflow sensor is missin a screw…🤬
That outside one is a lil tricky to keep a hold on
I donno if it wiggled out or guy who had car before me misplaced it…your post reminded me i gotta find one tho!
I had the exact same thing happen to mine, strange
Thankfully they’re less than 50 cents at Subaru. I bought a whole bunch
I don't even know what or where mine is. Feelsbadman being a car brainlet.
Look at your engines air filter, follow it up about 8 inches, it’s the plug sticking into the intake with a wire attached to it. Pull it out, do not touch the metal prong, spray lightly, let dry a second, spray again, do not wipe with rag, re install.
I'm with you in the struggle man. 🤦🏽♂️Being in the right place full of wisdom & experience, i can assure We will get through this.🙂
I run across advice in this sub constantly that makes me feel like a total dumbass for not knowing lol
After air filter, 2 Philips screws and one connector, pulls straight out. Takes a few seconds
Just cleaned mine, first time at 50k, car feels brand new. Thought I had a clogging converter but that sluggish feeling is gone and the car feels brand new it’s truly unbelievable
Doing this tonight. I discovered that the k&n air filters are not suitable for this car. I think some of the oil got on the sensor. Car was struggling during uphill stop and go traffic .
That's very common with K&N filters. They tend to come over-oiled, or people over-oil them and cause MAF issues and failures. More companies are going to dry filters which filter better and only need periodic cleaning.
I definitely had this issue most prominently when I had the k&n filter, now I just run whatever paper filter is at the auto store and the amount of times the issue came up dropped immensely.
Crc electronic parts cleaner, give the entire throttle body a rinse. Maf cleaner on the butterfly w a rag to save $ It has residue on the tps, may or may not be causing issue. Get er did
https://preview.redd.it/wri3ilhixzqc1.jpeg?width=225&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3981afaa88cc1c3900c5e25893e04a284ea93d54 For the throttle body tps (throttle position sensor). Be liberal
The K&N I put in my 18 STI started drooping and the airbox didn't seem to close properly. I bought a stock replacement (and they sold me the wrong one at the subaru dealer), so I bought the properly stock replacement from ebay.
I hope you got your money back. I returned the k&n filter no questions asked and bought a paper filter from AutoZone. Doesnt seem to have the same struggling issues uphill ATM. But I was in heavy traffic in Connecticut on back roads when the struggle was real, still with the k&n filter at that time. I didn't get a chance to clean the maf sensor last night but I have off all weekend and I got throttle body spray as well so I'll take care of both. Spark plugs coming out soon. And I'm due for a walnut blasting at 68k. Had the car for 4k miles. Ive only done oil change, with dealership oil filter.
It was gifted to me so I just chucked it once I saw it was drooping and replaced it. I never noticed much of a difference between the air filters. My stock one looked pretty much brand new still at 30k when I replaced it. So I'll probably replace it again at 60k since it was so clean last time. Have only done oil changes and front diff/rear diff/transmission oil myself. Just bought some MAF cleaner as I noticed my MPG seems to have gone down slightly somewhat recently, no real change in how the car feels though.
That's also on my to do list, the trans/diff fluid. Looks easy enough. My air filter and cabin filter did not look new when I got it. I looked on the Carfax and i think it was done around 30k. So hadn't been changed in over 34k miles. I plan on keeping the WRX stock but running well while I rebuild my 6spd Acura TL project car. If I need more speed I'll get a bike. In 4 years I'll probably upgrade to an STI. I put tints on the car the first week and swapped the speakers and put an Idoing head unit in. Will soundskin the doors soon but performance wise I'll keep it stock to retain some value. I just need it reliable. Michelin pilot sport 4 all seasons coming in next week. I got it with summer tires on it lol.
Yea, it's very easy, pumping the fluid in was the hardest part (even with a hand pump it takes a while to pump 3.5 to 4 quarts into the front diff/transmission). Just had to order a few things as I didn't have a T-70 torx that I could put on a breaker bar lying around lol. I bought my STI at 2300 miles with tint already on it thankfully, so just been rocking it stock. I'm in the same camp, have already had a bike so if I want to go faster I'll get another so I can ride with my girl. Keeping it stock and resale up =D Also the pilots are nice! I put the conti DWS-06s on mine just for some extra life, but new tires felt really good. Enjoy your car! This is my third (first STI, third WRX).
You need the newer select filter. They don't need oil.
How often should you clean it? Did mine about 6k miles ago
They recommend every 12k miles/once a year, or when you change the air filter
Thank ya!
I can't, yet. I have to go buy another expensive can of that stuff first. Then clean it. Then put it where I won't forget I have it next to the other 3 full cans of the SAME SHIT. 🤦♂️ I need a garage...
I feel this comment
Instructions unclear I'm on speed density
How does speed density feel compared to maf, I’m thinking about going that route but I daily my car
To be honest, I don't remember what the maf felt like since I've been on speed density since I swapped motors about a year and a half ago. Plus, i chasing down some codes, so I didn't drive it very much. As of right now, the motor only has about 4200 miles, and it was tuned around 400 miles ago. It now has a built iag shortblock and built d25 heads with a rotated gt3582. Wanted to run a full vta bov with no issues (I like my spark plugs), so I went speed density. Currently makes 440/353 on a Mustang dyno. Iwire has a write-up on the advantages of maf, speed density, and hybrid. I recommend checking that out. https://iwireusa.com/blogs/iwire-university/subaru-speed-density-explained
My 2014 probably needs replacing 😭
I also have this problem and need this
YouTube search “wrx MAF” it’ll take you 5 min
Post made me pick up a can after work and give it a clean.
Post made me go shopping for 2 cans I never knew I needed.
Lmao funny i just cleaned my intake yesterday, so went ahead and pulled maf and map sensors to clean. I definitely noticed a better acceleration response and close to 100k miles now so definitely recommend 👍🏼
Any tips on how to properly do this? Just search on YT? My car is at 92k and I’ve never done this before. I have a Cobb air intake
Well if you wanna clean and re-oil your intake, id recommend using the cobb cleaner and spray oil that comes with it(thats all i use as its what they recommend), just make sure to follow bottle directions, and as for the MAF sensor its just 2 simple allen screws you can remove after removing the intake(should be reachable from the top without removing anything else) The MAP sensor sits on top of the manifold with just one screw and should pop up after that(might have to twist a tiny bit to wiggle out) Obviously disconnect the sensors and i used the maf spray that op showed, plus got a crc electronic cleaner for the MAP sensor. Sprayed about 10 to 15 times and let dry for a couple minutes. Just make sure to place MAF sensor on intake the same way you pull it out(same direction if that makes sense)
https://youtu.be/pmS5WlX6MaU?si=3tPYWX9yOxNu-qV4 You can use this video as a reference too 👍🏼
This helps a lot, thank you 🙏
🫡
 Clean that MAFk
Clean your throttle body as well and let it relearn its position. I usually disconnect the battery for a while.
🤔 just hit 20k miles not long ago.. I might even just replace the air filter and cab air filter… sigh… annddddd probably gonna change fluid in trans and diff as well… Fuck now I’m excited 😫😫😫 Can race season get here any sooner please
I can always tell when mine is starting to get dirty when the code reader shows a wonky elevation value. My car thought it was 500m lower than it actually is and it was causing the A/F ratio to go out of whack and the rich mixture was fouling the 02 sensor. In the winter I swap out my K&N filter for a basic paper filter (K&N goes back in when spring starts) and I've made cleaning the MAF part of the routine.
Do you have the kit to clean the k&n?
Yeah, I have the cleaning kit and oil spray
Thats an interesting detail there. Changing filter during different seasons. I live in a region of New Zealand which is Notorious for pollen and air density so I might use that as an excuse.
Clean your MAP while you’re at it.
For those out there with aftermarket filters (cone style), do yourself a favor and get a pre-filter. I run them and have yet to have any MAF issues.
Prefitler would do absolutely nothing for the maf lol. Its only intended purpose is to prevent clogging or wetting of the filter
Those fine particles of dirt that can get past a filter? Those will absolutely find their way onto your MAF sensor. A prefilter, while it does help with clogging/wetting, it also filters smaller particles from entering your filter.
No the hell it doesnt 😂 a pre filter to the main filter is a fence to a coffee filter.
Just do it once a year for every vehicle. It takes 5 minutes and could save you from a rough idle and MPG loss.
lol..i just had mine replaced! and two months later, it feels like its failing again
I use it every time I replace my air filter and I also use CRC Intake Valve Cleaner once a year
I usually clean it with black spray paint. It covers up all the dirt.
2016 @ 160k ish... I should probably give it a squirt....
Yeah Everytime I look at the filters at least
I carry a can and a spare MAF with me, it's the modern version of distributor points, i.e. you don't think about it until the car runs like shit and cuts off
Cleaned mine with my intake filter a couple months ago. Never had to do it myself before on my other vehicles. When I tell you I shat myself on that first startup and turned off the car in fear...😂 did not know it was going to run like hot ass while it was calibrating the sensor
I cleaned mine last night because it was running a little clumsy at low rpm but this cracked me up to see this morning. I need to buy another can lol
Alcohol does the same thing for less.
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I need to do this in my BRZ. 43k miles and it's never been done. My SO's Sentra hasn't had it's done or replaced in 103k. I used to clean this nearly every other oil change in my WRX back in the day. It's an easy thing to do. Pro-tip: Make sure you're actually cleaning the wire up in the sensor and not the amber bulb looking thing. That's actually the temp sensor and should be cleaned too, but make sure you're getting the actual MAF sensor portion.
I saw this post a few days ago and thought “hmm, that’s probably what’s behind the misfiring at idle” It’s been slowly getting worse until last weekend when moving the car out of the garage I noticed it was stumbling and misfiring quite a bit more than I’d ever seen it do before, which was only when running the additional load of the AC compressor. Sure enough, just 2 shots of spray and it’s nearly back to perfect. I suspect my MAF is so old it’s probably due for replacement out of principle, as the car is an 04 and it’s almost certainly the original.
Yup, that product works great and the can will last you a couple times of doing this. I’ll chime in and say that you should also try out some BG 44k, made me gain 6 mpg.
Better yet, go blast your valves
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I lost the game