Fuel filter, lean system, check engine light - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

vert · 05-19-2005, 10:32 AM

Hi all - I'm new here and have a couple of questions.

I have a 2001 Corolla S with 65K miles and the check engine light is on. Had the code read and it shows that the system is running lean. When I step on the gas - the engine bogs down before going anywhere. I replaced spark plugs last night - did not help. I wanted to replace the fuel filter (don't think it has ever been replaced) - could you tell me where it is located or if there is a DIY on how to do it. I wanted to replace all the simple inexpensive stuff first before i start messing with the O2 sensors.

Any other suggestions on what it can be?

Thanks!

jcturbo · 05-19-2005, 12:10 PM

it's in the tank on your corolla I beleive. lean code can mean an INtake leak. spray carb cleaner with the car running and see if the RPM's change. it's most likely you AFM is bad, or at the least needs cleaned

vert · 05-19-2005, 12:29 PM

AFM - do you mean Mass Airflow Sensor? Where is it located and how would i clean it? And spraying "carb cleaner" - could you give more detailed instructions, i really never heard of anything like this before. Thank you!

01loadedLE · 05-19-2005, 12:38 PM

I had this problem with my 01corolla at the same mileage and so have several other people also. its most likely the maf [air flow meter]sensor and I had to replace mine since cleaning didnt work but it has worked for others but they had to clean it 2-3 times taking it completely off to clean all around it before the cleaning worked. its only connected by a wiring clip which you can pry off with a flathead screwdirver and unscrew 2 phillips head screws then its off.

its behind the air filter facing the brake fluid filler. before you do any of that make sure your air filter cover is fully fastened properly because mine was not and it was allowing extra air into the system from that gap. if the cleaning doesnt work where you have to buy one you can get it online for $75 and install it yourself its easy.

rated_w · 05-19-2005, 12:41 PM

I have this problem too.. ... but I don't want to spend 400 dollars to fix it...

vert · 05-19-2005, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 01loadedLE

I had this problem with my 01corolla at the same mileage and so have several other people also. its most likely the maf [air flow meter]sensor and I had to replace mine since cleaning didnt work but it has worked for others but they had to clean it 2-3 times taking it completely off to clean all around it before the cleaning worked. its only connected by a wiring clip which you can pry off with a flathead screwdirver and unscrew 2 phillips head screws then its off.

its behind the air filter facing the brake fluid filler. before you do any of that make sure your air filter cover is fully fastened properly because mine was not and it was allowing extra air into the system from that gap. if the cleaning doesnt work where you have to buy one you can get it online for $75 and install it yourself its easy.

Great advice - i will try that! Any information on what cleaning involves? Is it as easy as taking the sensor off and using a clean rag to wipe everything down or is there a solvent i should use? Sorry for such noob questions.

01loadedLE · 05-19-2005, 01:13 PM

I have seen what should be used to clean it on the motorweek forum so I will lookup that thread and find the best cleaner to use.

also, your plugs are good for 90k miles so you had alot more mileage left on them and they werent causing the problem so if you still have them you could put them back in and the motor will run fine. what plugs did you replace them with? I will likely get ngk plugs they are better than stock plugs and cost the same if not a little cheaper.

01loadedLE · 05-19-2005, 01:18 PM

ok found it,

the MAF should be cleaned with throttle body spray cleaner, or go to a place like Radio Shack & buy a spray can of electrical contact cleaner.
O2 sensors don't like silicone at all & it'll confuse the MAF as well so dont buy anything with that in it.

vert · 05-19-2005, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 01loadedLE

ok found it,

the MAF should be cleaned with throttle body spray cleaner, or go to a place like Radio Shack & buy a spray can of electrical contact cleaner.
O2 sensors don't like silicone at all & it'll confuse the MAF as well so dont buy anything with that in it.

Got it - thanks. I will try this and really hope it will work, because I don't want to buy 2 oxygen sensors... I got Autolite plugs - same as the original ones that I pulled from the car. They were only 6 or 7 bucks for all 4 of them, so might as well leave the new ones in there.

01loadedLE · 05-19-2005, 05:26 PM

those cheap plugs cant be doing you any favors mechanically theyre not anywhere near the stock plugs from toyota nor will they last near as long either. toyota charges over $50 for the plugs but you can find the same oem plugs online for $44 shipped at www.toyotapartsworld.com but Im going to get the better ngk plugs for $42 shipped from http://parts.ajusa.com.

$6 isnt really a loss but it will cost you more keeping them in the motor so I'd get rid of them and get the oem or ngk plugs. hope the maf cleaning works for you.

rated_w · 05-21-2005, 12:43 AM

keep us apprised