[grammymidge]

I have a 2020 Prius Limited. The other day I took it into the dealer for it's 40,000 mile maintenance. During the service I was asked if I wanted to purchase their MAF service. Can anyone tell me what this service entails? And then again is this is a required service or is the dealership only trying to sell me a service not required at this time? Thanks in advance for any and all answers to my questions.

 

[CamPoo]

I'd say it is a bit early for a MAF service. Unless you drive on very dusty roads often, they usually do not need service until 100K or much further. My son's 2003 Camry just needed its First one, at 172,500! Though I don't suggest waiting that long.

The MAF, Mass Airflow Sensor is extremely important. It measures the amount of air passing into the engine after the air filter (its a small match sized box on the large tube between the air cleaner and engine). The information from this sensor is fed to the 'puter to determine how much fuel to add at every second of operation.

Often the MAF and intake are cleaned at the same time with something like this product: CRC Mass Air Flow & Throttle Body Single-Use Cleaner Twin Pack Kit | eBay

It is just about DIY to be honest. If you are slightly mechanically inclined you can do this when necessary.

So back to your q uestion, yes they're pushing services onto you that are not really needed. If you were complaining of a poor, rough idles where the engine seems like it wants to die, then Yes, otherwise No.

Oh, just curious, how much do they want for this service?

 

[grammymidge]

I'd say it is a bit early for a MAF service. Unless you drive on very dusty roads often, they usually do not need service until 100K or much further. My son's 2003 Camry just needed its First one, at 172,500! Though I don't suggest waiting that long.

The MAF, Mass Airflow Sensor is extremely important. It measures the amount of air passing into the engine after the air filter (its a small match sized box on the large tube between the air cleaner and engine). The information from this sensor is fed to the 'puter to determine how much fuel to add at every second of operation.

Often the MAF and intake are cleaned at the same time with something like this product: CRC Mass Air Flow & Throttle Body Single-Use Cleaner Twin Pack Kit | eBay

It is just about DIY to be honest. If you are slightly mechanically inclined you can do this when necessary.

So back to your q uestion, yes they're pushing services onto you that are not really needed. If you were complaining of a poor, rough idles where the engine seems like it wants to die, then Yes, otherwise No.

Oh, just curious, how much do they want for this service?

CamPoo... Thanks so much for your answers. From what you said you've verified my suspicions about it being unnecessary at this point. Yet I do live on a very dusty gravel road which is .02 miles long to the main road I normally travel on. Anyway, I'm not mechanically inclined but my hubby is. I'll relay your description of the service and ask him to look at the sensor to see how "dirty" it is. Regarding the price, I was quoted ~$80. In questioning them about the service they explain it to be preventive maintenance that they recommend between 30K and 40K miles. Since I am a woman I guess they saw me coming and decided to pitch that spiel to me which they likely would not have done to a man. Again thanks CamPoo. You are a God send.

 

[CamPoo]

Yes, I've seen more than once while waiting for my car at a dealer (warranty stuff) the lies they tell woman over the phone, it is unbelievable, as if they have no sister, aunt, mother, wife.

The MAF is small and really can't be looked at to see how dirty it is, in fact you cannot even touch it, doing so may damage it, it is only cleaned by spraying the MAF cleaner on it, all over and let it dry before reinstalling.

The air cleaner is mostly keeping it clean, yet tiny, tiny amounts of dirt over thousands of mile do accumulate preventing it from doing its job well. I forgot about my daughter's Prius, it did not need it until it had about 150,000 miles. I suspect such a short dirt road won't do much at all to yours. Luck.