This article will show you how to clean a Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor on any Toyota 2ZZGE engine. This MAF is on a Lotus Elise, however many Toyota cars came with this same engine and MAF sensor:

Lotus Elise, Lotus Exige

Toyota Matrix XRS, Pontiac Vibe GT (USA)

Toyota Celica GT-S, Toyota Celica SS-II, Toyota Celica 190/T-Sport

Toyota Corolla XRS, Toyota Corolla Sportivo, Toyota Corolla TS, Toyota Corolla Compressor, Toyota Corolla Fielder Z Aero Tourer, Toyota Corolla Runx Z Aero Tourer, Toyota Corolla RunX RSi

The MAF sensor is used by the engine control module to measure intake air volume for use in calculations to determine fuel and timing.

Over time particles in the air build up on the MAF sensor wire, and need to be cleaned off. Cleaning them is very quick and painless, just be sure to use the proper chemicals.

Note: Just a warning for other car models. If your car has a Karman Vortex style MAF, it cannot be cleaned. Karman Vortex MAF's are constructed quite differently and are generally easy to identify. They are used on Toyota Supra Turbos, Mitsubishi and most Lexus vehicles.