Toyota Repair: 2006 corolla 120,000km P0171, sensor wires, scantool


Question
QUESTION: My 2006 corolla, check engine lights on, I retrieve the code P0171 system lean. some friends told me it might need intake gasket or MAF snesor, please help, what should I do ?
I will be very appreciate for your help

ANSWER: If the engine is idling normally without misfiring then the intake gasket is not the problem, in most cases this code is set because of MAF sensor malfunctions, the sensor can be removed and cleaned using some electronic parts spray cleaner, the small sensor wires inside the opening of the sensor can be cleaned, if that should not resolve the problem the sesnor should be replaced.

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QUESTION: Thanks for your answer.
The engine running smoothly, so I think there is no misfire of the engine. Can I use brake cleaner to clean the MAF sensor, after cleaning just let dry by itself. Will the brake cleaner damage the sensor ?
Is there any proper way to diagnose MAF sensor intermittent malfunctions ? like handhold diagnose tester to check dataflow?  

Answer
I don't recommend brake cleaner, I tried it once and ended up having to replace it, never had a problem using electronic cleaner, you can get it at most autoparts and hardware stores. I f you have a scantool that can read live data and can read mass air volume then it can be monitored.