Stymied by torx security screw on MAF

Post by **JimBee** » 25 Feb 2012, 11:01

I'm trying to change the MAF on my '96 850. It has security pin screw heads. No problem, I thought, as I have the security bit set and have used it elsewhere. Trouble is, the pin in these self-threading screws is apparently a bit bigger than the hole in my torx bits, so I can't get the bit to bite. I bought another bit set to try and likewise the hole won't go over the pin.

Any suggestions how to get these cleanly out?

Thanks!

Post by **fazool** » 25 Feb 2012, 11:34

I just did this last weekend:

I used a locking long nose plier. There is a small lip on the screw heads and you can get the plier to bite onto that. Its a weak screw into the plastic so it unscrews easily. I started it by hand and tightened with the same locking (vise grip) long nose pliers when I was done.

Post by **JimBee** » 25 Feb 2012, 11:44

Thanks fazool (love that name by the way).
JB

Post by **jimmy57** » 25 Feb 2012, 14:22

harbor freight and pep boy's stores have those in a relatively cheap bit assortment.

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 25 Feb 2012, 15:42

Why even mess with those?
When I replaced my MAF, the OEM
replacement was the whole tube section.
Took about 5 minutes to change.

Post by **JimBee** » 25 Feb 2012, 18:17

The security bits I have were bought at Harbor Freight. They've worked on other screw heads with a pin, but not on the MAF. The screws on my '93 don't have the pin at all. So is the '96 a design upgrade or a bottom line upgrade? I guess Volvo really doesn't want us to just replace the MAF without the tube.

KEWROCK · Post by **KEWROCK** » 25 Feb 2012, 18:17

I've run into them a few times. I usually get an awl or tiny screwdriver and break those little posts out. They crack off very easily(for me anyway). Then use a regular torx or alan key.

Paul-93-850 · Post by **Paul-93-850** » 04 Jun 2018, 19:26

Use a little Dremel cutting wheel and cut a straight slot across the head. Remove the screws with a large straight slot screw driver. It's quick and easy. Every mechanic should have a dremel set.

Post by **abscate** » 04 Jun 2018, 20:34

Paul-93-850 wrote: ↑04 Jun 2018, 19:26 Use a little Dremel cutting wheel and cut a straight slot across the head. Remove the screws with a large straight slot screw driver. It's quick and easy. Every mechanic house should have a dremel set.

Fixed that for ya...

Post by **erikv11** » 04 Jun 2018, 23:21

BEJinFbk wrote: ↑25 Feb 2012, 15:42 Why even mess with those?
When I replaced my MAF, the OEM
replacement was the whole tube section.
Took about 5 minutes to change.

+1, I don't think I've ever seen a Bosch MAF come without the tube, what is the source?

It's not that Volvo doesn't want you to replace the MAF without the tube, it's that you don't want anything other than a Bosch MAF. If it's not a Bosch MAF, it's almost guaranteed to intermittently stumble and throw codes. They don't work.