07 Dodge Caliber 163,000 miles 2.0 ltr
Don't see a mass airflow sensor to clean for better performance.
There is a temperature sensor just past the air filter.
Fuel mileage is 16-17 mpg city, 25 highway and I want to do better.
Don't own a scan tool...well because I am not a mechanic but need to save money on operating costs.
Can the air intake temperature sensor be cleaned and would that help.
Would like to know the source of the problem before investing in parts.
A scan tool is necessary to diagnose problems on modern vehicles. You don't need anything expensive to pull OBD2 codes and record live data. If on a tight budget an inexpensive CGSULIT scanner like Scotty has demonstrated in his videos will do quite a bit. (I bought the model SC301 which for a few bucks more has a slightly bigger screen and a few more functions.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SviDQqjDjgA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQsnejvDaNI
https://www.amazon.com/CGSULIT-SC301-Diagnostic-Vehicles-Emission/dp/B095WNYPPS
08 Dodge Caliber air intake temperature sensor
07 Dodge Caliber 163,000 miles 2.0 ltr
so is it a 2007 model or 2008?
Don't see a mass airflow sensor
Check again
https://www.moparpartsgiant.com/parts/mopar-sensor-mass-airflow~5033320aa.html
Also: clean the throttle body and of course maintain proper tire pressure.
It's unlikely cleaning the temperature sensor is going to help. If it's not working it would need to be replaced. I'm not familiar with that fuel injection system but if there is no MAF sensor then it would probably be using the air intake temperature sensor in combination with a MAP (Manifold Absolute Pressure) sensor to measure incoming air.
MAP sensors can be tested and cleaned:
https://knowhow.napaonline.com/guide-map-sensor-cleaning/
Other easy things to check would be condition of air filter and spark plugs. At that age and mileage you could be having O2 sensor problems or fuel injectors could be dribbling too much gas.