I'm getting a P1179 code on my 97 disco 1 and I want to try cleaning it before I lay in the road crying from sticker shock at the price of replacing it... Do I have to completely remove it to clean it? What's the best way to handle it?

 

Let it cool down completely, as in sitting overnight, before doing anything. Don't even turn the key, there's a thin metal element in there that heats up to something like 300 degrees. Use only MAF sensor cleaner, like this. Remove the part completely, it isn't difficult. Just be careful not to lose the mesh screen and rubber o-ring that goes in there. (Can't remember if there's one or two.) Spray it out a few times until it comes out clean, re-install and you're done. Good luck!

The sensor is in the little tube in the middle of the housing.

 

If this doesn't clear the code, you can also try to score one from the pull-a-part for a fraction of the remanufactured price. (Wow, a new one costs more than I paid for my Disco.)