Cleaning the Ford MAF sensor (the type that's inside the round air filter canister) is simple and easy. You don't even have to take it out of the air filter canister to do information technology! This commodity will testify you how.

This article only deals with cleaning the MAF sensor, if y'all demand to test this type of ford mass air flow (MAF) sensor click here: How To Exam The FORD MAF four.2L, iv.6L, 5.4L Circular Canister Type Air Filter Assembly MAF.

En Español You lot tin can find this tutorial in Spanish hither: Cómo Limpiar El Sensor MAF (Ford iv.2L, 4.6L, 5.4L) (at: autotecnico-online.com).

Symptoms Of A Dirty Ford MAF Sensor

The most common symptom experienced when the MAF sensor is dirty is that the engine bogs down when you give it gas. This is virtually noticeable when y'all're accelerating the vehicle downward the road.

Other symptoms you'll see are:

  1. Check engine light illuminated past one or both of the post-obit codes:
    • P0171.
    • P0174.
  2. Your vehicle's gas mileage is going down the drain.
  3. Won't laissez passer your country'south yearly emissions exam.

There are several conditions that tin cause the MAF sensor to become dirty. Let's explore them a bit since knowing this will assist you to avert a repeat of the problem.

  • Air filter is missing.
  • Air filter is torn or missing pieces.
  • Air filter is not properly prepare in place in its assembly.
  • Air filter box associates is broken, letting in unfiltered air.

If any of the above apply to your motorcar or truck, your MAF sensor's hot-wires are probably dirty and in need of cleaning.

What Do I Use To Clean The MAF Sensor?

How To Test The 4.6L, 5.4L Ford Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)

We can't just apply any type of solvent to clean the MAF sensor with. Here are a couple of very of import guidelines on what to employ:

  1. An electronics spray cleaner can be used.
    • You can buy it at your local auto parts store (Auto Zone, Pepboys, O'Reilly, etc).
    • You can buy it at your local electronics shop (Radio Shack, Fry's, etc).
  2. Or yous can buy a MAF sensor cleaning spray. Yes, there is one designed only for cleaning MAF sensors.
    • This cleaner is made by CRC Industries and its function number is: 05110.
    • Yous can buy information technology at your local auto parts store (Machine Zone, Pepboys, O'Reilly, etc).
  3. Don't use carburetor or restriction clean spray or gasoline.
    • These solvents will leave a residuum on the wires and this residue will attract more dirt and contamination.
    • Not to mention the harsh solvent can harm the MAF sensor's electronics.
  4. Also, don't attempt to physically clean the sensor with anything (like a cotton swab) or you may break the wires.