Tools needed: CRC Electrical Cleaner, Torx driver T15, and a flathead screwdriver


The MAF is located on the driver's side of the airbox, just above the throttle body.

Use the flathead screwdriver to gently pry the red tab toward you. It comes out like pulling out a drawer, not up.


Once the red retainer tab is pulled back, you can pull the entire black plug out of the socket. If it has never been unplugged, it may stick on you. Put the screwdiver blade between the plug and the MAF and gently pry it loose.

The two screws are then exposed and can be removed with the Torx driver. Be careful to not drop them! Once the screws are out, grab hold of the MAF and pull it out.


Here you see the tiny sensor wires in the MAF. DO NOT TOUCH! Spray liberally with the cleaner and let dry.

Reverse the procedure, being careful to not cross thread the screws. The entire process should take about 5 minutes.

 

Was there any reason you decided to do this and did it make a difference? Thanks great tip!

 

Several guys have reported idleing issues, running rough, etc and when they take it in, one of the things done is clean the MAF. It collects dust over time and it affects it's performance. Plus, I run an oiled airfilter, which if oiled excessively can cause it to collect dirt, so I have included cleaning it as part of my regular maintenance. I do it every 25,000 to 30,000 miles. A dirty MAF can also affect the mpg.

 

Nice hands.

 

thanks for the article bluejay! will be doin this soon, yesterday i popped my hood and figured that was the MAF but dint take it out..now i got a better idea of what to do..thanks alot!

 

Anybody done this for a 4.6 yet?

 

Im going to do this now... Used to do it on the 5.0...

 

you should include cleaning that dirty engine compartment as well...
if your not doing it right dont do it at all....

 

CRC also makes a cleaner specificly for cleaning the MAF sensor. Don't know how much of a difference is but just thought I'd mention it. Picked up a can at Pep Boys but haven't tried it yet.

 

Yes, and the stuff I used says it's good for the MAF as well. I suspect the contents are the same stuff.

 

Hey, t is usually a LOT cleaner! Been lots of rain and mud here lately and just can't keep it cleaned off!

 

Awesome article, thanks Bluejay.

 

Your welcome. I cleaned my filter and my MAF last Sunday. Not sure which one or if it was a combination, but my truck is running much smoother now. I did not realize how "rough" the idle had gotten.

 

Glad to see Ford doesn't use a safety torx bolt on the newer trucks. My '03 has safety torx bolt to connect the MAF and of course I couldn't find just the one I needed when I needed to clean mine for the first time so now I have a whole set of safety torx bits!

 

just did both took out my k&n and put in a motorcraft drop in, and cleaned my MAF....it running alot smotther and idle is way better now, trucks still under warranty and honestly, i didnt notice any diffrence with the K&n drop in