How to Clean MAF in 97-03 F-150's

Chris91LX · #1 03-08-2010, 11:30 PM

I did a lot of searching for how to do this on here but didn't have much luck. I finally found a link to another truck site that had some simple instructions. I thought I might document how I did this with pictures for the next guy who comes along.

Here's where the MAF sensor resides in the bottom of the air box just after the air filter.

Once you separate disconnect the band clamp holding the air box together, the, the first thing is to push the rubber boot down the wires a little so you can move the housing/sensor a little more freely.

Here's the sensor in the air box.

Gently pry the cover off the housing to access the back of the MAF sensor.

Here's the back of the sensor.

Remove the 2 screws holding the sensor to the housing. You will need a T-20 torx bit with the hole in the center.

You can now remove the inside of the housing for mor room to work on the sensor.

Now you'll have to disconnect the connector from the sensor.

Here's the sensor.

Do not touch the wires in the sensor, spray them with electrical cleaner like this.

Then just put it all back together in reverse. Easy as pie, shouldn't take but a half hour. Hopefully this will help the next guy who comes along.

Raptor05121 · #2 03-08-2010, 11:33 PM

Good stuff.

For the 97 & 98 V6 guys- there is a melted peice of plastic on one of the screws which is impossible to remove, so you can just remove the whole MAF assy and shoot away

Duanob · #3 03-10-2010, 07:16 PM

Wow thanks. I just got my 97 xlt about a month ago and haven't bought a manual yet but this site is great for everything I've needed to do so far. I would've never thought the MAF sensor was inside of the plastic intake, most cars they are attached to the TB assembly. I will be doing a TB cleaning and MAF cleaning when I get some time. I'm getting a tiny bit of stumble when I go to hit the gas after cruising at a set speed for a while. I think this trick might just fix that.

97XL · #4 03-11-2010, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raptor05121

Good stuff.

For the 97 & 98 guys- there is a melted peice of plastic on one of the screws which is impossible to remove, so you can just remove the whole MAF assy and shoot away

Its not totally impossible just a PITA..I just used a BBQ lighter to melt it off, but then you need that stupid security torx driver to remove it. Or just use needle nose vice grips

Raptor05121 · #5 03-11-2010, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 97XL

Its not totally impossible just a PITA..I just used a BBQ lighter to melt it off, but then you need that stupid security torx driver to remove it. Or just use needle nose vice grips

I tried that already, that stuff wouldnt melt off

kandrew · #6 03-14-2010, 10:14 PM

Could you just spray the wire without taking it all apart?

jethat · #7 03-14-2010, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kandrew

Could you just spray the wire without taking it all apart?

yes. You can also just take the safety torx and stick iin there turn the bolt and that plastic stuff just breaks.

ctbaker · #8 03-14-2010, 11:49 PM

This was very timely for me. Thanks for the great writeup!

FYI, I am the original owner of my 1997 F150 with the 4.6-2v motor and my MAF did not have any plastic on either of the torx screws. There was some paint marking on one of them, that was all. My truck was a later 97 model (ordered March 1997).

Raptor05121 · #9 03-15-2010, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctbaker

This was very timely for me. Thanks for the great writeup!

FYI, I am the original owner of my 1997 F150 with the 4.6-2v motor and my MAF did not have any plastic on either of the torx screws. There was some paint marking on one of them, that was all. My truck was a later 97 model (ordered March 1997).

Plastic was on the V6s only

Cetansapa · #10 03-15-2010, 01:51 PM

Excellent guide. I will be doing this as soon as possible.

Thank you!!

Chris91LX · #11 03-17-2010, 09:53 AM

I'm glad you guys have found this thread helpful.

I don't contribute often to this board but its been extremely helpful to me when I've had an issue with my truck. I just wanted to try and help the next guy out.

I just wish I had thought to clean the engine bay up a little before taking those pics.

Cetansapa · #12 03-17-2010, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris91LX

I'm glad you guys have found this thread helpful.

I don't contribute often to this board but its been extremely helpful to me when I've had an issue with my truck. I just wanted to try and help the next guy out.

I just wish I had thought to clean the engine bay up a little before taking those pics.

Whats a little engine greese between friends????

Hunt&Fish · #13 04-26-2010, 12:53 PM

I just found this. Excellent write-up. Were you having issues that prompted you to clean the sensor?

**Bluejay** · #14 04-26-2010, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hunt&Fish

I just found this. Excellent write-up. Were you having issues that prompted you to clean the sensor?

Symtoms are a rough idle. I clean mine every 30,000 or so. You will be surprised at how much smoother it runs and you may not even be noting it as it gets gradually rougher. Will help on fuel mileage too.

lil_bizzy · #15 04-27-2010, 08:43 AM

Great write-up! Cleaned mine after seeing this last night.