FYI to anyone with the lean code problem. Most threads will say it is a vacume leak in a pvc tube and they may be right. Or they will say it's a Mass Air Flow sensor.

I had my buddy(authorized ford mechanic) come over with his diagnostic software and check my truck. The baro was off(barameter reading) so he said it was probably the MAF. We couldn't find a leak in the PVC. Its about $190 for a MAF so i said screw it and took it to the dealer and after further reseach they just had to relplace the FUEL FILTER.

A much cheaper solution.
Glad i took it to the dealer instead of buying a MAF sensor I didn't need.

So to all they DIY's out there check the fuel filter first!!!

 

I would clean the MAF before buying a new one. I had the same codes on my Expy and cleaned the MAF and it's fixed.

What was the bill to diagnose the problem out of curiosity?

 

It's around $80 at my local stealer.

 

haven't gotten the bill yet.
It's a small down dealer....they usually bring my truck back to the house then send me a bill in the mail

I'll let you know.

They are usually pretty reasonable

 

This has got to be a Joke... In that case - -

 

No joke man. I still live were I was born and bred. The middle of MO is a great place to live. Small town of about 2300 people. The same family has owned the ford dealer since the 40's and the third generation will be taking over sometime in the next 10 years.

I feel sorry for all you suckers that live the city life.

I'm just glad Ford Corp. allows the small dealers to stay open.
http://meyermotors.dealerconnection.com/?lang=en
PS: the pic on this website is not the actual dealer.

 

Hello
Most of these guys on here that have the technical information you're looking for, may overlook telling someone about the fuel filter.
Most people will change it when they have a problem with a lean code and cutting out.

Ya shoulda toldem all you new to do was put gas in it

 

Every search I did on the codes almost exclusively talked about the PVC elbow deteriorating. Or they discussed the MAF sensor. I was just trying to help someone who did the search as I did, and didn't see any info about the fuel filter, not make the mistake of buying a part they didn't need and waste their money.

I'm sure there are many novice wrenchers on this site like myself that just try to save a buck by searching for their problem on this site and going with it. And enjoy doing the work themselves if they can.

Why do you have to be such a D**K about it?

 

I'm sorry
I reread it and saw it was the ford mechanic that told you it was the maf.
I thought you were talking about advice you recieved here.

 

Most of the adivce on this site pointed to the PVC elbow so that is what I originally thought it was.

If that was not the case the next suggestion was the MAF sensor.

No one really talked about the fuel filter.

I personally thought it was the fuel filter or the fuel pump originally because i could hear the fuel pump working hard. But the diag. equip pointed to the MAF sensor.

I was about to order one and put it on when I decide to let them do it in case it wasn't the problem. + deer season is upon us and i didn't want to F with it.

It probably is common knowledge that that is the best place to start, I just wanted to put a thread out there for those who don't have that common knowledge.

 

Hey i'm not sure of some of the thing some post on here. best to ask for advice read the manual and then weigh it out for yourself


Just keep reading the post there plenty of good people here

 

Lean Codes -

#1 cause per Ford Motor (ALLData) = Dirty MAF Sensor

#1 cause on this site has been that PCV 90 degree elbow that's behind the manifold and close to firewall...That's just the way it is.

A dirty fuel filter won't be a very big issue here . Generally those get changed thru general maintenance. You would be surprised how dirty they are after 15,000 miles or so.

I'm also surprised you buddy didn't advise you to clean your MAF sensor with those Baro readings. I suggest you do that now and you'll probably notice an increase in responsiveness - maybe even performance depending how dirty your sensor is .. The MAF is one the most neglected sensors on vehicles today.

Heres how you clean the MAF -

http://www.fordf150.net/howto/clean-...low-sensor.php

 

Hey guys, Quick question...I am not at all comfortable w/the hands on application of working under my hood yet...I am quite "under the hood ignorant". But I've been learning and picking things up as I go and am really greatful to this site. My question is, something "simple" like cleaning your MAF, is that something that the dealership will normally do (b/c from the sound of things it appears as tho that is not the case) and if not, can I request that this be done every so often when I go in for an oil change? Sorry if this is a totally ignorant question but I am really starting from square 1 here fellas. Thanks.

 

You will have to ask - and they will charge you.

 

GLC thank for the tip. I looked at the MAF sensor and it didn't have any noticable build-up on it but i will give it a good cleaning this weekend just to ensure it is clean.

Well maybe not this weekend - - Deer season - -