Cleaning The MAF Sensor
by Sean Foushee aka TxFrog1999

Do you own a 1994-2000 Mustang GT? Have you experienced pinging or detonation at WOT? Well then this might just be the fix for you! It seems that many of us that have installed a K&N filter just might have caused the MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor to become dirty. K&N filters are pre-oiled and some of this oil will find its way onto the sensor causing the sensor to malfunction and in turn cause your engine to run lean at WOT. Now just a quick clarification, this is not the only cause for pinging, and if you own a 2001 it might be your high compression ratio that is causing the detonation. Ford seems to think that 87 Octane is fine for our cars, in fact on pg. 188 of the 2001 owners manual (some manuals will differ) Ford states:

"Your vehicle is designed to use "Regular" unleaded gasoline with pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87. We do not recommend the use of gasolines labeled as "Regular" that are sold with octane ratings of 86 or lower in high altitude areas. Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if it knocks heavily under most driving conditionswhile you are using fuel with the recommended octane, see your dealer or a qualified service technician to prevent any engine damage."

- Owners Guide, Mustang (2001 Model Year); Copyright 2000 Ford Motor Company


Now does anyone else find it odd that Ford says its ok for our engines to "knock lightly"? Well I did, and I took my 2000 GT to my dealer for a fix, and according to them Ford has informed all dealers that if any Mustang owner complains about knocking that they should instruct them to run 93 Octane gas or detune the engine. Now since I wasn't informed of the possibility that this car would require a high grade gasoline to run normally and since I won't accept a retune and loss of performance myself and others decided to find a solution on our own.


WARNING

I am not responsible for mistakes made due to ignorance, lack of paitence, or simply following my directions as though they were written by GOD.

So before we begin I'm sure many of you have one question on your minds: "Does this work?" Well yes and no. Clear? Ok, as far as I can tell cleaning the MAF is just as important as changing your oil, and in some cases can stop the light knocking at WOT. I cleaned my MAF Sensor and it fixed my pinging, but more severe cases of detonation may require a trip to the dealer as stated in the owners manual.

Tools and items needed to complete the cleaning:

Note: The MAF Sensor is VERY delicate, so be sure to remove it carefully and never touch the sensor directly!


This is the MAF Sensor:


First, disconnect the sensor from the electrical harness:


Next, use the T-20 Torx bit to remove the two bolts connecting the MAF sensor to the airbox:


Now remove the MAF Sensor, and remember to be careful because the sensor is delicate!:


Here is the sensor, use the contact cleaner and spray a generous amount on the sensor. Allow the vapors and cleaner to evaporate fully.

Now reinstall the sensor, make sure to reatach the harness and take her for a test drive.

Sean Foushee
aka "TxFrog1999"
[email protected] 1

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