Has anyone here cleaned the MAF sensor on a 98-00 4.0L Ranger? I have the security star-bit that you need to get the screws out. I used it to clean the MAF sensor on my Mustang before.

My problem is this: When I tried to take my MAF sensor out the other day, I got one screw out fine. The other screw had this black "cover" or "tip" on it so that my security bit would not lock onto the screw head. Does that make any sense? It looks like something that Ford put on the screw head to keep people like me from using a screwdriver and bit to remove the screw.

I thought I could take a knife and pry the thing out and then pop my bit on and unscrew it. But when I tried to pry it off I had no success.

I realize this is confusing. I'm not good at explaining things in words. I am wondering if anyone else here had similar problems when they cleaned their MAF sensor. What is that thing and how do you get that last screw out with it stuck in the recess on the screw head?

 

I took a Dremel tool and cut a slit through the head of the bolt so I could remove it with a regular screwdriver. Worked great. Then after I was done cleaning the MAF, I drove to the hardware store and found two exact replacement bolts, only with phillips heads, and two little lock washers. Now whenever I want access to the MAF I don't have to mess around with security star bits or anything else. I just pull out a screwdriver from my toolbox.

 

Rockledge...wonderful advice. Thank you very much sir.

 

Hmmmm, I actually just left it in and cleaned it from the filter end. I just popped the top off of the filter box and accessed it from there.