I got a 1997 Ford f-150 Flareside 4.6 Ltr. Engine light came on 2 days ago and I went to autozone and had them check the code which the guy said it had lean bank #2 and he said the number one cause was Mass Airflow sensor.

I just installed a K&N air filter about 6 months ago and I was told by a Mechanic that the Oil from that Filter would cause Mass air flow sensor problems If this is true has anyone else had this type of issue? And if so what does K&N say about this? Buying a 70 dollar filter so that it ruins a 200 dollar part I would say would be a major issue.Next question is it worth trying to clean to fix or is buying a new one the only option? Please help.Thanks

 

K&N is junk. it does clog up MAF sensors.

go to autozone or something like that. they have cans of spray MAF cleaner. try that.

 

I wouldn't go so far as to say the K&N is junk (Based off of my experience with 4 different vehicles.) but the oil can be a problem for some.

Go ahead and clean the MAF and see how that works.

Also if you paid $200 for the just the filter then you need to go to your seller and ask for your $150 bucks back.

 

Mass Air flow sensor New are 175 bucks or something I just rounded to 200 Bucks cause after tax it would be close enough the filters for these trucks are around 70 bucks with the kit and all.

 

While contaminated MAF sensors can and do cause "lean" codes, vacuum leaks are the most common cause for those codes.

Besides, a contaminated MAF sensor will affect BOTH banks the same. This condition will not cause a "lean" code on only on side of the engine so it's pretty unlikely you have a MAF sensor issue.

 

Just wondering why the lean bank #2 code would say in most cases it is MAF sensor? Meaning Most common.Thanks all for your help.

 

You didn't hear that around here (or anywhere else where they know what they're talking about).

 

I am just going by what the Autozone guy looked up what the code said it was.Lean bank 2 is MAF I have no idea and if it is a vaccum leak looks like it will be going to a mechanic cause it is hard to tell where the leak may be.Looks like a free estimate somewhere may be the answer.

 

thats dumb. even if it is the MAF, clean it before you spend way to much on a new one. they sell the MAF cleaner at autozone. i just got a can today.

 

Also, don't buy a new MAF at Autozone, I have terrible luck with aftermarket sensors, the dealer makes the best most durable one. Also switch back to a stock paper filter, the only benefit of the K&N is its reusability. It does not filter well, it does not protect the engine from dirt entering the engine, and it introduces new sets of problems, such as MAF contamination.

 

Just cleaned the MAF sensor today and I guess it was bank #1 and Bank#2 that is running lean. The engine light is still on since I cleaned the MAF does it turn off by itself or should I reset it and see if it comes back on? If that is not the problem does anyone know where else I can start to look for the problem? Thanks for all the comments and help!

 

Disconnect the negative battery cable for 15 minutes or so and the computer should reset.

 

Look at the intake tube after the sensor for any tears or loose fittings because this would add unmeasured air thus causing the lean condition.

 

Clean the MAF sensor with the cleaner and you'll be fine. The MAF in my 98 threw the CEL 2 years ago at 110334 miles and I had to replace it...always used the stock paper filter. I replaced the MAF sensor with a Motorcraft one and started using a K&N shortly after. Just cleaned the filter and MAF sensor not too long ago at ~131000 and still have had no problems.

Also, 'KhanTyranitar' makes a pretty bold statement that I don't entirely agree with...if K&N filters didn't filter well or they let stuff in the engine, then 1) they wouldn't be as popular as they are, and 2) K&N wouldn't sell them.

K&N's have several benefits, including never having to buy another filter, and while they may 'dirty' the MAF sensor, that's why CRC makes the $3 can of MAF sensor cleaner.

 

I dont think Khan meant that statement for every vehicle out there, but they are crap for the 97-03 f150's because they already have a "cold" air intake style intake system. The paper filters allow air flow just fine, and still clean the air entering the intake. The K&N has to be used with oil, which messes with MAF sensors, and that is info ive learned from reading alot into these forums. Also, the K&N does not really allow more air to pass through it as oppsed to the stock paper filters. If you need more air flow, do the Gotts Intake Mod.