Notices

Air Flow Sensor Problems

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 9, 2004 | 07:42 PM
  #1  
75ford250's Avatar
75ford250
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Question Air Flow Sensor Problems

I have a 1990 Aerostar with the 4.0 and it started running rough just out of the blue, no warning. I looked for all the simple things first and just happen to unplug the air flow sensor while the engine was running and it smoothed right out. I took it to my local mechanic and showed him what happens when I plugged the A.F.S. back in and he told me that I needed to replace it.

I bought another one from Autozone (rebuilt) and I still have the same rough running motor until I unplug it. What do you think? Maybe I have a "new" bad one.

What is my next step?

1990 AWD 185,000 on second motor, third tranny.
 
Reply
Old Mar 9, 2004 | 10:17 PM
  #2  
mrshorty's Avatar
mrshorty
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,742
Likes: 2
From: UT
I would suggest a more careful inspection of the wiring to the MAF. Perhaps a short in one of the wires that is causing erroneous readings to the computer.
 
Reply
Old Mar 9, 2004 | 10:23 PM
  #3  
hreed's Avatar
hreed
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,221
Likes: 0
From: Homer, Alaska
Did you get a check engine light? Seems like if the maf was bad the computer would set the code. If the "new" sensor is doing the same thing as the old one, my guess is that's not the problem. mrshorty is right about checking the wiring. The Haynes manual shows how to check voltage to the maf sensor.
 
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2004 | 07:35 AM
  #4  
75ford250's Avatar
75ford250
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Yes I did get a check engine light.
 
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2004 | 08:48 AM
  #5  
Rockledge's Avatar
Rockledge
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 16
From: Connecticut
Pull the code(s). It's doable without a scanner on your EEC-IV system: EEC-IV Code Retreival. Then address the codes. You can post them here for some more feedback...
 
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2004 | 07:04 PM
  #6  
75ford250's Avatar
75ford250
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Rockledge,
I did as you advised and ran the test as directed.

While running the key off test I had a code of 11 and 96.

While running the key on test I recieved a code of 41.
 
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2004 | 08:30 PM
  #7  
Rockledge's Avatar
Rockledge
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 16
From: Connecticut
Ignore the initial "11" code.

It sounds like you are running lean if you got a "Key ON Engine Running" (KOER) code of 41. So you should look for reasons why your engine is getting too much air and/or too little fuel, such as vacuum hose/connection leaks, a failing fuel pump, clogged fuel filter or fuel injectors, PCV/Hose leaks, bad MAP sensor, etc.

As for your "Key ON Engine OFF" (KOEO) code of 96, that code is set when your PCM's fuel pump monitoring system didn't get the proper "All OK" signal from the fuel pump circuit. So you might want to look closely at the fuel pump.

For your reference, here is a good list of 2 digit codes:

http://www.dalidesign.com/hbook/2digit.html
 
Reply
Old Mar 10, 2004 | 08:36 PM
  #8  
75ford250's Avatar
75ford250
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Rockledge,
Thanks for the information. I did notice when the KOEO test started my fuel pump made a gurgling noise. It kinda sounded like air bubbles being pumped into the feul tank.

75Ford250
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-2

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-6

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

 Brett Foote
story-9

5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

 Joe Kucinski
Old Mar 10, 2004 | 09:05 PM
  #9  
Rockledge's Avatar
Rockledge
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 16
From: Connecticut
You're welcome. It sounds like you have a starting off point, anyway...

And congratulations on reading the codes yourself, it's a great tool, to know how to do that, IMO.
 
Reply
Old Mar 11, 2004 | 12:01 AM
  #10  
mrshorty's Avatar
mrshorty
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,742
Likes: 2
From: UT
One caution regarding the KOER 41. It's real easy to get that code if you didn't warm the O2 sensor up prior to the test. If you ran the KOER test on a cold or semi-cold engine, re-run the test and make sure the code stays there.
As for the 96, I've seen that one before if I try to start the engine after unplugging the inertia switch (like when you want to depressurize the fuel rail). If you don't see a fault in the fuel pump circuit, then clear that code (unplug jumper wire while codes are being output) and see if it comes back.
 
Reply
Old Mar 12, 2004 | 07:33 PM
  #11  
75ford250's Avatar
75ford250
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
I changed the fuel pump and I am sure glad I did it in the comfort of my garage instead of out on the road at a shop were I don't know anyones name. Unfortunatly for me that was not my problem. Not that the pump didn't need replaced, it did.

My problem is a vacuum leak in the brake power booster. It has an internal air leak. The Air flow sensor is fine but when I unplug it, that makes the van run better.

Thats for all the help with this. I have gain so much knowledge from this experiance and I love to know more about the amazing things about engines.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Chase Hanson
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
0
Nov 19, 2015 09:42 PM
FordGuy85
2004 - 2008 F150
32
Jul 21, 2015 11:16 PM
chuck641
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
1
Jul 19, 2015 02:03 PM
FordFan113
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
0
May 13, 2015 07:06 PM
kbarbee95
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
5
Jan 18, 2015 10:55 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:07 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-1
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-3
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE