Ok I know I have read somewhere on these forums how to clean the Maf, but I searched and searched and haven't found it. Any chance someone can give me the procedure or perhaps link me to where it already is?

BTW I want to clean it b/c my light came on and autozone said "Lean Conditions" My first thought was the MAF is dirty. Also a pic would be great showing which sensor the MAF is. My Hanes book doesn't have any pictures of the MAF.

Also if ya'll know of something else that I may need to try to fix this code that would also be appreciated.

Thanks

1997 4x4 4.6 205k miles

 

It is just after your air filter in the tube. Looks like light bulb filiments. I just spray mine with choke cleaner.

 

Vacuum leak is a common cause of a lean condition. Check the hose from the PCV especially near the elbow. By the way, choke cleaner will work for the MAF, but I think electrical contact cleaner is prefered.

 

CRC makes a MAF cleaner:

 

Proven to gain 4-10 hp at the wheels huh??? I think I'll spray that straight in the gas tank then it'll prolly give me 20hp!!!!!!!!
Well I already sprayed that one with Lectron 13 I was thinkin the MAF might be the second sensor on the tube.
Vaccum leak huh? Ummm I am not sure what it is called, but it comes out of the middle of the valve cover on the drivers side and goes into the throttle body area. The hose that goes over it just barely hangs on I have been meanin to reinforce it with a hose clamp but haven't gotten around to it. 2moro I will check to see if that hose is off.

 

Cleaning the MAF won't hurt anything as long as you don't damage it in the process. DO NOT TOUCH THE FILAMENT OF THE MAF SENSOR AT ALL! Allow the MAF to dry completely before re-assembly.

BTW, what codes did you get when the CES came on? My guess (key word here, guess) is P0171 and P0174. At this point, guessing at what is causing your problem, besides picking up on tidbits that you mention, is all that anyone can do. The DTC's are very important for help here on FTE.

Fixing the vacuum leak at the rear of the intake manifold from the PCV valve is a must. This may even fix your entire problem. Good luck!

 

Well I suppose if it's REALLY dirty!
I just noticed that the can says that. Too funny.

 

When I sprayed the Lectron 13 onto the filaments I did it with the MAF still in the intake. It never seemed to make a difference. I looked at just about all of the emmission hoses today and I didn't see any hoses that were loose or anything.
Is it possible that maybe it was a one time thing and its still just displaying the code? I will disconnect the battery and let it set tomorrow to see if the light comes back on.

I do not remember a code that the zdvanced auto parts guy said. I just remember lean conditions.

Thank ya'll

 

Did you chech your pvc line. Its known to leak at the elbow where it goes into the intake at the back of the motor. I've put 2 on my truck since I bought it. Its a common cause of the lean code you have.

 

I am not familiar with the "pvc" line can you fill me in on it? And what I should maybe do?

 

Ok I had the codes rescanned today as I was buyin some oil & a filter.

I'm pretty sure it was P0171 and it said lean conditions Bank 1.

I was watchin what the screen said because it was obviously a new guy and I wanted to make sure what was goin on, the device said there were 2 codes stored and he played with it and played with it and all it ever said was the 1 code. But another guy at the Advanced store said thats most likely one of the oxygen sensors on the exhaust.

My questions are how do I figure out which one it is? And other than replacing the sensor and seeing if the light comes back on or not, how do I test to see if the engine is really running too lean?

Thanks

 

P0171 is system too lean on bank 1.

• Check intake air system for leaks, obstructions and damage.
• Check air cleaner element, air cleaner housing for blockage.
• Verify integrity of the PCV system.
• Check fuel delivery system and filter for restriction.
• Check for vacuum leaks.

Since the code is for bank one and not both of them, a vaccum leak in the intake manifold is suspect. Use some carburetor cleaner with the engine running. Spray it along the intake manifold to cylinder head mating surface. If the engine stumbles when you do this, then you have found the leak. Good luck.

 

How do I check the PCV system?
I will check the manifold 2moro when I change my oil.

Thanks

 

water will work 2

 

The PCV valve is in the passenger side valve cover (about in the center) take a good look at the hose that comes out of it and follow it all the way around to the back of the manifold. Make sure there are no holes or breaks in it. Probably have to check most of it by feel (or mirror).