I have been experienceing "popping" noise and stuttering under hard acceleration. I have been told to clean the MAF sensor. I have just bought STP throttle body cleaner that I was told could clean the sensor. I haven't cleaned it yet, before I do will this stuff work, or do I have other problems?

 

Don't use anything but non-residual electronics cleaner that is rated safe for plastics. Anything else will screw up your MAF and you will be buying a new one.

 

can you recommend something

 

Has you check engine light come on?

 

CRC, and various other chemical makers sell electronics cleaner spray. You should be able to pick some up at any electronics supply house or repair shop. Just be sure it is a no residue type spray that is safe for plastics. Do not use tuner cleaner or similar products as they contain lubricants that stay behind after the spray evaporates.

 

There is MAF aerosol cleaner available at most parts store, like NAPA.

 

Here, CRC even makes it and is available almost anywhere:

http://www.crcindustries.com/auto/co...x?S=Y&PN=05110

 

airdog1, I had a light come on probably 3000 miles back. I put a analyzer on it and it said it was a air/fuel error on one of the cylinders. I cleared the light and haven't had it come back on. I have a K&N CAI kit.

CRC MAF cleaner isn't carried by AZ. I have to try to find it somewhere else, thanks for the help guys, this problem is really bothering me, and I'm beginnig to wonder if something really wrong!

 

hey guys, I didn't know if this site was gonna help out a whole lot but I just got back from doing a test drive after using the CFC MAF sensor cleaner I got from AAP. As of right now it looks like all is well with the problem I was having. I gave it a good run through and no popping or stuttering. Thanks so much, I'm real green on working on new engines. Give me the ole school stuff, and I can do some work, but fuel injection and sensors.........whew.......hard time!

 

Unplug the MAF - your check engine light will come on. Go for a drive anyway and see if the problem goes away. If it doesn't you can stop worrying about cleaner. It may take a few tries to get it started with the mass air flow disconnected but it should run without it. Does this problem happen all the time ? Just when hot? Just when cold? If you can get your hands on a scanner that reads pending codes (Codes that are about to turn your check engine light on) that would be helpful also. You can also "tap test" your MAF. With the engine running, gently tap the mass air flow and see if you can get the engine to stumble. If it does you may need a new sensor.

 

airdog, I will have to try that just to make sure, thanks

 

Bama Dave, how did the MAF cleaning hold up? Has this permanently fixed your problem? What engine do you have? My 2005 5.4 stumbles and misses over 3K RPM and it's slowly driving me insane! I just spent an hour tonight cleaning some connectors and applying dielectric grease to no avail. Please let me know how this turned out for you.

 

my 04 5.4L is doing the same thing. I cleaned my MAF and I didnt notice any difference in the 3k issue. Have you changed the plugs in your truck yet?

 

I have cleaned the MAF. No help. Took the thing for a drive, MAF unhooked, no help. Tapped the MAF, didn't stumble. Haven't changed plugs, got 72 grand on '04 5.4, prob won't change them till 100 grand b/c of the probs I've heard with the plugs. So I still am having the problem, sounds like the misfire/backfire is comming from intake or converter area?? Hollow sound. I am deeply worried and puzzeled. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Might be a coil, or the plugs...dunno'...might have to ask the dealer.