This is my first mechanical undertaking beyond the oil change.

I have a 1996 Ford F150 pickup truck with the 4.9L engine. I had the dealership run a diagnostic test to identify what was causing the problems I was experiencing, and they offered to replace it for me to the tune of $900. I did some poking around myself - found and identified the sensor quite easily, and it appears to be a simple undertaking. However, I do understand that appearances may be deceiving. Is there anything I should know before attempting this? Any suggestion is greatly appreciated.

Brandi

 

brandi i would not be afraid to tackle the mass air meter sensor. keep in mind that the mass air meter and attaching equipment can be sensitive. don't buy used and stay away from aftermarket pieces. 900.00 seems way out in left field. the sensor attaches to the top of the air flow meter by two screws as best i remember. i called the local ford dealer that i deal with and he priced the sensor at 214.80 list. i would call around and price it locally and make sure that you give the parts person the part number. if you can't get a local dealer to help. you can call donnie krueger at garrett and dyer ford at 1-828-464-9156 and he will be happy to ship it to you. i hope this helps and dig in and repair that big 6

 

i am not a Tech but i cleaned mass air flow sensor on my 97 f150 4.6L windsor a few days ago. Very easy to do. Dont know your setup but on my truck just pull off the center air induction section (just to the left of the air cleaner). You dont have to dismantle or unbolt any part of the MAF as mentioned on some threads, just pull the center section out, look on the bottom and you will see small filaments that resemble light bulb filaments. Spray some noncorrosive electronic cleaner ( i used brake kleen with excellent results) on the filament, reinstall and you are in business. Will cost you $3 for the spray. If the maf cleaning doesnt work, clean the egr, throttle body, idle air control . It worked for me, my 140,000 mile truck now idles smooth as a baby's butt. all this assumes vehicle has clean fuel filter, clean air filter and is otherwise in good operating condition. good luck.

 

Thank you so much for your replies. I am sure that you can tell that I am by far an expert on anything that has to do with vehicles, but I hear one of the best ways to learn is to jump in and get your hands dirty! And yes, the sensor appears in my vehicle as a tiny black box screwed onto a metal housing just adjacent the air filter.

I contacted a local parts dealer, and although he does not stock the part in his store, he can have it shipped from Miami and I can have it by 2 pm today. Even better, I am paying only $150 for the part, new. I was suspicious of the estimate as well - that is what led me to investigating this myself. That and the fact it took them 3 days to replace my catalytic converter (which was under warrantee) - after I made an appointment with them. I've had transmissions replaced faster. I am somewhat reluctant to try dismantling more than I absolutely have to at this point to clean it (without having a backup mode of transportation), but you had better believe I will be examining the part I take off more closely so that I can do the cleaning route with brake cleaner next go round. Thank you so much for the tip.

I am confident that I will either be very successful at doing this little job myself, or I am going to be sure to get $900 worth of work outta those guys at the station!

 

good deal on the sensor and price. one word of warning, do not spray any type of cleaner thru the mass air meter. it has a wire device that is heated to a certain temperature and it communicates information to the computer. some cleaners can cause problems when used in the mass air meter. the sensor that you are buying is what heats the wire in the meter. enjoy!

 

agree with teschwab, carb cleaner and many solvents can damage the maf. Techs have told me that noncorrosive electronic cleaner and brake kleen will not damage the maf.