93 Taurus Mass Airflow sensor

[Ryan_V]

I had problems with the old car a couple years ago, hesitated and shook really bad once in a while. Had it fixed, was just a dirty MAF sensor. Where is this on the car and how do you get it off and clean it properly?? I assume it's on the air intake side, somewhere near the air cleaner. The car is starting to do it again, so I thought it sounded like a simple fix for me to tackle myself.

[Scott K]

It will be screwed to the air box cover, and all you have to do is remove the screws that screw it to the cover, and clean it with the red can of CRC Brake cleaner, or Mass air flow sensor cleaner. Spray the cleaner onto the little heater element inside the MAF

Any good quality brake cleaner will work that doesnt leave a residue when it dries, to test this, spray it on a mirror before cleaning the mass air flow sensor.

[Sunnie]

It's the ring with the wires connected on the air intake after the air filter towards the engine. Be careful I'm not sure what to clean it with air or solvents or what. I know they are like a lightbulb filiment and can be fragile as heck and chemicals may affect it.

[1968]

I would stay away from brakeclean. Some are pretty nasty. Contact cleaner like CRC's QD works well without melting anything. Or get MAF specific spray cleaner.

Being a Ford you will also need a safety torx bit for the screws. A small vise grip can suffice and is sometimes required as they further tamper proof some screws by putting epoxy over the head of the screw. Just don't overtighten. Also, make sure the rubber o ring goes back in place.

[Ryan_V]

Where can I find that torx bit?? I found the sensor, but don't have the bit to get it off, and I couldn't get in with a vise grip.

[flyfisher03]

I have an '01 Taurus and you don't have to remove the sensor itself. It should be in a plastic "box" that is held on by a hose clamp and 4 bolts near the air cleaner. Remove that and use a Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner is is about 7 or 8 dollars.

[1968]

I kinda forgot it can be cleaned by just pulling the air cleaner lid off and the hose clamp to the snorkel.

The cleaning process is easier and can be more easily verified if you pull just the MAF out. The bits can be found at auto parts stores if you really want it out.

One other alternative, if you have a dremel with a cutoff wheel, is to cut a regular screwdriver slot in the screw.

[Ryan_V]

I have an '01 Taurus and you don't have to remove the sensor itself. It should be in a plastic "box" that is held on by a hose clamp and 4 bolts near the air cleaner. Remove that and use a Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner is is about 7 or 8 dollars.

The newer ones must be different. I took all that apart, you can't get to the actual sensor without the torx bit. Guess a run to napa is in order this weekend!

[Big Buck Buster]

Ryan,

If you want to borrow mine, I will bring mine home from work. No need to spend money on the bit.

Email me, and I can give you my address, or I could just stop by your place with the bit.

huntershaven at embarqmail.com

[Ryan_V]

excellent, I'll shoot you and e-mail!!