2002 Ford Explorer MAF sensor

[lient]

I have a 2002 explorer V6 4.0 liter and it died on me yesterday driving down the road. I unplugged the wiring harness for the MAF sensor and it started right up and drove fine. I was planning on replacing the sensor but was wondering if it is worth it to try and clean the sensor. The car will start and die with it plugged in, but run fine with it unplugged. It does idle tough with it unplugged.  Also is there any problem with driving with it unplugged until  I order the part and it comes?  Thanks

[RebelSS]

Take it in and get your codes read to find wherein the exact prob lies. And no, you can't clean them. Unplugged for a short time should not hurt, but depending on what else you've got going on, personally I wouldn't. It meters your airflow and sets your fuel control/amount. Lousy mileage will probably be your end result. One thing I learned, and was told by more than a few mechanics, is not to go with a non-Ford aftermarket MAF. I did, and had probs. Switching to a Ford MAF took care of the issue. That was on my '97 Ranger in 2008. Maybe things have changed...

[Macgyver55]

. And no, you can't clean them.

 

.That is incorrect I've done many! Doesn't always help but certainly worth a try.

Search "cleaning MAF" there are many detailed videos on how to do it.

Edited July 17, 2015 by Macgyver55

[Bobby Bass]

Yes you can, you can buy MAF cleaner at your local parts store. Just be careful handling it { the sensor} but it is an easy job and may just solve your problem. Been there, done that on my Tahoe.

[RebelSS]

OK, I stand corrected. I was taught NOT to clean them. My buddy the Ford wrench won't either. But whatever works for ya!   

[delcecchi]

Maybe the high quality rugged GM MAF can be cleaned but the fragile cheap Ford ones can't?  

[RebelSS]

Hard to say. We'd probably have to hire an IBM engineer to find out.  

[delcecchi]

I know where a few are available cheap...

[RebelSS]

I kinda figured you might.   

[Scott K]

Pull it apart and clean it. 

[Jeremy airjer W]

Ive had a couple the last month that have large pieces of debris stuck in front of them. Wont hurt to inspect and/or clean.

[lient]

I pulled it apart yesterday to clean it and one of the elements was broken from the wire on one sid.  Guess I will be replacing the sensor.  Thanks for the help