This Tech Article will outline the tools and steps necessary to properly clean the Mass Air Flow Sensor on late model Ford products (ie: CV/GM/TC). A dirty MAF element will cause idle and pinging issues. Its easy and cheep to clean it. Most problems are from "oiled" element air filters. More oil is not better on an air filter.

Tools: One can of “Electrical Contact Cleaner” (do NOT substitute brake cleaner or carburator cleaner), and a #20 “Tamper-proof TROX” bit and/or driver.

Follow these steps carefully:

-Locate the MAF assembly, it is attached to the upper air cleaner box on the driver’s side.
-Disconnect the electrical connector completely, and place it aside
-Using the “TORX” driver, remove the two (2) screws that retain the sensor element in the body
-CAREFULLY pull the sensor element STRAIGHT up and out of the body
-Carefully inspect the sensor to verify that there are two (2) “cross wires” running from one terminal to the other (about 1/2” long), if either are missing, damaged, bent, or broken, the MAF assembly MUST be replaced as a unit.
-Clean off any deposits, junk, or oil from the sensor terminals on the post using the “electrical contact cleaner”. Not the electrical connector area!
-Allow to dry completely
-Carefully insert sensor element into body and secure with screws you removed earlier
-Re-attach the electrical connector
-Start the engine, and ensure everything operates normally, road test for performance.

Congratulations, you just saved yourself over $200 of a new MAF installed at the dealer!

I perform this simple trouble saving service each spring, time well spent.