Air Temp Sensor?

[Lazzman]

Can someone who knows tell me what this sensor tells the computer and how the computer reacts to it?

I know they did not make it after 1998 for the V6 sohc models. Is this an important sensor? if so why did they do away with it?

Problem is my truck started having bogging problems after I drilled the airbox and installled a K&N Filter. Being the novice that I am I oiled both sides of the filter heavily and put it back in before it dried. Then I took the truck for a blast. The first ride was great but performance slowly went down hill.

I read the thread on the MAF sensor problems W/ oiled filter issues and determined that my haste ruined the Maf sensor electrodes- The filter oil became baked on and would not come off. I replaced the MAF and performance got much better but still lacked.

I am wondering if any oil could have gotten on the Air Temp Sensor and is causing it to give the EEC-V false readings? The truck does run worse in warm weather. For $28 I think I will replace this- should I expect a performance increase with a fully functional sensor? Again how much does it really contribute to the computer?

Thanks for helping-

 

[aldive]

Are you referring to the IAT sensor ( Intake Air Temperature )?

If so, later model MAFs have this sensor Incorporated into the MAF. This is identified by the 6 wires going to the MAF.

If the MAF has only 4 wires, the IAT sensor is a separate part.

The IAT sensor is important.

 

[Lazzman]

This is interesting Al please elaborate on its function? and yes I am refering to the IAT sensor. My X has the one that is located in the intake tube. I was a dummy and oiled both sides of my K&N last summer, D'ooh.

I had to replace the MAS because the air filter oil baked onto the metal sensors and would not come off with any type of cleaner. I am now thinking that the IAT got gunked up as well and is sending false readings.

I know, I know Al run a scan on intake air temp, but I can't afford one of them OBD-II scanners like you.

 

[performancenut]

The precautions about excess oil are mainly a concern with the MAF sensor fine wires which can get contaminated. You should be able to cleanse the IAT sensor lightly and not necessarily replace it. There may be a slight change with the orientation of the sensor in the air flow pattern; try rotating it 45 degrees.

The sensor, as it's name implies, is important to determine proper air/fuel mixture based on the air temp. which directly affects air density.

 

[celly]

Are you referring to the IAT sensor ( Intake Air Temperature )?

If so, later model MAFs have this sensor Incorporated into the MAF. This is identified by the 6 wires going to the MAF.

If the MAF has only 4 wires, the IAT sensor is a separate part.

The IAT sensor is important.

I seem to recall that '98 has a separate sensor. I remember the guy who sold me my Volant offering to drill a new hole in the intake tube if I needed it (like his '98).

 

[Lazzman]

Yes Celly it is seperate.

I looked into my old stock intake tube and the hole for the PCV tube had oil stains all around it creeping over to where the IAT was mounted. My truck seems to spew a lot of PCV oil, the TB was covered in that greasy film.

I am going to try and clean the IAT with MAS cleaner and see what happens.

 

[aldive]

My truck seems to spew a lot of PCV oil, the TB was covered in that greasy film.

You just might be a perfect candidate for a PCV filter that Rick posted about; look at http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=148135&highlight=pcv+filter

Good luck ....

 

[Lazzman]

I wanted to talk to you about this Al since you already installed one. I have the 98 V6 sohc motor that has a T connector. Each hose comes off the T and goes to either side of the intake. I believe I would have to get two seperators one for each side, correct?