Could It Be The Maf?

[Kane]

I have a 94 ford explorer xlt 2 wheel drive 6 cyil,i recently started having problems with it,first the check engine light came on then the motor started caughing up and blowind a little black smoke?,and when i try to accelerate it stalls for a bout half a second and keeps on,and if i stop at a light or something it starts to act like it wants to give out!!,i had the cat's removed and was told to reset the computer,which i did but still it kept on,i had it checked with a scanner and the guy told me it was the MAF,i bought a new one today but havent had it installed yet,should i have the negative cable off before installing the new one?and if so,how long should i run it after the new one is installed?what do you guys think,if the problem still is there after the new MAF,could it be the o2's???

 

[Dannyboy]

Being that I always use this site as a great resource to save money I will advise you on what I did today. I also have a check engine light coming on and i think it is the MAF. Rather than replacing it, try the cleaning procedure found on www.explorer4x4.com using a product like gumout to clean this. Mine does not bog like it used to, however the light still comes on. You might need to buy a security hex wrench if you dont already have one, but it's worth a shot and you might as well learn how to do something yourself to save some money sometime. Heck I did it no problem for a $13 set of heads and following Lobdell's instructions.

 

[Kris Guilbeaux]

Some thing else it might be is the Fuel pressure regulator. I have heard of these going bad and causing it to run rich which causes that black smoke. just an Idea if the MAF does not work.

 

[oahrens]

After cleaning the MAF...reset the computer by diconnecting cable for 15 mins or so, then because the MAF regulates air flow, you have to drive around nomally for about 20 miles.

To see how bad this can get here's my war story.... http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=29449

 

[sink]

When the MAF gets dirty it makes it run lean. Those little filaments get insulated by the dirt and don't cool off as fast for the same amount of airflow. The computer then thinks the air is lower than it is and meters in less fuel. Kane's is running too rich. It is possible the MAF is screwed up, but not likely just dirty. My dirty MAF casued me bad ping until I cleaned it similar to the procedure in here. Five to ten minutes of easy work. I am amazed that you bought one without looking at yours first. Aren't they expensive?

 

[jimbo74]

it sounds like the problem i was having...mine tested to be O2 sensor. if maf does't work...then t is the o2

 

[Iggy flywheel]

U rich

I would also change those sparkplugs after u get problem solved being that it running rich. They mostly fouled by now. Use the standard plugs autolites or Motorcraft. I think I might try the side gap trick on the next set of sparkers i get.

 

[npearman]

My 94 is having the same problems. I bought a new O2 sensor for it last night and am going to install it today. I'll let you know it works out.

 

[Kane]

Did It!!

Installed the MAF,and that was it!!,all problems are gone even that darn check engine light!!,had to reset the computer for about half an hour,to have it read the new maf,but after that and after no cat's my truck is running great restored back all that lost power,and all that gas gussling it had before is completely gone to!!

 

[oahrens]

Good to hear another success