Replace IAC or MAF?? | Ford Explorer Forums

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Replace IAC or MAF??

coppe

Well-Known Member
Joined
December 10, 2008
Messages
193
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Year, Model & Trim Level
01 xls v6 SOHC
Ok... i´ve actually been using lots of info from the forum, and i´ve been able to fix many things by myself in the X (i just actually replaced my own shocks), man am i grateful for your expertise!!! but right now, i´m in the middle of a little problem. 2001 xls v6 4 lt SOHC with like 85,000 miles

I´ve had my X for like 6 months, and although i bought it from family, it had several little details waiting to be fixed, I had it scanned, and had like 4 codes, and with a little help of my mechanics, i´ve cleared 3 of them, but code 171 lean bank one, is still there. So far i´ve done this:

-New fuel pump
-taken apart and rebuilt injectors
-upper and lower intake manifold gaskets, seal, silicone etc.
-replaced one oxigen sensor, other one was tested and was ok
-Full tune up (air, oil and gas filters, sparks, throttle body cleaner, oil change, spark plugs, etc)
-Oil change.
-Checked for vaccum leaks (there were none)
-Also my mechanic said he cleaned the MAF, pvc valve, and that he would clean the IAC if he was able to find one (he said he didn´t reembered v6 SOHC with IAC, but well....)

In the end, the check engine light was off for like 10 miles, and then it lit up (171 again). In the shop they tell me i´ll need to change MAF or IAC (apparently SOHC´s have one hehehe..), and since i´m a little low in cash after all that i´ve done to the X (add a thermostat, temp bulbs, tranny cooler in radiator replacement, tranny oil and filter, body work, damn it gets expensive to get a vehicle into top shape), i would like your opinions on what should i do first.

if i had the money right now, i would replace both, but since i did all of the above, im a little low, which one is more likely to be the culprit???? which one would you replace first? or is there anything else you would do before that????

The only symptom my X has is a very little 1-2 sec. rattle (of death as i´ve read here) when starting it after a cold night, and it takes about 10 sec and maybe a little push of the throttle to idle normally (only after a cold night). Other than that, it runs great.

Sorry for the long, story like post, and thanks for your input!!
 



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IAC will not cause lean codes, P0171 P0174.
 






IAC will not cause lean codes, P0171 P0174.


Really?? thanks, i´ll start lookint into MAF prices..... i´ve also been doing even more searches in the forum, and i´ve seen that the EGR valve might be an issue also, should i try EGR cleaning first? or just go ahead and buy a new MAF?
 






Really?? thanks, i´ll start lookint into MAF prices..... i´ve also been doing even more searches in the forum, and i´ve seen that the EGR valve might be an issue also, should i try EGR cleaning first? or just go ahead and buy a new MAF?

if you had an EGR problem youd be running extremely rough at idle, if not stalling.
 






if you had an EGR problem youd be running extremely rough at idle, if not stalling.

thanks, except for the first seconds after cold morning starts, it runs great, no problems iddling at red lights or whatever, so i think this means ill be getting a new MAF with the next paycheck, unless anyone has any other advices. I´m pretty good with tools, so do you think it´s safe for me to try and replace it?? or the chances to screw the new sensor are high? anything i should be looking into when buying it? (differences in SOHC or OCV MAFs, with or without housing, etc)

Men you gotta love this forum.... wish i have had an X before just for this... i love the fact that i can do my troubleshooting, and then go to the shop and look like i know as much or even more than my mechanics hehehe...
 






maf is an easy install if you have a security torx bit. reg torx will not work. Torx bit will be at autozone or other parts places, just ask. Disconnect batt. disconnect maf wire harness and remove maf. Replace in reverse order. Make sure your battery is disconnected atleast 15- 20 min to clear code.
 






thanks... i´ll be doing it in 5 days or so when i get paid, and ill try and do a write up, it seems easy the way you portrait it, but every newbie like me would love to have pretty much everything with pics and all, and i wasn´t able to find one in the forum. Maybe it will be one of lots of retributions i would like to give to the forum.
 






Generally a bad MAF will set both the P0171 and P0174, lean both banks. You got only the P0171 so I would be looking for something on bank one, passengers, side of the engine. I hate the lean only on one side as they are a PITA to figure out whats wrong. Many times it's a base engine problem and gets real expensive to fix.
 






well, what you say makes perfect sense, if the problem was measuring air at the intake, it will show on both banks, ... and here was i getting all excited about having an easy fix haha... well, looks like ill have to pay a big shop or stealership the hours they need to diagnose it before buying and replacing the MAF. Damn, s#%t does happen hehehe.
 






if you buy the MAF, make you sure get it a place that takes returns, just in case it doesn't solve your problem
 






if you buy the MAF, make you sure get it a place that takes returns, just in case it doesn't solve your problem

thanks, i sure will, i think that if i find a place that does take returns, and try replacing it and clearing the codes, and as you say, if the check engine lights again, i´ll return it and go to a big shop or dealership for a diagnose. Thanks.
 






MAF issues

if you buy the MAF, make you sure get it a place that takes returns, just in case it doesn't solve your problem

Does anyone know which places take back MAF's? Carquest, Autozone, Checker, NAPA?

I have 171 and 174 codes that come back immediately after clearing. They do not return when the MAF is unplugged. Is this really an indication that the MAF is bad?
 






Also just for your info, i do believe, if i'm not mistaken, the IAC is right smack on top of the motor under the black SOHC plate. at least it is on a 97 SOHC. good luck with the MAF, i know they're delicate and expensive.

Justin
 






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