How to Tell If the Mass Air Flow Sensor Is Bad on a Ford 2005 F150?
by Tim Petruccio
The 2005 Ford F-150 was available in 45 different trim packages, between the two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive models. A 4.2-liter V-6 engine was the base engine for the 2005 F-150. Optional engines for the 2005 F-150 were the 4.6-liter V-8 and the 5.4-liter V-8. The mass airflow sensor or MAF sensor, is responsible for sending a signal to the powertrain control module, as to the amount of air entering the engine through the air intake. A faulty MAF sensor can cause idling and overall engine running issues.
Step 1
Open the hood on the F-150. Loosen the hose clamp from the air filter housing end of the MAF sensor, using a ratchet and socket. Disconnect the MAF from the filter housing. View the MAF sensor inside to make sure there are no obstructions. If any obstructions are in the MAF sensor or sensor screen, remove them. If not obstruction is found, inspect the entire air intake for any cracks or leaks in the system. Check the gasket between the MAF and the filter housing. Install the MAF sensor, and tighten the clamp snug with a ratchet and socket.
Step 2
Go to the driver's side of the truck. Turn the key to the accessories position in the ignition, without starting the truck. Go back to the engine compartment. Disconnect the MAF electrical connector. Turn your multimeter to the volts setting. Measure the amount of volts between the positive "+" marked side of the wire harness, and the negative "-" battery terminal directly. The volt reading should be 10.50 volts or higher. If the voltage reading is less than 10.50, there is an electrical short or bad circuit between the MAF and the powertrain control module.
Step 3
Remove the intake hose from the throttle body, using a ratchet and socket to loosen the clamp. If sludge or carbon is built up on the throttle body, perform the necessary upper air intake cleaning to remove the contamination. Install the air intake onto the throttle body and tighten the clamp snug. Remove the diagnostic codes for the MAF, and drive the car at least ten miles as you normally would. If the MAF codes P0101 or P0102 do not reappear, the sludge on the throttle body was the cause of the issue with your MAF sensor.
Step 4
Clean the MAF sensor, using dielectric aerosol spray. If the symptoms or the trouble codes are not corrected by this procedure, replace the MAF sensor.
References
- AllData Repair: 2005 Ford F-150 Mass Airflow Sensor Diagnostic Instructions
Tips
- Performing a two or three-step fuel injection cleaning system once per year, is a great way to reduce buildup on your upper engine parts. An upper intake cleaner can be sprayed directly through the air intake into the engine, removing harmful carbon and contamination buildup. You can also use dielectric spray directly on your electrical sensors and parts, such as the mass airflow sensor.
Things You'll Need
- Multimeter
- Upper engine intake cleaner (optional)
- Dielectric aerosol (optional)
Writer Bio
Tim Petruccio is a professional writer and automotive mechanic. His writing combines more than 20 years of mechanical experience in automotive service, service management, automotive education and business ownership. He assisted in the automotive beta, which launched March 2011.
