Clean MAF=Big Difference

[Firefighter181]

I had been randomly getting 181 and 189 codes on my 94 5.0, in conjunction with some part throttle stumble since I picked up my car a few months back. I had also noticed that above 3,000 until the shift point (AODE) that the thing just felt like it fell on it's face. I had never owned a 5.0 so I had recently started going through all of the maintenance items I could however had not until today cleaned the MAF. Honestly it was because I did not have any security torx tools. Well I went out and bought some today and pulled out the MAF sensor, and OMG that thing was dirty! It looked like it has sat behind my kids dresser collecting dust bunnies for about a year!

Needless to say I spent some time cleaning it up, and after disconnecting the battery, reinstalling, and driving I have to admit it feels like I bought a new car. It pulls much harder on the top end, and is a totally different animal now. I am really glad I looked at it, and took the time to research maintenance items. Thank you to this board, and a few others for the help, and the pseudo new car!

**EDIT: cause I forgot tu use teh spellz chek**

 

[MustangChris]

thanks for keeping us posted

the 5.0s seem rather sensitive to the MAFs.... "clean the MAF" is usually the first suggestion on our forum, even if you're asking about motor mounts

 

[CC'S95GT]

been there done that too. Right after I got the ca,r I started getting the same codes.
Mine also have a K&N filter installed. I assume the oil was depositing itself on the maf soo the filter got tossed and in went a fresh and clean paper filter and the codes haven't returned for 3 years.

 

[Firefighter181]

Yeah ditching the oiled filter is the next project to avoid this as much as possible in the future. It is probably my uncalibrated butt dyno however I think it is amazing the power it gained back.