Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting continuing lean condition

Glenn,
Good advice about the bits - I was going to do that anyway.
It's a funny thing about Ford parts counter guys - unless you ask for the gasket for a part they don't include it nor do they ask if you need it. That's been my experience anyway. Always gotta ask for the gasket. If I were you I'd go buy it.
I don't think that's your problem, though, as that gasket is in front of the MAF. You would be getting un-filtered air but not un-metered air.
If you search here you can find a list of causes for those two codes. I working my way through them as I get time.
LLL

Sweet Jeezus! Problem solved.
Got me a #20 security torx bit, took the MAF sensor off the aluminum housing and sprayed that sucker with non-residue contact cleaner. It didn't even look dirty.
I had sprayed TB cleaner around inside the housing before and guess some got up onto the little wire sensors, leaving resisdue. I don't see how you can really clean it without removing it.
I have read here that running an oiled air filter is not a good idea on these cars cuz it is so close to the MAF. I believe it. Get rid of that K&N filter, get a nice paper filter and clean your MAF properly.
I put a K&N on my car right after I bought it. Watched as fuel mileage dropped and wondered why. Didn't even run noticeably better with the damn thing on. Can you say "snake oil"?
Anyhow, thanks to all for the help and patience.
LLL

Glad you got yours solved, one question, how long have you driven since you fixed your problem? Just curious as my codes came back after 150 miles (knock on wood). Also, do you currently have any idle problems? I do. On saturday I got an ohm tester and low and behold my IAC valve is toast. New one will be here tuesday... do you guys think that could possibly have anything to do with these codes?

Here's my checklist to date:
Replaced PCV valve
Hose clamps on every hose in engine bay (PCV, vaccum, air intake, etc)
Replaced all four 02 sensors
Replaced MAF
Cleaned TB and cleaned PCV system, cleaned intake system
Tested IAT, tested ok.
Sprayed TB cleaner all over intake manifold, no leaks there

Praying to buddha that IAC valve will solve problem. Any help is appreciated guys. And crossing fingers for you LLL.

Glenn

I have driven a bit more than 100 miles since the fix. The key is that the codes (CEL) will re-appear after three (mixed) driving cycles, if the problem persists. I have driven three cycles so I hope I've got it licked.
I believe that a stuck IAC will cause those codes. But others more savvy here can comment difinitively.
It's also possible that the K&N has deposited some oil on that new MAF sensor, especially if it was cleaned and then over-oiled.
I replaced my IAC valve even though I didn't have any idle problems - still don't. Stupid me. The new one looks like a re-design/upgrade so maybe it wasn't for nothing.
Best of luck, Glenn.
LLL

With the first fill-up following the previously mentioned operations I have more than a 10% gain in fuel economy. And that's on a partial tank.

Man, that's awesome. My part came in today but Kragen closed before I could get there. I will get it installed tomorrow and post if that was my issue.

installed IAC. CEL came back, but car is running/idleing much smoother (duh ) I think I will take your advice LLL and switch back to a paper filter just cause I have done everything else in the book and I am on my last nerve. I will clean my MAF and put the paper filter back on tomorrow and repost if that does the trick (please god let it get rid of this CEL!!!)

Any other suggestions are most welcome!

Here's my checklist to date:
Replaced PCV valve
Hose clamps on every hose in engine bay (PCV, vacuum, air intake, etc)
Replaced all four 02 sensors
Replaced MAF
Cleaned TB and cleaned PCV system, cleaned intake system
Tested IAT, tested ok.
Sprayed TB cleaner all over intake manifold, no leaks there
Installed new IAC valve