How to Clean a Mass Air Flow Sensor in a Ford Contour

The mass air flow sensor in a Ford Contour is attached to the air filter housing on the right side of the engine compartment. From time to time, contaminants from the environment will coat the sensor hot wires with a sticky residue. This insulates the sensor and causes inaccurate signals to the on-board computer. Cleaning one is part of any fuel system service.

Things You'll Need

• Torx head screw drivers
• Pliers
• Air intake cleaner

Instructions

Cleaning

1. Remove the sensor by unplugging the sensor's electrical connector and two torx head fasteners. The factory sometimes applies an epoxy filler to one of the fasteners. To remove this fastener, twist it out carefully with a pair of pliers. Remove the sensor from the housing. Save the o-ring seal.

2. Clean the sensor by spraying a liberal amount of air intake cleaner on and inside the sensor. Allow to soak for a few seconds; spray again to blast away the sticky residue that accumulates on the sensor hot wire. Especially tough deposits can be gently brushed with a cotton swab. Be careful here---if the sensor hot wire is broken, the sensor must be replaced.

3. Reinstall the sensor in the reverse order, making sure the o-ring seal is seated. The screw with the epoxy coating can be snugged up with the pliers, and the electrical connector can be inserted into the sensor.

   Initially, the engine will run rough and then smooth out as the residual cleaner evaporates off.