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Question about cleaning MAF sensor on Crown Vic
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LBrandt
New User
Jun 9, 2010, 1:43 PM
Post #1 of 7
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Question about cleaning MAF sensor on Crown Vic
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Hello,
I’m new to this forum, so please forgive me for asking a question which may sound dumb to most of you.
I just bought a 1999 Ford Crown Vic from a friend. The car is in super-looking and super-running condition. It has 83,000 miles on it, and it runs like it was new. It idles fine, runs smooth and shifts smoothly. The plugs were changed on it a couple of years ago. My question has to do with mileage. Since I bought it, I’m getting only 16 miles per gallon in town. The oil has just been changed, and I’ve replaced the air filter, but 16 miles per gallon is all that I’m getting. I’m driving with a light foot, no jerky starts and stops, but I have been running the air conditioner.
The reason that I’m concerned about the 16 miles per gallon is that my previous car, a 1995 Crown Vic was getting 18 or 19 miles per gallon in town. From reading about the difference in the specs of the two cars, I know that the 1999 Vic is heavier and probably has a different axle ratio than the 1995, but I’d still like to get better mileage, if possible.
Now, to get to the question:
I’ve heard that cleaning the MAF sensor can sometimes result in increased gas mileage. I’m not a mechanic, and I’d prefer not to have to fool with removing and cleaning the MAF sensor, if it wouldn’t really improve the mileage, so my question is, is it worth the effort and time to clean it, or is 16 miles per gallon all that I ought to expect from the car? Does cleaning the sensor really improve mileage?
Thanks,
Louis
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 9, 2010, 3:04 PM
Post #2 of 7
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Re: Question about cleaning MAF sensor on Crown Vic
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You have a computer controlled car so there are various sensors that work to maintain a constant 14.7:1 air/fuel ratio so no, cleaning the MAF won't help. To tell you the truth, I don't think your mileage is that bad for a heavy car like that with a V8. I have a V6 and get 12MPG around town and it runs perfect.
Keeping your tires inflated properly and watching your driving habits are the biggest things that effect your mileage.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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way2old
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jun 9, 2010, 4:00 PM
Post #3 of 7
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Re: Question about cleaning MAF sensor on Crown Vic
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If that is in town driving you are very close. Here is a link to epa mileage
Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds
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LBrandt
New User
Jun 9, 2010, 4:06 PM
Post #4 of 7
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Re: Question about cleaning MAF sensor on Crown Vic
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Thanks for that link. That's an interesting site. I agree with you with my 1999, I'm pretty close to what the "new" estimate shows. Nevertheless, my old 1995 Crown Vic actually got at least as good (and sometimes better) than the "old" mileage shown on the 1995 page for that car.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 9, 2010, 4:31 PM
Post #5 of 7
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Re: Question about cleaning MAF sensor on Crown Vic
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I wouldn't expect to hit the Lottery twice.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Sidom
Veteran
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Jun 9, 2010, 7:38 PM
Post #6 of 7
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Re: Question about cleaning MAF sensor on Crown Vic
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Like everyone else said, you probably aren't going to get a whole lot more MPG with that vehicle. It sounds like you are doing the right things driving wise, a lead foot will kill mpg. HT mentioned one of the most overlooked things that really hurts mpg and that's under inflated tires. That along with being out of alignment can really hurt your mileage.....
The only way cleaning the MAF would help was if there was a problem already. Maintenance wise it's not a bad idea to clean the sensor. The one other maintenance item I'll mention is cleaning the injectors & air intake. This should be done periodically to prevent problems. With drivability problems, the 1st thing that goes is mpg and unless someone is checking it, it goes unnoticed. If you decide to do this, you want to make sure the shop has the equipment to run cleaner thru the fuel rail & injectors. Some shops just have the set up to clean the air intake but say it's cleaning the injectors (which they can because it does clean the outside of them). It's best to do both, clean the the injectors via the fuel rail and clean the air intake (along with the throttle plate but that should going without saying if the other 2 are being done).
If the injectors aren't dirty enough to affect the CO2 reading, then you won't notice the cleaning but like I mentioned, this is more for maintenance & preventing problems. If was at the point where it started dropping the CO2 to say 12 or 13% you may notice a slight increase in your mileage after the service.
Use a good grade fuel and try going up in octane for a tank or 2 and see if that makes a difference.....
But the bottom line. I agree with everyone else. For that vehicle, that is good mileage and I don't think you are really going to increase that number....
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LBrandt
New User
Jun 9, 2010, 7:48 PM
Post #7 of 7
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Re: Question about cleaning MAF sensor on Crown Vic
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Thanks to all of you for your replies. You're all correct, I'm probably getting good enough mileage as it is, so I won't worry about it. I just wanted to get your thoughts on it.
Thanks,
Louis
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