Computer keeps throwing maf codes

TheMadHatter

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I am quite aware the 7.3 idi doesn’t use the computer but the transmission does mine has decided that it wants to drop into limp mode randomly and complain about the maf sensor being out of range. It’s the only code ever shows up, I have had a talk with the truck and even showed the service manual. All jokes aside I have this truck set as a tow truck and it won’t last long if the trans keeps dropping into limp any ideas?
 

KansasIDI

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Ideas? Uhhh….

ZF5 swap (lame, boring, and common)

Baumann controller and triple disc converter (expensive and uhhh. Well. Expensive. But it should work pretty good)

All jokes aside, try replacing the MAF sensor like @Nero suggested.
 

XOLATEM

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I am going to expose my ignorance, here...but, I don't remember a Mass Airflow Sensor on an NA IDI in 1994.

There was a BARO sensor that would send a (relative) elevation input to the TCM., though. mounted on the (ahem) firewall and had an open port to sample atmospheric pressure, turn it into a frequency signal and send it to the computer.

Replacing it might fix the code, but, the 'out of range' warning might be coming from a circuit signal that does not make sense to the ECM.

It is a three-wire sensor. Power, ground and signal return.

Known as B+, Neg., and the signal sent back to the controller.

If you want to possibly save some money and time and know better that things are ok if and when you replace the sensor with a new or good used one, do this....first, break out a good voltmeter and set the range to Volts, DC, 0-20 volts.

Ground the black lead first.

Key on, engine off pull the connector and touch your red lead to each of the three wires until you find a DC reading...what is it? You are looking for 4-5 VDC.

One of the other wires should be ground...no more than .25 VDC.

The last one should be backprobed with the connector back on the sensor and set your meter to frequency (HZ) and record the reading.

If the power and ground are good and the frequency is relative to the assumed baro pressure for your elevation...(are you a mountain man or a flatlander?) then the sensor is ok.

If something is wrong with either power or ground then fix that before you get another sensor.

If the power and ground is ok and sensor reading is way off the scale...then get a known-good sensor and plug 'er in.

Wipe codes, wash, rinse, repeat.

Let us know how it works out.
 

XOLATEM

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I have had a talk with the truck
I do that...usually it is a "Good job, Baby" and a loving pat on whatever machine I just used...truck, skid steer, tractor, man-lift, trailer, welder, etc.

I ain't proud...just very thankful for any help I get from anything that does more than I can do with bare hands...

You never know when something might just decide to cop an attitude at ya...
 

Rdnck84_03

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Ok there are far too many questions here to even start to give a logical explanation.

First thing that I would be checking is, did this truck come from the factory as a diesel or has it been converted. If it was a conversion, I would bet that the gas pcm is still in place and is looking for inputs that don't exist anymore.

If it isn't a conversion the next thing I would be looking at is, does the TCM connect to the same 60 pin connector as the pcm in a gas? If so I would wonder if someone has put a gas pcm in place of the time.

I have never been around an idi e40d so i have never compared the TCM to a PCM to know if they use the same plug so this is completely speculation.

James
 

XOLATEM

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First thing that I would be checking is, did this truck come from the factory as a diesel or has it been converted. If it was a conversion, I would bet that the gas pcm is still in place and is looking for inputs that don't exist anymore.
That is a really good question that didn't even occur to me !!!

That would explain the MAF code.

If it isn't a conversion the next thing I would be looking at is, does the TCM connect to the same 60 pin connector as the pcm in a gas? If so I would wonder if someone has put a gas pcm in place of the time.
I believe that the connector is the same...kinda stands to reason with Ford, because my impression is that they would want to consolidate tooling over various applications. (another way to say it would have been simpler and cheaper).

Pull the kick panel and go under the hood and unscrew the securing bolt and pull out the TCM and check and see what number is on it.

Just don't do this in the area of the back bottom of the driver side fender... Go to 'Monster Sniper'....two minutes...


I have never been around an idi e40d so i have never compared the TCM to a PCM to know if they use the same plug so this is completely speculation.
I've seen 'em. You are good at speculation...I'd want you on my team in a tight spot. Gotta gather the inventive minds together...one reason I really enjoy this site.

Happy Sunday, Y'all...
 

IDIBOBS

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Ok there are far too many questions here to even start to give a logical explanation.

First thing that I would be checking is, did this truck come from the factory as a diesel or has it been converted. If it was a conversion, I would bet that the gas pcm is still in place and is looking for inputs that don't exist anymore.

If it isn't a conversion the next thing I would be looking at is, does the TCM connect to the same 60 pin connector as the pcm in a gas? If so I would wonder if someone has put a gas pcm in place of the time.

I have never been around an idi e40d so i have never compared the TCM to a PCM to know if they use the same plug so this is completely speculation.

James
None of this makes sense because the truck was running fine from what I gather. Just replace the barometric pressure sensor and move on. It’s a cheap super easy fix.
 

Rdnck84_03

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None of this makes sense because the truck was running fine from what I gather. Just replace the barometric pressure sensor and move on. It’s a cheap super easy fix.
Yes it is going run fine because there is nothing on the engine that requires the pcm/tcm. A 2000 powerstroke with a 4R100 will run perfect with a manual trans pcm also, the transmission just won't shift except for manually with the shifter and it won't go into OD.

If he had a MAP code I would agree with you that it could be the baro sensor. Since the OP said it was a MAF code, that would only pertain to I believe select 5.0 engines and possibly the 5.8 but I'm not sure if they used the MAF on them or not.

James
 

Nero

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Or instead of arguing, Lets wait until @TheMadHatter replies... Looks like he was only on long enough to do the original post and hasn't been back since...
 

XOLATEM

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instead of arguing, Lets wait
I am tryin' reeal haarrd...to wait...but I just can't...

Besides...just like competition improves the breed...debate and discussion keeps things sharp...doesn't it..?

I mean...look at the great inspiration @Rdnck84_03 gave me..!!

I was totally blindsided and greatly appreciated his thinking outside of the box! One day...that inspiration is going to save me a lot of time and aggravation...Betcha...


Years ago...

I had a woman that I was seeing for a while describe me to her mother, kids, and extended family... in this way, and I quote...

"He NEVER 'JUST' does ANYTHING !!..."

I wore that like a badge of honor...

Looks like he was only on long enough to do the original post and hasn't been back since...
Don'tcha 'just' want to rattle a few cages and find out 'what happened' on a few of those that do that..?

Suspense is killin' us...

Sorry, guys...i'm in a mood this morning...too much coffee...I'll be all right in a while...gotta go do something...

Have a good Monday, Y'all....
 
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