This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor on the 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Mass Air Flow Sensor × 1 — Motorcraft DY-1216 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park the vehicle on level ground and engage the parking brake
2. Turn off the ignition and remove the key from the vehicle
3. Allow the engine to cool completely if recently operated
4. Open the hood and secure it in the raised position

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the MAF sensor
   The MAF sensor is located in the air intake tube between the air filter housing and the throttle body, on the driver's side of the engine bay. It is a cylindrical component integrated into the intake tube with an electrical connector on top.
2. 2

   Disconnect the electrical connector
   Press the release tab on the MAF sensor electrical connector and carefully pull the connector straight off the sensor. Do not pull on the wires themselves. Note the orientation of the connector for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Loosen the intake tube clamps
   Using a flathead screwdriver or appropriate tool, loosen the air intake tube clamps on both sides of the MAF sensor housing. You do not need to fully remove the clamps, just loosen them enough to allow the intake tube section to be removed.
   Torque spec

   Air Intake Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove the intake tube section with MAF sensor
   Carefully pull the intake tube section containing the MAF sensor from the air filter housing and throttle body connections. The tube may require gentle twisting to break any seal. Set the assembly on a clean work surface.
5. 5

   Remove the MAF sensor from the tube
   Using a T20 Torx driver, remove the two screws securing the MAF sensor to the intake tube. Keep track of these screws as they will be reused. Carefully pull the MAF sensor straight out of the tube housing.
   Torque spec

   MAF Sensor Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Inspect the intake tube
   Check the intake tube opening where the MAF sensor mounts for any debris, oil contamination, or damage. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth if necessary. Inspect the rubber seals or o-ring on the new MAF sensor.
7. 7

   Install the new MAF sensor
   Insert the new MAF sensor into the intake tube, ensuring proper orientation with the arrow on the sensor pointing in the direction of airflow (toward the engine). Align the screw holes carefully without forcing the sensor.
   Torque spec

   MAF Sensor Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Torque the MAF sensor screws
   Install the two T20 Torx screws and tighten them to 3.0 Nm (2.0 lb-ft) in a criss-cross pattern to ensure even seating. Do not overtighten as this can damage the sensor housing.
   Torque spec

   MAF Sensor Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall the intake tube assembly
   Carefully slide the intake tube section back onto the air filter housing and throttle body connections. Ensure both ends are fully seated before tightening the clamps.
10. 10

    Tighten the intake clamps
    Tighten both air intake clamps to 3.0 Nm (2.0 lb-ft). Ensure the clamps are positioned over the beaded sections of the connections for proper sealing.
    Torque spec

    Air Intake Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect the electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector onto the MAF sensor until you hear and feel a distinct click, indicating the locking tab has engaged. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is secure.

Reassembly

1. Visually inspect all connections to ensure the intake system is properly sealed and the MAF connector is secure
2. Ensure no tools or parts were left in the engine bay

Verification

• Start the engine and let it idle. Listen for any air leaks around the intake tube connections
• Verify the engine runs smoothly without rough idle or hesitation
• Check that the Check Engine Light does not illuminate related to MAF sensor codes (P0101, P0102, P0103)
• Take the vehicle for a test drive to confirm normal acceleration and throttle response
• If a scan tool is available, verify MAF sensor readings are within normal range (typically 3-10 g/s at idle, increasing with RPM)

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