1997 Ford Explorer SOHC 4.0 XLT 4WD. CEL code PO174 for quite a while and engine stutters @ stoplight once in a while. It recently died while at stoplight. This is my girlfriend's vehicle and I'm going to clean MAF & IAC. I could not find CRC QD Electronic Cleaner. I did find Radio Shack Contact/Control Cleaner and Lubricant. The "Lubricant" portion of this concerns me. I would appreciate it if I could have some comments on whether this stuff is okay to use or not.

 

I wouldn't use it. I've used throttle body cleaner with good results. I've also been warned against brake cleaner on the MAF. Apparently there is something in brake cleaner that will leave a residue that will eat away at the filaments.

Good luck.

Matt

 

Thanks for replying Matt. That little voice inside told me this stuff was trouble. I'll search until I can find the CRC QD Electronic Cleaner.

Tinkybug

 

I've used carb cleaner on both maf & iac. And a little wd40 afterwards on the iac.

 

Carb cleaner or brake is OK on MAF - I never had any problems. Brake cleaner dries faster.

 

you should be able to find Electronic Cleaner at auto zone or some other auto parts store.

 

Yes, I found the CRC QD Electronic Cleaner at a Schucks store here.

 

I cleaned the MAF & IAC with the CRC QD Electronic Cleaner. The MAF looked pretty clean when I initially got it out. The IAC was full of carbon. I was able to pull the black **** off the IAC and the small filter came out in 3 parts(shud have only been 1 part). Sprayed everything and then let it dry. Reinstalled it (just put that small filter back in,too) and that CEL went away and has not come back on. Hurray!! So this forum saved us the frustration of dealing with a Ford dealer + money. I had checked out a Haynes repair book from the library. I learned a lot about this vehicle & others by reading a lot of postings all the way back to the beginning several years ago. At least I have some knowledge now. It would certainly be nice if all posters would come back on the forum after they solve their problems and let all know what the solution was. Knowledge is power!! It's amazing what you can learn from the different forums and by referencing Google/Yahoo.

 

You go it tinky. knowledge is power. the information age is awesome. more people need to share their successes with us so the rest can prosper. I love being able to help people. And I relish that others can help me when needed (like Mrshorty). Congrats on sidestepping the dealers!