cleaning sensors

[1990LTD]

I want to pull out and clean some sensors, starting with the MAP sensor - What should I use to clean them? What should I avoid doing when pulling and cleaning sensors like that?


Electrical contact cleaner on some parts and degreaser on others I am assuming. What's best?


I assume there are very sensitive areas on these that should be handled or cleaned with great care.

[GM_Guy]

You should use nothing to clean them. Check the electrical contacts if you want to be proactive, but theres no need to go pulling sensors just for the sake of cleaning them.

If you do clean the electrical contacts, make sure you put some dielectric grease back on them (you see that pasty white/tan stuff? thats grease--no not the same grease as in your bearings) That keeps moisture out and the contact corrosion free (usually). If you only clean out the connectors expect funky problems when the weather gets damp and a lot of corrision on the contacts themselves that you will never be able to get back to the condition they where in.

Alex.

[1990LTD]

Sorry, I should have been clearer - I'm not talking about pulling every single one, just ones that can get gunked up and cause it to read less than properly.

[86GmLsCoupe]

Here's a link to a ford website explaining the different sensor commonly found on many Ford EFI products. It's been really helpful to me.

Fordfuelinjection.com: http://www.fordfuelinjection.com/?p=10

[gadget73]

The only one that could possibly be a problem is the intake air temp sensor, IAT, ACT, or whataver set of initials you chose to bless it with.

[1990LTD]

The only one that could possibly be a problem is the intake air temp sensor, IAT, ACT, or whataver set of initials you chose to bless it with.

is that the little one down by #5?

[gadget73]

yes

[GM_Guy]

Thats the coolant temp sensor for the idiot light if you mean the one by the front edge of the lower intake.
The ACT is further back, two wire plug, sitting more towards #6. Its hidden by the upper intake.

Alex.