No CEL, but getting Code 66

[Hi-Po]

So my car is finally running as I think it should after my cylinder head swap.

I am not getting any check engine lights anymore, but when checking for codes today I got code 66 - "MAF circuit below minimum voltage".

It is a brand new MAF from Summit - Summit SUM-29052B-C - Summit® Mass Airflow Sensors – SummitRacing.com

So... since no CEL and the fact that the engine is running good... is this something I should worry about?
Could the mass air meter have some kind of defect?
Any simple tests I can perform... jrichker please..?

This better be the last error code for a long time...

 

[jrichker]

Code 66 puts the computer in limp mode with reduced power and economy.

Code 66 MAF below minimum test voltage.
Insufficient or no voltage from MAF. Dirty MAF element, bad MAF, bad MAF wiring, missing power to MAF. Check for missing +12 volts on this circuit. Check the two links for a wiring diagram to help you find the red wire for computer power relay switched +12 volts. Check for 12 volts between the red and black wires on the MAF heater (usually pins A & B). while the connector is plugged into the MAF. This may require the use of a couple of safety pins to probe the MAF connector from the back side of it.

There are three parts in a MAF: the heater, the sensor element and the amplifier. The heater heats the MAF sensor element causing the resistance to increase. The amplifier buffers the MAF output signal and has a resistor that is laser trimmed to provide an output range compatible with the computer's load tables.

If you have a K&N flat panel filter or other filter that requires oiling, excess oil may coat the MAF sensor element and cause problems.

The MAF element is secured by 2 screws & has 1 wiring connector. To clean the element, remove it from the MAF housing and spray it down with electronic parts cleaner or non-inflammable brake parts cleaner (same stuff in a bigger can and cheaper too).

Changes in RPM causes the airflow to increase or decease, changing the voltage output.. The increase of air across the MAF sensor element causes it to cool, allowing more voltage to pass and telling the computer to increase the fuel flow. A decrease in airflow causes the MAF sensor element to get warmer, decreasing the voltage and reducing the fuel flow. Measure the MAF output at pins C & D on the MAF connector (dark blue/orange and tan/light blue) or at pins 50 & 9 on the computer. Be sure to measure the sensor output by measuring across the pins and not between the pins and ground.

At idle = approximately .6 volt
20 MPH = approximately 1.10 volt
40 MPH = approximately 1.70 volt
60 MPH = approximately 2.10 volt

Check the resistance of the MAF signal wiring. Pin D on the MAF and pin 50 on the computer (dark blue/orange wire) should be less than 2 ohms. Pin C on the MAF and pin 9 on the computer (tan/light blue wire) should be less than 2 ohms.

There should be a minimum of 10K ohms between either pin C or D on the MAF wiring connector and ground. Make your measurement with the MAF disconnected from the wiring harness.


See the following website for some help from Tmoss (diagram designer) & Stang&2Birds (website host) for help on 88-95 wiring Mustang FAQ - Engine Information

Ignition switch wiring
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/IgnitionSwitchWiring.gif

Fuel pump, alternator, ignition & A/C wiring
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/fuel-alt-links-ign-ac.gif

Computer,. actuator & sensor wiring
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/88-91_5.0_EEC_Wiring_Diagram.gif

Fuse panel layout
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/MustangFuseBox.gif

Vacuum routing
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/mustangFoxFordVacuumDiagram.jpg

 

[Hi-Po]

Thanks jrichker - not sure if I will understand all this but I shall look into it tomorrow.

But surprised to see your comment about being in limp mode - there is no way my car is in limp mode now, it runs stronger than ever.

However, it probably was in limp mode a few days ago when I had all sorts of vacuum problems... but I have cleared those codes?

 

[jrichker]

Limp mode operation defaults to a set group of parameters insted of inputs from the ailing sensors. The computer uses the information it has to operate in a manner that will not cause engine damage. This means richer fuel mixture, less spark advance and some of the emissions equipment disabled. The car may run fairly well, but emissions and fuel economy will suffer.

 

[Hi-Po]

Oh well... problem solved.

Too embarrassing to go into details, but suffice to say its wise to double-check electrical connections before going into doom and gloom mood...

But all is well now and it runs stronger than ever

 

[jrichker]

Now you now the difference between limp mode and running with everything operating like it should. That's a worthwhile lesson...

 

[Preston Tucker]

I know this is an old post, but I am having the exact same problem, and I'm to the point of tears trying to figure this out! I know you said it's embarrassing but could you please let me know how you fixed the problem? That way I am able to try something different than what I'm doing now. I'm driving around with my MAF sensor unplugged...

 

[jrichker]

I know this is an old post, but I am having the exact same problem, and I'm to the point of tears trying to figure this out! I know you said it's embarrassing but could you please let me know how you fixed the problem? That way I am able to try something different than what I'm doing now. I'm driving around with my MAF sensor unplugged...

Read my first post in this thread: most of the answers you need are in there. If that does not resolve your problem, start your own thread and I will try to help you.