check engine lite

removed my air filter on my 2000 windstar 3.8L and had to drive car with it out for about 5 miles then replaced with new one. then engine check lite came on when I removed it and has not gone off after replacement. Why did the lite stay on after I replaced the filter? Is this one of those things where I have to bring it to the dealer to have the computer reset? Thanks for any help.


"Beman"

I have two guesses:

1. You sucked some small lint or dirt onto the MAF sensor ... get some precision electronics cleaner from Radio Shack, remove the sensor and spray clean.

2. The air filter canister has a leak somewhere. To properly install an air filter, the canister has to be removed from the car ... otherwise air leaks are likely. (Refer to Haynes repair manual).

(After whatever is causing the code is fixed, the light will go away after a few miles of driving.)

Of course, it would be best to have the code read at AutoZone, or the like, to know for sure.

The same thing just happened to me. Where is the MAF sensor ?

On the '99, the MAF (and the IAT) sensor(s) are mounted in the front/side of the air canistor ... just behind the battery. It is a dual sensor assembly on the '99 ... both in one package. On some earlier models (I don't know which), there were two separate sensor plug-ins.

First check to make sure you didn't accidentally disconnect the vacuum tube on the bellows between the filter and the throttle body. Then disconnect the negative battery terminal for about 10-15 minutes, this will reset the computer.