Re: 2000 3.0 S type Failsafe Engine Mode

Before cleaning the throttlebody I would suggest checking and cleaning the mass air flow sensor. I recently bought a 2001 S-type (44500 miles) and changed the air filter, which was filthy. I used a K&N washable filter for its replacement. About two weeks later at a stop light I got the failsafe engine message when I touched the accelerator to move off. The light went out at higher speeds but kept coming back, usually when moving off from stopped. Next day, still had this problem, then going up a hill I got the engine malfunction light followed by the red resticted performance. Ignition on and off and the red restriction was off but the engine malfunction remained. Still got the amber failsafe appearing when touching the throttle. Sometimes going at high speed, but more often and not now staying on when hitting the acelerator. Going through some old history of the car I found a previous owner had a new throttle sensor put in after a recent service. The report also mentioned slow gear change. Judging by the filter I replaced I dont think the dealer bothered to change the air filter at the time ( it was a fairly recent service). I also remembered scare stories about the K&N filter and MAF sensors so I decided to take a look at the condition of the one on my car. On inspection after removal I could only see one of the two fillaments. One was covered in muck. Using a solvent based contact cleaner (not Carb cleaner! We're dealing with electronics here not mechanical engine parts)£3 from Maplins (Or$5 from Radio shack)I gave the element a spray and gently tickled it with a fine sable art brush. Had to do this quick because the solvent dries really fast. Did this a few times until both fillaments were visable and shiney. Also try not to spray too close as the propellant in the contact cleaner is ice cold and can freeze on the plastic. When this happens droplets of water appear when it thaws and you have to wait for it to dry before reinstalling. Anyway, reinstalled the Maf sensor did a hard reset by diconnecting the battery(You could do this before removing the Maf and reconnect after reinstalling)and reconnecting. On start up the hard reset clears the enigine malfuntion light. Left the enigine to idle to running temp. Left to idle in N for 2 minutes. Then idle 2 mins in D with brake engaged and went for a spin. No more failsafes, acceleration is smooth and so are the gear changes. Not sure if the K&N filter was entirely to blame as the Maf probably hadn't been checked since new. The dirty Maf sensor was definately the reason the throttle was behaving oddly due to the messages the Maf was sending to the PCM. Definately try this before cleaning the throttle body.