How do you remove and clean the Mass air filter on Montero 03? received code p0174..thinking the sensor is dirty and needs to be cleaned.

P0174 OBD-II Trouble Code

Technical Description

System Too Lean (Bank 2)


What does that mean?

Basically this means that an oxygen sensor in bank 2 detected a lean condition (too much oxygen in the exhaust). On V6/V8/V10 engines, Bank 2 is generally the side of the engine that doesn't have cylinder #1. Note: This DTC is very similar to P0171, and in fact your vehicle may show both codes at the same time.


Symptoms

You will more than likely not notice any drivability problems, although there may be symptoms such as a lack of power, detonation (spark knock), and/or a hesitation/surge on acceleration.


Causes

A code P0174 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:

The MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor is dirty or faulty. Note: The use of "oiled" air filters can cause the MAF to become dirty if the filter is over-oiled. There is also an issue with some vehicles where the MAF sensors leak the silicone potting material used to protect the circuitry.

There could be a vacuum leak downstream of the MAF sensor.


Possible Solutions

Possible solutions include:

In the vast majority of cases, simply cleaning the MAF sensor does the trick. Consult your service manual for it's location if you need help. Make sure you are careful not to damage the MAF sensor, and make sure it's dry before reinstalling

Inspect all vacuum and PCV hoses, replace if necessary

Check for a dirty fuel filter and proper fuel pressure

Read more at: http://www.obd-codes.com/p0174

Most common cause is a dirty MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor..It can be cleaned with a Radio Shack product called DeOxit...Remove MAF, Delicate so be careful, spray with No-Touch DeOxit , replace...

1. Remove the MAF sensor plate and MAF sensor from the outlet side of the air cleaner...

saailer

I’m happy to help further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/david_6df67de3b14de867

Basically this means that an oxygen sensor in bank 2 detected a lean condition (too much oxygen in the exhaust). On V6/V8/V10 engines, Bank 2 is generally the side of the engine that doesn't have cylinder #1
A code P0174 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:

• The MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor is dirty or faulty. Note: The use of "oiled" air filters can cause the MAF to become dirty if the filter is over-oiled. There is also an issue with some vehicles where the MAF sensors leak the silicone potting material used to protect the circuitry.
• There could be a vacuum leak downstream of the MAF sensor.
• Inspect all vacuum and PCV hoses, replace if necessary
• Check for a dirty fuel filter and proper fuel pressure
• sometimes just cleaning the MAF sensor is enough to fix

A code P0174 may mean that one or more of the following has happened: The MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor is dirty or faulty. Note: The use of "oiled" air filters can cause the MAF to become dirty if the filter is over-oiled. There is also an issue with some vehicles where the MAF sensors leak the silicone potting material used to protect the circuitry. There could be a vacuum leak downstream of the MAF sensor. Possible solutions include: In the vast majority of cases, simply cleaning the MAF sensor does the trick. Consult your service manual for it's location if you need help. I find it's best to take it off and spray it with electronics cleaner or brake cleaner. Make sure you are careful not to damage the MAF sensor, and make sure it's dry before reinstalling Inspect all vacuum and PCV hoses, replace if necessary Check for a dirty fuel filter and proper fuel pressure

Here is a solution that makes sense.


A code P0174 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:
The MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor is dirty or faulty. Note: The use of "oiled" air filters can cause the MAF to become dirty if the filter is over-oiled.

There is also an issue with some vehicles where the MAF sensors leak the silicone potting material used to protect the circuitry.

There could be a vacuum leak downstream of the MAF sensor.

Possible solutions include: In the vast majority of cases, simply cleaning the MAF sensor does the trick. Consult your service manual for it's location if you need help. I find it's best to take it off and spray it with electronics cleaner or brake cleaner. Make sure you are careful not to damage the MAF sensor, and make sure it's dry before reinstalling Inspect all vacuum and PCV hoses, replace if necessary Check for a dirty fuel filter and proper fuel pressure.


Read more at: http://www.obd-codes.com/p0174

Here's a link to the issues associated with a P0174 code:
http://engine-codes.com/p0174_mitsubishi.html

There's a bit of a punch list of stuff that could be causing this code. If you have never changed the O2 sensors on this car that is where I would start; replace all of them. Get OEM exact replacements versus "universal" fit O2 sensors.
The Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF) may be dirty. There is specially formulated cleaner for removing any built up mung on the sensor.
The PCV system can be checked for proper flow. Replace the PCV and/or clean the system if there is no valve.
Bring the car in and have the injectors professionally cleaned.

You're probably in the neighborhood of 165-170K. If you've never done any preventive or regular maintenance then there could be a lot of issues with your car. The P0174 is a lean condition. It could be bogus inputs to the engine management computer (via bad O2 sensors and/or a dirty or bogus MAF sensor). It could be really dirty injectors because they've never been cleaned and if you've been filling up with non-top tier fuel (because you're saving 2 cents a gallon) then it's a sure bet the injectors are dirty. Running lean comes from air leaks into the manifold post MAF sensor. This could be from rotted vacuum hoses or cracked/broken vacuum fittings. There's just too many possibilities to be able to nail it down for sure. Use the link and the info there to start your trouble shooting.

Hi there:

DTC P0174 - System Too Lean (Bank 2) This DTC is very similar to P0171, and in fact your vehicle may show both codes at the same time.

A code P0174 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:

• The MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor is dirty or faulty
  Note: The use of "oiled" air filters may cause the MAF to become dirty if the filter is over-oiled. There is also an issue with some vehicles where the MAF sensors leak the silicone potting material used to protect the circuitry.
• There could be a vacuum leak downstream of the MAF sensor
• Possible cracked vacuum or PCV line/connection
• Faulty or stuck open PCV valve
• Failed or faulty oxygen sensor (bank 2, sensor 1)
• Sticking/plugged or failed fuel injector
• Low fuel pressure (possible plugged/dirty fuel filter!)
• Exhaust leak between engine and first oxygen sensor

Possible solutions, a lot of times, cleaning the MAF sensor and finding/fixing vacuum leaks fix the problem. If you're on a tight budget, start there, but that may not be the fix for certain. So, possible solutions include:

• Clean the MAF sensor. Consult your service manual for it's location if you need help. I find it's best to take it off and spray it with electronics cleaner or brake cleaner. Make sure you are careful not to damage the MAF sensor, and make sure it's dry before reinstalling
• Inspect all vacuum and PCV hoses, replace/repair as required
• Inspect all hoses and connections in the air intake system
• Inspect and/or test the intake manifold gaskets for leakage
• Check for a dirty fuel filter and proper fuel pressure
• Ideally you'll want to monitor short and long term fuel trims using an advanced scan tool
• If you have access, you may want to run a smoke test

On V6/V8/V10 engines, Bank 2 is generally the side of the engine that doesn't have cylinder #1.

Hope this helps; also keep in mind that your feedback is important and I`ll appreciate your time and consideration if you leave some testimonial comment about this answer.

Thank you for using FixYa, have a nice day.

It sounds like you running lean; too much air, not enough gas.
Go to these links to get some additional information:
http://www.obd-codes.com/p0171
http://www.obd-codes.com/p0174

P0171 System too Lean (Bank 1)

P0174 System too Lean (Bank 2)

• The MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor is dirty or faulty. Note: The use of "oiled" air filters can cause the MAF to become dirty if the filter is over-oiled. There is also an issue with some vehicles where the MAF sensors leak the silicone potting material used to protect the circuitry.
• There could be a vacuum leak downstream of the MAF sensor.

Possible Solutions

Possible solutions include:

• In the vast majority of cases, simply cleaning the MAF sensor does the trick. Consult your service manual for it's location if you need help. I find it's best to take it off and spray it with electronics cleaner or brake cleaner. Make sure you are careful not to damage the MAF sensor, and make sure it's dry before reinstalling
• Inspect all vacuum and PCV hoses, replace if necessary
• Check for a dirty fuel filter and proper fuel pressure

P0401- Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Insufficient Dectected
Possible causes - Harness or connectors (EGR volume control valve circuit is open or shorted.)
- EGR volume control valve stuck closed
- EGR volume control solenoid valve
- Dead (Weak) battery
- EGR passage clogged
- Exhaust gas leaks Possible solution - Clean EGR Valve
- Repair EGR harness or connector
- Replaced EGR volume control solenoid valve
- Replaced EGR volume control valve
Code P0171- Fuel Injection System Too Lean Bank 1 Possible causes - Intake air leaks
- Front Heated oxygen sensor may be faulty
- Injectors may be faulty
- Exhaust gas leaks
- Incorrect fuel pressure
- Lack of fuel
- Mass air flow sensor may be faulty
- Incorrect PCV hose connection Possible solution Dirty air filter of faulty air flow sensor are common causes of the problem P0174- Fuel Injection System Too Lean Bank 2 Possible causes - Intake air leaks
- Front Heated oxygen sensor may be faulty
- Injectors may be faulty
- Exhaust gas leaks
- Incorrect fuel pressure
- Lack of fuel
- Mass air flow sensor may be faulty
- Incorrect PCV hose connection Possible solution Dirty air filter of faulty air flow sensor are common causes of the problem.

LEAN TROUBLE CODES (P0171 or P0174) A code P0171 or P0174 indicate the engine is running lean. This means there is too much air and/or not enough fuel. You can confirm the engine is running lean by looking at Short Term Fuel Trim (STFT) and Long Term Fuel Trim (LTFT). Normally, STFT and LTFT should be plus or minus 8 from zero. If STFT and/or LTFT are more than about +10 or higher, it indicates the engine is running LEAN. Negative numbers (-10 or more) indicates the engine is running RICH. A lean fuel condition can be caused by:

* Low fuel pressure due to a weak pump or leaky fuel pressure regulator. (use a fuel pressure gauge to check fuel pressure at idle)

* Dirty fuel injectors. (try cleaning the injectors)

* Vacuum leaks at the intake manifold, vacuum hose connections or throttle body. (Use a vacuum gauge to check for low intake vacuum)

* Leaky EGR valve. (Check operation of EGR valve)

* Leaky PCV Valve or hose. (Check valve and hose connections)

* Dirty or defective Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF). (Try cleaning the MAF sensor wires or filament with aerosol electronics cleaner. Do NOT use anything else to clean the sensor, and do not touch the sensor wires)

______________________________-- Causes A code P0171 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:

• The MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor is dirty or faulty. Note: The use of "oiled" air filters may cause the MAF to become dirty if the filter is over-oiled. There is also an issue with some vehicles where the MAF sensors leak the silicone potting material used to protect the circuitry.
• There could be a vacuum leak downstream of the MAF sensor.

Possible Solutions Possible solutions include:

• In the vast majority of cases, simply cleaning the MAF sensor does the trick. Consult your service manual for it's location if you need help. I find it's best to take it off and spray it with electronics cleaner or brake cleaner. Make sure you are careful not to damage the MAF sensor, and make sure it's dry before reinstalling
• Inspect all vacuum and PCV hoses, replace if necessary
• Check for a dirty fuel filter and proper fuel pressure