The Ford 6.7 Powerstroke is a staple Ford diesel engine that was first introduced in 2011 as the first in-house designed & built Ford Heavy-Duty engine, but also on that commonly suffers from the P2074 DTC.
In short, the P2074 fault code refers to a problem with the Manifold Absolute Pressure/Mass Air Flow – Throttle Position Correlation at a higher load.
The MAF sensor, the EGT sensor, and some of the car’s cooling system parts will all need to be inspected and likely replaced to solve the problem.
You can carry all of these out yourself in a few hours if you have adequate experience and all the necessary tools.
Driving with the P2074 code is not advisable as it can cause further damage to the engine, which is known to drive the repair costs up significantly.
While on the topic of costs, you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars if you take your car to a mechanic while doing the repair yourself can save you quite a lot of money in labor costs.
If you want to know how you can fix this code, what it takes, how much it is going to cost you, and what to look out for, be sure to read this article!
What does the P2074 code mean?
The P2074 code comes on when the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) senses that the airflow into the engine isn’t what it’s supposed to be or the PCM can’t measure the airflow.
This means that the balance between fuel and air isn’t optimum and thus leads to performance issues followed by the P2074 code.
The problem can be caused by a few different faulty components, all of which we are going to mention now.
What causes the P2074 code?
Now it’s time to list all the causes of the P2074 code which will then be followed with all of the symptoms.
| P2074 Code Causes | P2074 Code Symptoms |
| Damaged/Defective Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor | Check Engine Light (CEL) |
| Damaged/Defective Inlet Air Cooler or Pipe | Lack of Engine Power |
| Restriction or Leaks in the Air Filter | Weaker Throttle Response |
| Air Charge Cooler Leakage | Rough Driving Experience Along With Engine Stalling |
| Crankcase Vent System Leakage | Lower RPMs |
Damaged/Defective Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor
A damaged/defective mass air flow sensor is one of if not the most common reason why the P2074 code comes. The problem usually lies in the MAF incorrectly/not at all measuring the volume of air that enters the engine.
This immediately sends a ripple effect to all of the systems involved in determining how much fuel is entering the engine, which notifies the PCM to prompt up the P2074 code.
Damaged/Defective Inlet Air Cooler or Pipe
If an inlet air cooler or pipe is damaged or leaks, the air that is intended to enter the combustion chamber will manage to escape somewhere in the system.
This will also affect the air-to-fuel ratio within the combustion chamber and will thus notify the PCM to prompt up the P2074 code.
Restriction or Leaks in the Air Filter
The air filters can also suffer from system blockades, which will not let enough air pass through while also sometimes suffering from air leaks.
As mentioned in the paragraph above, this will alter the final amount of air that enters the chamber and will end up with the P2074 code coming on.
Air Charge Cooler Leakage
The Charge Air Cooler (CAC) is an essential part of almost all trucks and heavy equipment as this system is tasked with injecting cool and dense air into each cylinder, which benefits both power and economy substantially.
If a leak occurs anywhere within the system, all of that cool and dense air will become a lot thinner and will eventually lead to a P2074 fault code.
Crankcase Vent System Leakage
The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PVC) system is intended to remove blow-by gasses coming from the crankcase and circulate them into the intake manifold in order to be burned in the combustion chamber.
If there is a surplus or a shortage of air due to a leak, it will directly affect the air-to-fuel ratio within the engine and will also end up with the good old P2074 code.
What are the symptoms of the P2074 code?
All of these aforementioned causes are followed by these symptoms. As such, it’s important to carefully examine and cross-reference these symptoms and causes in a detailed manner.
Illuminated Check Engine Light (CEL)
A check engine light is almost always the very first sign that something is wrong with your truck’s engine.
As such, whenever you come across a check engine light, be sure to use an OBD-II scanner to scan your car for fault codes.
Lack of Engine Power
Performance-oriented trouble is 100% certain whenever the air-to-fuel ratio within the combustion chamber is out of balance.
These include, but aren’t limited to
- Poor Acceleration
- Engine Surging
- Difficulties Hauling and Towing
Weaker Throttle Response
A weaker throttle response can also be a symptom that something is wrong with your car’s combustion process as the amount of power generated within the chamber isn’t what it is intended to be.
However, there are many things that can spawn from a weaker throttle response, so it’s important to look for a few other symptoms listed in this article.
Rough Driving Experience Along With Engine Stalling
If your combustion process is severely compromised, you are bound to experience engine stalling and an overall rough driving experience no matter the terrain on which you are driving.
Your engine might stall, it might refuse to come on, or the RPM range can shoot up and down while idling.
Lower RPMs
Last, but not least, we also need to mention a problem where the RPMs are lower than what they are supposed to be.
This means that, while idling, the truck will feel like it’s close to stalling, and it may even do so after the RPMs drop down to an unsustainable level.
How serious is code P2074 on 6.7L Powerstroke?
As this code is directly linked to the engine’s ability to be both powerful and fuel-efficient, a P2017 code is serious.
It is advisable for you not to drive whenever this code pops on as it can cause performance and mechanical issues that can become a lot more serious if not dealt with immediately.
For example, too much fuel could deposit within the system and cause blockades. Moreover, the car is likely to drive in a rough manner, or even stall, both of which are extremely dangerous at highway speeds.
How to Diagnose the P2074 Code
In order to diagnose the P2074 code, be sure to follow these steps carefully:
- Use an OBD-II scanner to scan and document the codes found within the Powertrain Control Module.
- Pay close attention to the freeze frame data for every issued code so the problem can be duplicated and resolved.
- Do a thorough air intake system and mass airflow sensor inspection for any signs of air leaks, blockades, or broken/loose hoses and pipes.
- Carry out a manufacturer MAF pinpoint test to check the system’s voltage output and return signals.
Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P2074 Code
A secret to successfully fixing a particular problem is not only to know all the do’s but to also know all the don’ts. This is why we are going to list the common mistakes many people make while trying to diagnose the P2074 code.
- Clearing the PCM memory codes before you check the freeze frame data for the main problem.
- Not clearing the PCM codes after you fixed them.
- Not duplicating the fault after replacing the MAF sensor.
How to Fix P2074 Error Code on 6.7L Powerstroke
After carefully examining all the causes and symptoms of this problem while also paying close attention to not making a mistake during a PCM diagnosis, now it’s time to fix the problem and clear the P2074 code for good.
Check & Replace the MAF Sensor
Your first point of interest should be the MAF sensor as MAF sensor problems tend to be the main reason why the P2074 code comes on.
To resolve these, you will either have to check and clean your existing MAF.
If a simple cleaning won’t do, it’s time to get your hands dirty and replace the MAF sensor completely. To do so, just follow our simple step-by-step guide outlined below.
- Turn the car off, take the key out, and disconnect all of the electrical connectors leading to the MAF sensor.
- Remove the MAF sensor by gently taking off the clamps.
- Place a new MAF sensor and gently connect it with its appropriate clamps.
- Reconnect all the electrical connectors, turn the car on, and test out your new MAF.
Check & Replace the EGT Sensor
The EGT sensor is designed to measure how hot the exhaust temperatures are while converting them into voltage so the PCM can get a viable reading.
As such, the EGT sensor is directly linked with the PCM’s ability to measure air-to-fuel ratios as these are also used for combustion.
If the EGT is faulty, you will also have to replace it. If that is indeed the case, follow our simple step-by-step guide as to how to do it.
- Turn the car off, take the key out, locate the EGT sensor, and disconnect all of the electrical connectors leading to the EGT.
- Take off the EGT sensor by unscrewing all of the supportive bolts that hold it in place via a socket wrench.
- Place the new EGT sensor in the correct place and screw in all of the supportive bolts that hold it in place via a socket wrench.
- Reconnect the connectors to the EGT, start the car up, and test out your new EGT sensor.
Check & Replace the Air Filter
As mentioned a few times during this article, the P2074 code can come on if some of the car’s intake and air systems get clogged with dirt, debris, and other forms of blockades.
Even though some believe that these air filters can simply be cleaned, it’s always better to replace them as that will ensure your air intake systems are going to stay clean for the longest.
Here is a simple step-by-step guide on how to replace an air filter on your 6.7 Powerstroke engine.
- Turn the car off, take the key out, locate the air filter, and unscrew the three supporting bolts that hold it in place.
- Pull the air filter out gently.
- Use a vacuum cleaner to thoroughly clean the inner surface of the filter (if you decide to clean it) and wipe out the debris with a clean microfiber cloth.
- Place the new filter and screw it in with its three supporting bolts, turn off the car, and test out your new air filter.
Replace the Faulty Intake Air Cooler or Pipe
If nothing solved the problem by now, your last resort before taking your car to an experienced specialist should be trying to replace the air intake air cooler or one of the pipes with a blockage or an air leak.
This is a more complicated process as it involves taking off multiple different components. A written guide would be a bit difficult to follow which is why you should watch the video below if you decide to replace it.
How much does it cost to fix the error code P2074?
The final costs of fixing the P2074 code are highly dependent on what needs doing.
You can use the chart below to get a general idea of where the costs might be heading in your specific situation.
| Item | Cost |
| Diagnostics | $100 (or sometimes free) |
| A new MAF sensor | $70 to $100 |
| A new EGT sensor | $40 to $60 |
| A new air filter | $30 to $40 |
| A new intake air cooler | $30 to $80 |
Common Mistakes While Fix the P2074 Code
In order to avoid the need to pay more money than what you are supposed to, be sure to avoid these common mistakes while fixing the P2074 code.
- Not using an owner’s manual to find the correct component locations and part numbers for replacement parts.
- Replacing the MAF sensor without knowing what is actually wrong.
- Not testing out the system after replacing the first, second, or any consecutive part after that.
Additional Things for Consideration Regarding the P2074 Code
The P2074 code is there to inform you that your throttle input does not accurately correlate to the amount of air that travels into the engine, which may not seem obvious at first, but is indeed really serious.
It’s a really bad idea to ignore these symptoms no matter how not serious they initially seem as ignoring the P2074 code can cause many more issues down the line, most of which will raise your final repair bills significantly.
