If your 6.7 Powerstroke has just thrown a P2074 code, it could mean one of two things: either your sensor is bad, or something is wrong with the air intake system.
A P2074 code on 6.7 Powerstroke means there is a problem with your airflow. This can be attributed to a variety of problems. Still, in most cases, it’s due to an air filter or mass airflow sensor. Either way, make sure that you replace these parts before driving your car any further.
This article will cover what a P2074 code means on your 6.7 Powerstroke and give you tips on how to fix it. Luckily, many of the fixes will avoid a trip to the mechanic!
Below, I’ll cover some things you can do in the comfort of your garage to get your vehicle back on track.
What Does a P2074 Code on 6.7 Powerstroke Mean?
A P2074 code is an engine control fault that occurs when there’s a problem with your 6.7 Powerstroke’s mass air flow sensor.
The MAF determines the level of air flowing through the sensor, helping to adjust the fuel level. A P2074 code indicates something is wrong with this process—most likely because you have a dirty or faulty MAF.
The P2074 code indicates that the engine control module cannot properly measure how much air is getting into your engine, or the airflow is restricted. This issue isn’t one you can overlook: you need to stop driving immediately, fix it yourself, or go into the shop.
Here are some other things you may experience with a code P2074:
- Your car may begin stalling out on the road.
- The engine light will stay on even if you restart your car after fixing the problem.
- Black smoke may come out of the exhaust.
- The vehicle may not start at all or only when you press down firmly on the accelerator pedal.
- You may find it difficult to drive at a steady speed or accelerate.
If your truck is experiencing this issue, I recommend taking it to the dealership or a trusted mechanic so they can run some tests. You might have another electrical problem and need a wiring harness replacement or something similar.
While there are other remedies for this P2074 code, it’s best to take your truck in for diagnostics if you don’t want to risk damaging any other components.
However, if you want to try some things out first, read below.
1. Check Your Warranty
If you have an extended warranty, you must check with the dealer, insurance company, and manufacturer to ensure your truck is covered. It is also possible that there were recalls for this issue, depending on your engine.
Additionally, some manufacturers may provide warranty extensions on specific vehicles or components to help keep those items working properly.
Before moving forward, you can save yourself a lot of grief by checking to see what you have covered. It may save you money and time if you are covered and can work with an auto shop that supports your warranty.
The best way to figure out if your car has a warranty is to use the vehicle identification number (VIN) provided on the manufacturer’s license plate or in the car’s service manual. This number is 17 digits long and can be found on the engine, door frame or dashboard.
You can also call the dealership where you purchased your vehicle and ask them what kind of warranty was included with your purchase.
2. Replacing the Mass Airflow Sensor
Most of the time, your sensor just needs replacing.
The mass airflow sensor is part of the air intake system and measures the air entering your engine. If it is not working properly, it can cause P2074 to appear on your dashboard.
Many types of mass airflow sensors exist for all kinds of vehicles, so you may want to consult a mechanic before replacing yours. Check your manual for information on which model is right for your vehicle.
This YouTube video shows a visual of where this filter is located:
To replace it, you will typically find the sensor next to the air filter. Simply remove and replace! There’s even a spray specifically for your mass airflow sensor.
This YouTube video shows you the step-by-step process:
The check engine light may turn on after you’ve fixed the problem. If this happens, you’ll need to try one of the other fixes listed below.
3. Replacing the Crankcase Filter
A crankcase vent filter is the part of your engine that supports pressure relief. Replacing this filter can be done in a few simple steps:
- Locate the crankcase filter on the passenger’s side of your engine compartment (it looks like an oil filter).
- Remove the old crankcase filter by hand or with a socket wrench. If it’s difficult to remove, spray some penetrating oil into the top of it to help loosen it up.
- Install a new replacement crankcase filter according to manufacturer instructions, and start up your vehicle to check for any leaks or issues with how well the new part works.
If your check engine light comes back on after clearing your codes, you’ll likely need to try the next method. This is a lot more intensive than just replacing a sensor. For this reason, you may be better off contacting a professional and having them fix it.
4. Replacing the Air Filter
The air filter is a device that cleans the air that is drawn into an internal combustion engine. It looks like a small piece of automotive equipment, but it is an important element of your engine system.
The purpose of an air filter is to stop dirt and debris from entering your engine. These harmful particles can cause serious damage. You should check and change your air filter regularly to keep it performing at its best.
It’s a bit of a stretch, but worth trying if you get a P2074 code on your 6.7 power stroke. This is the simplest solution, and you should be doing it every time you change your oil. Not only will it improve your truck’s performance and fuel economy, but it might also save you a trip to the dealership.
Follow the steps below to replace the air filter:
- Remove the filter. This is located in the front of the engine bay
- Clean off any debris that may have accumulated on it over time (dust and dirt tend to collect here).
- Replace the filter, making sure to reset your dash for codes and see if the light turns back on.
Worst case scenario, the light does come back on, and at least you have a new or cleaner air filter. You should be replacing your air filter often for preventative maintenance.
5. Replacing a Collapsed Intake Air Cooler or Pipe
By this time, you should have already attempted a fix on your sensor, replaced your air filter, and replaced the CVF. These are all beginner to moderate-level fixes.
Suppose none of these fix your engine, and you’re still not interested in visiting a dealer. In that case, you may need to replace a collapsed intake air cooler or pipe repair.
The air cooler is a pipe that runs from the turbocharger to the intake manifold. You’ll also find your exhaust gas temperature sensor (EGT). That sensor monitors how hot your engine gets; if it gets too hot, it will trigger a check engine light (CEL).
If you have an exhaust leak anywhere else in or around your system, the EGT will get hotter than normal and trigger the CEL. In other words, one bad thing can cause another bad thing to happen, making many more things go wrong.
So if you get a P2074 code on your 6.7 Powerstroke, don’t just ignore it; instead, go ahead and replace any parts that may be causing the problem!
Again, this fix will take a lot more car know-how. You may want to reconsider not going to an auto mechanic, as a mess-up here will serve you with more problems and cost you more money.
Here’s a YouTube video of a car owner who had a similar problem:
You’ll need to replace your collapsed air cooler or pipe with a new one, being careful to not mess with anything else in the engine and cause more problems.
While it’s possible that you could have something wrong with the oxygen sensors (which are pretty easy to replace yourself), there’s also a chance that something more serious is happening. Take your truck to a mechanic if the light comes back on after you reset the dash.
Final Thoughts
A P2074 code on your 6.7 Powerstroke is likely to be one of the culprits behind a stalling engine. You may need to replace your sensor or one of the parts in your vehicle.
Either way, this situation calls for immediate attention because you could damage your engine further if you don’t fix it quickly.
