Ford Repair: Engine Hesitating, mass air flow sensor, mass air flow

Question
I have a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport 2WD...V6

My check engine light has been on for about 8 months and I have not had it checked out yet. About 1 month ago I started having a problem. When I am idling, the engine feels and sounds as if it is suffocating and sometimes stalls. I have 74,000 miles on it..I have tried a couple fuel injector cleaner additives with no change. When I am at a stoplight, I usually put it in park and rev the engine...This always helps, but as soon as i stop giving it gas, it hesitates. Please help. I prefer not to spend $75 to have the check engine light give the mechanic 20 different scenarios.  Any ideas?

Thankyou.

Dave

Answer
It sounds like the Mass Air Flow Sensor is bad.  I would have the system scanned to retrieve the Diagnostic Trouble Code(s) (DTC) before replacing any parts.  I think that an auto parts store like Autozone Auto Parts will do this for free, but their staff may not be able to accurately diagnose the problem.  They don't always have all of the information needed.  The DTC only indicates the circuit where the computer sees a problem.  It doesn't always mean that the part is bad.

I hope this helps,
Dave