A mass air flow sensor, or MAF, is the sensor that determines air amount that enters the engine compartment. It ensures the amount of air that helps in the combustion process. The sensor is located between the air filter and the engine’s intake manifold. For some cars, the IAT sensor does the same thing as the airflow sensor. There are different types of sensors that should be maintained differently. Digital sensors send a frequency signal, while the analog one produces a changing voltage output. Both of the signals are sent to the ECU to regulate the air-fuel mixture in the car’s transmission system.
Let’s discuss how the sensor works and how it can fail.
What Does Mass Air Flow Sensor Do?
The mass flow sensor measures the amount of flowing air into the engine intake chamber. This is crucial for the right air-fuel ratio (AFR). An exact proper AFR is 14.7:1. Well, this amount can vary sometimes, but for correct acceleration, a vehicle needs an AFR of 12:1. But if you are in cruising mode, your vehicle will need to have a ratio of 22:1. But when you have a failing mass air flow sensor, it gets difficult or impossible for the ECM to get the ratio correctly. This can cause many severe issues in your vehicle.
How To Test the Mass Air Flow Sensor: Symptoms of A Faulty Air Flow Sensor
Well, now we know that a failing sensor can create many issues in your car but what are the symptoms by which you can get that your air flow sensor is creating a mess? Let’s discuss some of them downwards.
Check Engine Light
The check engine light on the dashboard is the most prominent sign of a failing air sensor. Well, obviously, there can be another reason for the lit-up light. But if a mass air flow sensor creates any issue, the light will turn on.
Jerking Or Shuddering
If you feel unusual jerking all of a sudden, then the main culprit can be a defective mass air flow sensor. However, this can happen while driving on a highway or cruising slowly on a downstreet. But operating a car in this situation can be extremely dangerous. So, you should diagnose your car and make it right.
Issue With the Mileage
Your air flow sensor is directly related to the air-fuel ratio, and that is related to the mileage or the fuel performance of the car. If that goes bad, then the mileage will be affected. If you notice lower mileage all of a sudden, then the air sensor can be a reason.
Black Smoke from The Tailpipe
If there are any sensor issues, then the combustion process will be disturbed. And If the combustion process cannot work properly, black smoke will come from the tailpipe. So this is all because of the sensor. Whenever you notice this symptom, consider going to a professional mechanic to get a repair.
Accidental Misfires
Without a proper signal from the airflow sensor, other parts of the car won’t get how much fuel the engine needs for combustion. This can cause a too-lean or a too-rich engine. As a result of the incomplete combustion process, the vehicle can misfire sometimes. Well-damaged spark plugs can also be the reason, but a failing air sensor is another evil for this issue.
How To Clean Mass Air Flow Sensor?
Air sensor gets clogged with dust and debris from the road. So sometimes we need to clean it for the best performance. To clean the sensor, a user can follow these steps.
- First, locate the sensor.
- Remove the sensor from the air duct with a lot of care.
- Disconnect the electrical connector that sends signal and power to the sensor.
- Grab an air sensor cleaner and spray it 10 to 15 times on the wire and the plate.
- Wipe out all the dust with a soft tissue but do not scrub the parts.
- If you do it roughly, parts or wires can break and cause financial damage.
- Give enough time for the sensor to dry, and then reinstall it again.
How To Fix the Mass Air Flow Sensor?
If the airflow sensor has gone bad or getting defective, then you should try to fix it before replacing it. For the fixing process, first, you can try to clean it with a cleaner. If that don’t work, then go to a professional mechanic to address the defect.
Mass Air Flow Sensor- FAQs
➢Check Engine Light
➢Jerking Or Shuddering
➢Issue With the Mileage
➢Black Smoke from The Tailpipe
➢Accidental Misfires
It completely depends on the brand or the model of the vehicle. But on average, the replacement cost is between $300 and less.
If the sensor is going through any issues, first, you should diagnose it with the proper tools. If that can be repaired, then you should not spend extra money. But a severe issue you can consider replacing it with a new one.
Generally, airflow sensors are built to last long. Experts suggest that a user should replace it every 10 years of continuous usage.
