Automotive Mass Air Sensors and Meters



Automotive Mass Air Sensors and Meters

The mass air flow (MAF) sensor, part of your vehicle’s electronic fuel injection system, is responsible for calculating the total amount of air entering the engine. A contaminated or failed mass air flow sensor cannot measure the amount of air flow correctly. This causes the engine computer to miscalculate the amount of injected fuel, causing additional damage to your engine. 

When the engine is idling, a small amount of air flows around the hot wire, so it takes a very low electric current to keep the wire hot. When you press the gas, the throttle opens allowing more air to flow over the hot wire. The passing air cools the wire down. The more air flows over the wire, the more electrical current is needed to keep it hot. The electric current is proportional to the amount of air flow. A small electronic chip installed inside the air flow sensor translates the electric current into a digital signal and sends it to the engine computer (PCM). The PCM uses the air flow signal to calculate how much fuel to inject. The goal is to keep the air/fuel ratio at the optimal level.

In modern cars, the only way to test the mass air flow sensor is with a scan tool. Mechanics measure the amount of air flow (mass air flow sensor readings) at different RPMs. They compare the readings to the specifications or to the readings of a known-good mass airflow sensor.

With many MAF sensor problems, the solution may be as simple as cleaning the wires. However, it's also a good idea to have a mechanic check your vehicle for damage. It’s important to get proper readings from the MAF so that the ECU can do its job maintaining the correct ratio. If you are concerned your MAF sensors may be functioning properly, State Street Auto Repair can examine them and determine if they need to be cleaned or replaced. 

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