Maf mass airflow sensor is dirty or faulty

A check engine light often comes on due to a dirty airflow sensor (MAS). Learn the symptoms of an MAS that needs cleaning, and how to clean it.The faulty mass airflow sensor and how to fix the problem written by: nandy A vehicles MAF or mass airflow sensor, is the element that measures the density and flow of the air passing in to the combustion section.It assists the vehicles computer activate the air ratio to fuel.Mass airflow sensor problems can cause a variety of symptoms from the annoying to the must repair. We'll discuss these in-depth on this page. It is common for the mass airflow sensor to get dirty (if the air filter is dirty) and lose the ability to read the amount of air coming in the engine.

If the vacuum hoses are leaking, it will give the same error code as mass airflow sensor failure.

How to tell you got a bad MAF

A bad mass air flow sensor in a vehicle makes starting difficult and affects the performance of the engine because he engine-control unit uses data from the MAF sensor to balance the fuel ratio the injectors deliver to the engine. A bad sensor returns a significantly different temperature than that of the engine coolant when read using a scan tool set to temperature.

MAF sensor may be hard to start or stall after starting. It may hesitate under loa surge, idle rough or run excessively rich or lean. The first step in diagnosing a faulty MAF sensor is to perform my favorite test—the tap test. Using a screwdriver, lightly tap on the sensor while the engine is running, noting any changes in engine rpm or idle quality with each tap. A mass air flow sensor, or MAF, is a tool found in modern engines used to monitor the incoming air.

This information is essential for the engine control unit (ECU) to deliver a balanced amount of fuel mass to the engine.

How to Detect and Clean a Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor - CarsDirect

Mass Air Flow sensor, commonly referred to as a MAF sensor. The problem is very common on high mileage engines with an original MAF sensor.