A Mass Air Flow sensor is a device used in vehicles to measure the amount of air entering the engine. This information is important for the Engine Control Unit to calculate and deliver the right amount of fuel for efficient combustion. The Mass Air Flow sensor helps maintain the correct air-fuel ratio, which is vital for optimal engine performance, emissions control, and fuel efficiency. This sensor measures the cooling effects and converts it into an electrical signal. The mass of the airflow would depend on the magnitude of the signal sent by the sensor.
This information is then transmitted to the Engine Control Unit, which uses this information along with other sensor data to make adjustments to ignition timings, fuel injection, and other parameters. This is how the Mass Air Flow sensor continuously monitors and adjusts the air-fuel mixture to ensure the engine runs efficiently and smoothly. If the Mass Air Flow Sensor is dirty or malfunctioning, it can cause various issues.
What are the symptoms of a malfunctioning Mass Air Flow sensor?
Difficulty starting your car
When the fuel mixture is off, it will prevent the vehicle from starting. A lean mixture containing a low proportion of fuel caused by too little fuel or too much air will not provide enough fuel for the spark plugs to ignite. On the other hand, a rich fuel mixture that contains too much fuel and not enough air will make it hard for the vehicle to start.
Check Engine light on
A bad mass airflow sensor can cause the check engine light on the dashboard to illuminate. A faulty sensor can create problems in the combustion chamber, and the sensors send error codes to the electronic control unit (ECU).
Misfiring and rough running
When the MAF sensor does not send accurate signals, the Power Control Module (PCM) won’t know how much fuel to send to the engine. This can cause the engine to run lean or rich. As a result, the ignition of the air-fuel mixture inside the engine will not be complete. This can cause the engine to run rough or misfire.
Reduced engine performance
When the Mass Airflow Sensor (MAS) provides inaccurate readings to the ECU, it causes disruption in fuel ignition, timing, and throttle response. It will either add less fuel or more fuel into the cylinders. This may cause rough idling, poor acceleration, overheating, and an overall reduced engine performance.
Decreased fuel efficiency
A malfunctioning Mass Airflow Sensor can cause the fuel injectors to dump excess fuel in the cylinders. This extra fuel will go unburned and lead to increased fuel consumption. Apart from increasing your fuel expenditure, this can also cause problems with your catalytic converter and ignition system.
Engine hesitation
When the mass flow signals wrongly indicate less air in the engine than there is, the Engine Control Module (ECM) will reduce the amount of fuel entering the combustion chamber. When this happens, the engine will drag and hesitate. This is more likely to happen when the vehicle is under stress, such as when driving up a steep slope.
Engine Hiccups
When the Mass Airflow Sensor malfunctions and causes an air-fuel imbalance, it can cause the engine to hiccup. Depending on the imbalance, it might even stall the vehicle.
If you suspect your car’s Mass Airflow Sensor is malfunctioning, contact us today to book an appointment. We can test and repair your Mass Airflow Sensor and ensure it is working perfectly.