Full name Mass Air Flow Sensor, is more commonly known as a MAF sensor, air meter or sometimes simply MAF. While it might have many names, it’s responsible for just one, but still very important job: measuring the amount of air entering the engine. The ECU or PCM then uses this information to calculate the correct amount of fuel needed for an optimal air-fuel ratio. Of course, without this information the ECU will not be able to accurately control fuel injection, resulting in an engine that will either idle roughly or worse case, not at all. Since a number of other parts i.e. faulty spark plugs, wires, injectors, etc, may mirror these symptoms, MAF sensor failure can be difficult to diagnose. However; There are 3 key signs that may indicate it’s time to examine your MAF sensor:
- STALLING, JERKING, OR HESITATION DURING ACCELERATION
- AIR FUEL RATIO IS TOO RICH
“Running rich ”means there is too much fuel and not enough air in each combustion cylinder. Signs that your vehicle is running rich include:
Black smoke exiting the tailpipe
Worse fuel efficiency than usual
Rough idling
Check Engine Light
- AIR FUEL RATIO IS TOO LEAN
“Running lean” – the opposite of running rich – means your vehicle has too little fuel and too much air in each combustion chamber.
You may experience:
Engine hesitation and/or surging
Hard engine seizures
Hard starting
Check Engine Light
