Let’s use this blog post to talk about the mass airflow (MAF) sensor. This sensor has the important job of keeping track of the air that flows into your vehicle’s engine. To help facilitate its job, it is located behind the air filter. This sensor can last a lifetime, but it can also get dirty or go bad if you don’t maintain your automobile. CAR FIX is going to list the signs of a bad MAF sensor below so you know what they are in the event your vehicle is suffering from one.
Hard Start/Dead Engine
If it is difficult to get your vehicle started or you cannot get it started at all, it could be that you have a faulty MAF sensor. When this sensor goes bad, the engine control unit is left confused as to how much air and fuel your automobile needs in the combustion chamber. If the mixture is way off, you may not be able to get your engine started because it is fuel-starved or flooded.
Stalling After Starting
Another problem that can occur is your engine will stall right after you get it started. This, too, can point to an imbalance of the air and fuel that is in the combustion chamber. Your engine must have the correct amount of air and fuel in order to run inefficiently. If it is lacking one or the other, you may be able to get it started after some work, but it will stall right away.
Unable to Handle Stress
Let’s assume for a moment that we are talking about a light-duty work truck that does a lot of hauling. If you have noticed that the engine seems to struggle lately while you are hauling, this could be because of the mass airflow sensor. If the mass airflow sensor is malfunctioning, you end up with the problems in the air and fuel mixture discussed above. This directly affects your engine’s ability to operate when under stress.
Acceleration Trouble
You may also have a difficult time getting your vehicle to accelerate. Your vehicle may hesitate or jerk when you press down on the accelerator. A dirty mass airflow sensor can cause this problem as can a dirty air filter, clogged fuel injectors, or clogged fuel lines among other issues.
Hiccupping/Idling Troubles
Finally, your engine may also hiccup once you reach your desired speed or you may notice that it is idling roughly. Both of these things suggested there is too much air in the vehicle’s combustion chamber and, again, this can be caused by a malfunctioning MAF sensor.
CAR FIX in Cookeville, Crossville, and Oak Ridge, TN, can help. Call the shop closest to you to schedule an appointment today.
