Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF)

What is the Mass Air Flow Sensor?

The Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine. This measurement allows the engine’s computer to mix the correct amount of fuel and fuel for optimum performance. Accomplishing the correct ratio of air and fuel allows the engine to run perfectly. MAF sensors provide the information the engine management computer needs to keep your engine performing optimally. Because the car’s onboard computer is making adjustments thousands of time per second the Mass Air Flow Sensor’s data accuracy is critical.

Can a MAF be cleaned? It is possible but highly discouraged. The sensing element that the air passes over is so sensitive that it is easily damaged. Accordingly, your car may stall, hesitate, or use more fuel than normal when the MAF sensor is failing. Consequently, If this sensor is malfunctioning your engine will not know run efficiently.  The incorrect ratio of fuel and air entering the engine leads to high fuel consumption and poor performance.

Neglecting the Mass Air Flow Sensor Can Lead to Bigger Problems:

MAF sensors are now a part of modern engine maintenance. Avoiding issues with your Mass Air Flow sensor can lead to bigger problems such as your catalytic converter.  Components associated with the mass air sensor are much more expensive in most cases.  Proper servicing can save you from expensive repairs in the future.

There is some risk of not addressing a mass air flow sensor problem.  Your car might not start and you could be left stranded. When performance is needed the engine may not have the power you are expecting. A bad MAF sensor will waste fuel and increase your carbon footprint.