The mass airflow sensor (MAF) is an important component in your vehicle and having to deal with one that is damaged can be a nightmare. Damaged mass airflow sensors can greatly affect the way your vehicle performs. It is important that once you notice issues with your MAF you contact your local auto body repair experts in Granite City, IL to help you get your sensor fixed. Here we will be explaining more about your mass airflow sensor, what it does, some issues, and your options for repair and replacement.
How Your Mass Airflow Sensor Functions
The mass airflow sensor is a part of your vehicle’s fuel injection system, and it is responsible for checking the amount of air that is let into the engine. MAF sensors are located between the body of the throttle and the vehicle’s air filter. A majority of vehicles use a platinum hot wire MAF sensor. There is a microprocessor inside the sensor that is responsible for measuring the air that is let into the engine. After calculating the energy that is needed to maintain the sensor, it will send it to the powertrain Control Module (PCM). The PCM is used to control the injectors, which helps deliver the correct amount of fuel proportionate to the airflow.
Signs of A Problematic MAF Sensor
There can be many signs that your mass airflow sensor is malfunctioning. If you notice any of these problems, it is important to have your vehicle looked at by your local auto body professionals in Granite City, IL. Here are just some of the issues a malfunctioning MAF sensor can cause:
- Differences With Acceleration: If you have noticed that your vehicle has a jerky acceleration, it could be your MAF sensor. This is caused by the air-fuel mixture being “too lean,” which will not give your car the right amount of fuel it needs to accelerate. This problem can cause reduced acceleration as well.
- Emitting Black Smoke and Rough Idling: You may run into the issue where the air-fuel mixture has too much fuel than the air, this can cause issues many issues including rough idling. This also causes black smoke to come out of the exhaust pipe of your vehicle.
Cleaning Your Mass Airflow Sensor
One of the biggest reasons why your MAF sensor is not working properly is because of all the dirt and dust it has accumulated over time. This will interfere with the sensor’s ability to make accurate readings. It is very easy to clean off your MAF sensor, just take off the sensor head and clean the inside with an electronic cleaner or any special cleaners you might have that are designed for mass airflow sensors.
Replacing Your MAF Sensor
If all else fails and you are unable to get your mass airflow sensor repaired, you should have it replaced. It cost around the range of $150 to $500 including the cost of labor and the model or make of your vehicle to replace your sensor. While you might be able to replace or repair your MAF sensor yourself if you have the experience, it is advised that you let your local professionals handle it.
If you are looking for an auto body shop that can help you replace or repair your mass airflow sensor in Granite City, IL, give our team of experts over at Hotz Automotive a call today!