Table of Contents
The mass air flow sensor (MAF) is a key component of the electronic fuel injection system in a car. It is located between the air filter and the engine’s intake manifold. In some cars, the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor is built into the mass air flow sensor.
How do I know if my mass airflow sensor is bad?
Symptoms of a Faulty Mass Air Flow Sensor The engine is very hard to start or turn over. The engine stalls shortly after starting. The engine hesitates or drags while under load or idle. Hesitation and jerking during acceleration. The engine hiccups. Excessively rich or lean idling.
How long does it take to replace a mass air flow sensor?
DIY Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate, depending on how easy or difficult it is to reach and remove the mass air flow sensor on your particular vehicle. Time Required: 5-90 minutes, depending on how easy or difficult it is to reach and remove the mass air flow sensor on your particular vehicle.
How do I reset my mass airflow sensor?
Start engine and warm it up to normal operating temperature. Turn ignition switch OFF. Disconnect mass air flow sensor harness connector. Restart engine and let it idle for at least 5 seconds. Stop engine and reconnect mass air flow sensor harness connector. Make sure DTC P0102 is displayed. Erase the DTC memory. “.
How much does it cost to replace mass airflow sensor?
The Average Mass Air Flow Sensor Replacement Cost Ranges from $240 to $330 Depending on if You Go to the Mechanic or DIY. Cost to DIY: $3 to $240, depending on whether you clean the MAF first or replace it. Urgency: Perform this service within a month to avoid vehicle damage.
How much does it cost for a mass air flow sensor?
Many mass air flow sensors will cost around $100–$150, however some will reach upwards of $400 — especially in higher end German makes. Most of these sensors sit on the air induction system, so installation will not be very expensive, usually around $20–$50.
Can you drive without a mass air flow sensor?
Yes it can run just fine if it has an emissions system that does not use a mass air flow sensor. Otherwise it will not run well without it.
Can you trick a mass air flow sensor?
The only way to safely “Trick” the MAF is to have a true cold air intake that is away from the hot engine.
What happens if you disconnect the mass air flow sensor?
If you unplug the mass air flow sensor the car will start. If you try to plug it in while it’s running the car will die.
What causes mass airflow sensor problems?
Contamination is a key reason why MAF sensors fail and require replacement. As air, dirt and other debris get into the sensor, the parts become contaminated and fail. Drivers often notice sluggish performance, rough idling, poor acceleration or even stalling.
Is there a fuse for the mass air flow sensor?
There is a fuse for the maf sensor, but it is not the same one that runs most of the other stuff on that side of the engine bay. The code you get is for a dead maf, usually when the fuse pops.
Does MAF affect fuel pressure?
Signs of a bad MAF sensor may mimic problems such as low vacuum, low compression, or low fuel pressure due to a bad fuel pump. The most common symptoms of a malfunctioning MAS sensor include: The engine is hard to start or has trouble turning over. The engine displays unusually lean or rich idling.
Should I clean or replace my mass airflow sensor?
MAF sensors can become damaged, but more often they just get too dirty to do their job well. In this case, they can be cleaned but if it is a mechanical or electrical failure, they must be replaced.
Can you replace a mass air flow sensor yourself?
You just need to take off a few plastic pieces by unscrewing a few bolts and replace the sensor. If you have no confidence in replacing it by yourself, go to your mechanic and replace it, it shouldn’t be a labor-intensive job. The amount of time will affect the mass air flow sensor repair cost as well.
How important is the mass air flow sensor?
Your Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF Sensor) is a piece of technology within your engine which tells your car’s computer how much air is entering the engine. This is important as it allows your engine to regulate its performance and change the intake of air to keep your engine running in its best condition.
Why are mass air flow sensors so expensive?
A lower-tier automotive parts manufacturer is always squeezed hard for margins so that MAF sensor must cost $25+ to manufacture in high volume and parts may be the bulk of the cost, except for calibration.
Are all mass air flow sensors the same?
There are different types of Mass Air Flow sensors. The newer, and more common is the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor. Mass Air Flow Sensor: Hot Wire Type. The primary components of the MAF sensor are a thermistor, a platinum hot wire, and an electronic control circuit.
How do you clean a MAF sensor without cleaning it?
Spray the alcohol liberally over the MAF sensor. Be sure to cover the MAF sensor’s wires, intake and all its crevasses to thoroughly clean the part. Do not touch or scrub the MAF sensor’s wires because they are very delicate and could break. The alcohol will remove all the impurities on its own.
When I unplug my MAF sensor car runs better?
The MAF sensor measures air weight in grams per second and air temperature and if either of those two are off then the ECU may command a leaner or a richer mixture. By disconnecting the sensor the ECU switches to limp mode and the car may idle better .
What is the difference between throttle body cleaner and mass air flow cleaner?
If you use the wrong kind of cleaner on the MAF sensor and it leaves a residue, it can burn a little wire if it’s a hot-wire MAF sensor. But on the throttle body, it cleans it perfectly good. It’s just, on the MAF sensor, it evaporates faster. Because the throttle body cleaner is cheaper.
