At One Stop Automotive we can help you get to the bottom of things and can get the mass airflow sensor working the way it is supposed to work.
What is a Mass Airflow Sensor?
The mass airflow sensor is located near the air filter and is an important part of the fuel injection system. It is designed to measure the volume of air flowing into the engine intake. This is very important because it regulates the air/fuel ratio mix for the engine.
Signs of Failing Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF)
1. Check Engine Light (CEL/MIL): The check engine light is the first indicator of component failures. The warning light on the dashboard will illuminate to alert you of vehicle system issues. In this case you would usually get a code for a failing MAF. The issue may be caused by the sensor itself failing, bad wiring due to rodent damage or a few other things. When you have a Check Engine Light It is important to take the vehicle to One Stop Automotive for a diagnosis so this issue can be resolved. If the light is flashing we recommend having the vehicle towed.
2. Noticing Yucky Black Exhaust Smoke: If you notice black smoke coming from the tail pipe, this may mean the MAF sensor is not metering the air/fuel ratio properly. This can damage the catalytic converters as well if not addressed in a timely manner. If the sensor is malfunctioning, the air/fuel mixture will be incorrect, which will cause poor engine performance, or worse. If this happens you may notice some black smoke from the tailpipe.
3. Engine Misfires, Running Rough/Shaking: When the air flowing to the engine is interrupted or mis-calibrated, it can lead to engine misfires, engine shaking and running rough. This occurs when the air/fuel ratio is miscalculated by a bad sensor and the vehicle's main computer module (ECM/PCM) cannot regulate the required amount of fuel for the engine to operate properly.
4. Difficulty Starting/Turning the Engine Over: A failing sensor can also cause a no start condition, and will not allow the vehicle to start until the faulty sensor is replaced. Newtons law is that it will happen at the worst possible place at the worst possible time.
Keep up to date on inspections at One Stop Automotive. We are a top shop in the area because we want to help you and others in our community.