Mass airflow sensors are standard on most automobiles. Check your manual to verify if your car has one. You rarely need to worry about it if it does. However, in certain cases the sensor may become too dirty or malfunction. The mass airflow sensor can also go bad. Below are signs your car may need a new mass-airflow sensor.
Illuminated CEL
The engine control unit monitors everything going on inside your engine while it is running. The unit will be notified if the MAF sensor is malfunctioning. The error code will cause the check engine lamp to turn on and alert you. The diagnostic test will reveal the code.
Performance Lag
Your engine may start to perform poorly. The MAF sensor is used to provide engine control units with air data. If the MAF sensor is malfunctioning, the data it provides may be incorrect. Unfortunately, this can cause the engine control unit to add extra air to the combustion chamber.
Performance Surge
Sometimes, the opposite can happen. The unit can add fuel into the chamber to create a rich fuel mixture. This is based on MAF data that has been skewed. This will cause your engine to accelerate unexpectedly and in short bursts. You will feel like you’re riding a bucking bronco.
Rotten Gas Mileage
It doesn’t matter whether your engine is lagging, or surging. In both cases, it will use more fuel and decrease your fuel economy. It is cheaper to replace the MAF sensor when gas prices are as high today than to fill up your tank more frequently over time.
Dark Engine Exhaust
If the MAF sensor tells the engine control unit that additional fuel is required, the engine could also emit dark exhaust. The engine will then burn the fuel, which is what creates the excessive exhaust.
Difficult Starts
This imbalance between fuel and air can make it difficult for your car to start. The engine might not have enough fuel to ignite the combustion chamber, or it may be flooded with fuel. It doesn’t matter what, it can be difficult to start the vehicle.
Give us a call right away. We’ll make an appointment to see your vehicle that fits your schedule. We will replace the mass airflow sensor if necessary. If it is possible to solve the problem by cleaning it, we will do so. We are the best auto service shop in town.