The mass airflow (MAF) sensor tracks the air that flows into the engine from the outside. The engine uses this air in the combustion chamber for ignition and to keep the engine running. JTR Repair advises that if the MAF sensor is dirty or malfunctioning, it may become unable to report correct air-inflow data. When this happens, the engine control unit (ECU), may try to overcompensate for a perceived deficit. Consequently, you may end up with one or more of the following engine problems.
Acceleration Lag
If the ECU overcompensates for air that isn’t missing, you will end up with a lean (air-rich) fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. This will cause your vehicle’s acceleration to lag when you try to pick up speed
Performance Trouble
You might also end up with engine performance problems such as sputtering when running on a lean fuel mixture. The dirty MAF sensor can also trick the ECU into putting too much fuel in the chamber. This will cause the vehicle to pick up speed sporadically.
Rough Engine Idle
Another problem with your vehicle’s engine performance if the MAF sensor is malfunctioning is a rough engine idle. This is easy to notice because when you are sitting at an idle, you can listen to your engine and feel your vehicle vibrating.
Reduced Fuel Economy
All of these things will reduce your automobile’s fuel economy. Who would’ve thought that a sensor that detects how much air flows into the engine could cause so many problems when it goes bad? The reason why your fuel economy is reduced is because your engine isn’t running efficiently.
Black Exhaust Smoke
If the ECU puts too much fuel in the combustion chamber because it perceives it needs it when it doesn’t, you may also see black exhaust smoke flowing out of the tailpipe. Once the MAF sensor is cleaned or replaced, the ECU will restore normal levels in the combustion chamber.
Hard Starts or No Starts
Consequently, all of the things listed above can make it difficult to start your automobile. In severe cases, the engine may be dead. You need the right amount of air and fuel in the combustion chamber for your vehicle to fire up and run without any trouble.
JTR Repair in Crawfordsville, IN, would be happy to inspect your mass airflow sensor to see if it is causing problems with your automobile’s engine. Call us today so we can schedule a service appointment that is convenient for you.
