Step by step guide on how an automotive mass air flow sensor (MAF) works.
Step 1 - The mass air flow sensor is designed to monitor the volume of air passing into the engine at any giving time (located in the intake tube connected to the throttle body) this information is then transmitted to the computer for calculations while helping adjust fuel injector input and ignition timing settings.
Step 2 - All maf sensors include an electrical
connector which is used to transfer data to the computer.
Step 3 - A hot wire is used to detect air flow
by measuring the resistance change as varying amounts of air are passed over it.
Step 4 - Sensor wiring diagrams are used to
help troubleshoot electrical problems. Helpful Information A mass air flow sensor can become inaccurate after large amounts of air (high
mileage) has passed
over the hot wire and must be
cleaned before
normal operation will return. These sensors are delicate and are prone to failure,
fortunately
replacement is simple in most cases. Engine performance issues involving
this sensor include, hesitation, low power and poor mileage.