The mass airflow sensor is also called the MAF sensor. This sensor is located in your vehicle’s engine behind the air filter. Its primary purpose is to detect how much air flows into the engine from the outside. It reports this airflow to the engine control module, the main computer chip. The module uses this data to make adjustments in the combustion chamber. Unfortunately, Midwest Auto Care advises that if the MAF sensor is faulty, the engine control module may make unnecessary adjustments in the combustion chamber that results in the following problems.
Black Engine Exhaust
For example, assume for the moment that the MAF sensor reported more airflow than is actually coming into the engine. The module would increase the fuel in the combustion chamber to compensate for this excess airflow. Because there isn’t any excess airflow, the fuel mixture will become rich and you will end up with black exhaust smoke coming out of the tailpipe.
Hard Starts/No Starts
A rich fuel mixture can also make it difficult to start your car, truck, or utility vehicle. In fact, if the engine is flooded, you won’t be able to start it at all. The engine control module can also push more air into the chamber than is needed due to incorrect readings from the sensor. This is a lean fuel mixture, and it, too, makes it difficult to get your automobile started.
Performance Problems
Both mixtures will cause engine performance issues. For example, a rich fuel mixture will make your engine pick up speed erratically at unexpected times. A lean fuel mixture will cause your engine to sputter and struggle to go at high speeds.
Reduced Fuel Economy
This is an indication that the engine is not running efficiently, and when it does not run efficiently, it burns through more gasoline. Consequently, you will notice a reduction in your vehicle’s fuel economy that will leave you with an empty tank sooner than normal.
Rough Engine Idling
Either fuel mixture can also make your engine idle roughly. This is easy to notice because you are stopped when it happens. You will hear your engine sputtering and feel your vehicle vibrate if it has a rough idle. This can be caused by a malfunctioning MAF sensor.
Trouble Accelerating
A lean fuel mixture will also make it difficult to accelerate. You will notice a significant lag in your vehicle’s acceleration when you press down on the accelerator. This is an indication that there is too much air in the combustion chamber.
Finally, Midwest Auto Care in Lake Station, IN, advises that your check engine light might turn on due to the problems listed above. We can help, so call us today to schedule an appointment for your automobile.