Before doing this, it’s important to understand what this part really does and what the potential issues might be.
How Does Mass Airflow Sensor Work?
The mass airflow sensor near the air filter is an important part of the fuel injection system. It is used to merely assess the amount of air flowing into the engine intake. This ensures that the air-fuel ratio is optimal for the vehicle to function properly.
Indications of Mass Airflow Sensor Failure
- Check Engine Light
“Check engine lights” are the first sign of failure. This lights up on the dashboard, indicating that there is a problem with the sensor. Problems may include the sensor not functioning as intended or being completely damaged.
In these situations, it is important to give the vehicle to a mechanic for further inspection.
- Dark Exhaust Smoke
If black smoke comes out of the exhaust port, it means that the amount of air in the engine intake port is imbalanced and has reached a dangerous level.
If the sensor begins to fail, the correct ratio may not be obtained, which will cause the airflow to start malfunctioning. When this happens, black smoke can occur.
- Rough or Misfiring Run
If the wrong amount of air enters the engine, it can cause misfires and violent driving. This is due to an imbalance in which the powertrain control module is unaware of the amount of fuel needed to keep the engine running.
This can lead to a non-uniform combustion process that leads to these problems.
- Difficulty in Starting/Cranking the Engine
When starting the vehicle is giving you a hard time, the air-to-fuel ratio is likely off. This will prevent the vehicle from starting until the sensor is repaired. In this case, it is best to go to a qualified car repair shop.
To learn more about how to solve a mass airflow sensor problem, contact a trusted expert at HEART Certified Auto Care. We have a team ready to help and just contact us now!