Mass Air flow Sensor (MAF Sensor)

What Does The MAF Sensor Do?

The MAF sensor measures the air intake volume into the engine and then relays this information to the ECU. The ECU then calculates engine load and in conjunction with data received from other sensors, determines: how much fuel to inject, when to ignite the cylinder and for automatic vehicles, when to shift the transmission.

Where is The MAF Sensor Located?

The MAF sensor is found within the intake air stream, between the air filter and the engine.

What Are The Failure Symptoms Of The MAF Sensor?

A failed MAF sensor may cause a sudden loss of power and/or hesitation upon acceleration; the car may begin to stutter and there will often be a significant increase in fuel consumption. Depending upon the fault with the sensor, the engine management light may also illuminate.

Maintenance Of The MAF Sensor

The MAF sensor should be checked for: any damage to the hose, sensor probe or housing, any build up of dirt or corrosion on the sensor terminals. MAF sensor failure (or associated failure symptoms) is often caused by dirt & oil build-up or a contaminated air intake – if changing the sensor fails to solve the problem, check the whole air intake for problems (e.g. air leaks, damage to the air hosing, etc).

What Else is The MAF Sensor Commonly Called?

The MAF sensor is also often referred to as the: Air Mass Sensor, Air Mass Meter, Air Flow Meter or Air Flow Sensor.