What does a MAF air flow sensor do?
The mass air flow (MAF) sensor, part of your vehicle’s electronic fuel injection system, is responsible for calculating the total amount of air entering the engine. A contaminated or failed mass air flow sensor cannot measure the amount of air flow correctly.
How does the mass airflow sensor measure airflow?
The Mass Air Flow Sensor measures the amount of air volume flowing into a car’s engine, and sends the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) a voltage that represents the airflow.
Is the Ford mass air flow ( MAF ) sensor inside?
Ford has used a Hot-Wire type mass air flow sensor for many years that either comes with or without an internal air temperature sensor. If the MAF sensor has 6 wires, then this is a dead giveaway that it has the air temp sensor integrated inside.
What are the symptoms of a failed mass air flow sensor?
The mass air flow sensor can also get dirty if the engine air filter is not changed on time, which results in the same symptoms as a failed sensor. The most common signs of a failing mass air flow sensor are poor engine performance, such as hesitation or stalling; lack of power; poor fuel economy; and difficulty starting.
How does the temperature sensor in a MAF work?
The air cools the wire, so as more air passes through the MAF, more current is needed to keep the wire hot. The temperature sensor measures ambient air temperature to adjust for differences in climate and humidity and helps regulate the temperature of the wire.
How does a hot wire mass air flow sensor work?
Let’s see how it works. A hot-wire mass air flow sensor has a small electrically heated wire (hot wire). A temperature sensor installed close to the hot wire measures the temperature of the air near the hot wire. When the engine is idling, a small amount of air flows around the hot wire, so it takes a very low electric current to keep the wire hot.