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Air Intake and Induction » Mass Air Flow Sensors

What is a Mass Air Flow Sensor or MAF?

The mass air flow (MAF) sensor is part of your vehicle's electronic fuel injection system. The MAF sensor calculates the total amount of air entering the engine through the intake tract, and tells the computer how much fuel to inject for air coming through the intake. 

 

 

How does a mass air flow sensor work?

The mass air flow (MAF) sensor has two sensing wires in the housing that protrudes into the intake tube prior to the throttle body.  One wire is heated by electrical current, the other is not heated at all.  As air flows across the heated wire, it cools the wire down. When the temperature difference between the two sensing wires changes, the MAF sensor automatically increases or decreases the current to the heated wire to compensate, telling the computer how much fuel to send through the fuel injectors.

 

How much horsepower and mpg increase can I expect from an aftermarket mass air flow sensor?

Aftermarket performance mass air flow (MAF) sensors replace your OEM sensor and improve on mileage and can increase horsepower by up to 20-HP, depending on the vehicle and engine. Performance MAF sensors increase airflow and low-end torque, without robbing top-end power, and works with factory electronics.

 

What are the symptoms of a bad mass air flow (MAF) sensor?

  • The engine hesitates or drags while under load or idling.
  • During acceleration, you experience hesitation and jerking.
  • The engine coughs, sputters, or hiccups.
  • Excessively rich idling or lean idling.
  • The engine is difficult to start or crank over.
  • The engine stalls or dies shortly after starting.

 

Can you drive with a bad mass air flow sensor?

Yes and no. Yes, you can drive your vehicle with a bad mass air flow (MAF) sensor, but only to get it home or to a repair shop to fix or replace it. Ignoring this problem can lead to far more severe engine problems and damage.

 

Why would a car run better with the mass air flow sensor unplugged?

If your vehicle runs better with your MAF sensor unplugged, you likely have a shorted-out sensor. When the computer does not read a signal from your mass air flow sensor, it provides the computer with a stock signal that will allow you to drive your vehicle for a short period of time to get it fixed or replaced.