In our last blog post, we talked about the oxygen sensor. Now, let’s talk about the mass airflow (MAF) sensor. Rarely does this sensor malfunction, but it can get dirty and send incorrect data to the engine control unit (ECU). Eurotech Auto Service & Repair advises that if the ECU believes there is a problem with the airflow into the engine, it might make unnecessary adjustments to the air in the combustion chamber and you will experience the following problems.
Acceleration Lag
For example, if the ECU believes the combustion chamber needs more air when it actually doesn’t, your acceleration will sputter and lag when you press down on the accelerator in your European automobile. This is because the engine is fuel-starved. There is more air in the combustion chamber than fuel.
Black Exhaust Smoke
A faulty MAF sensor can cause the opposite problem, as well. In this case, there’s more fuel than air in the combustion chamber and you will end up with black exhaust smoke flowing out of your European automobile’s tailpipe. Oftentimes, cleaning the MAF sensor resolves the problem.
Engine Hesitation
Going back to too much air, aside from your acceleration hesitating, your engine will hesitate, as well. You will notice that it will sputter and struggle to maintain higher speeds as you drive. It will also struggle when it is under stress, such as when you are driving up a steep hill.
Engine Surging
Too much fuel can cause the engine to surge. In other words, the engine will pick up speed and lurch forward as if it were a bucking bronco. This can be frustrating because you don’t feel as if you are in control of your European automobile.
Hard/No Starts
If the air and fuel mixture in the combustion chamber is skewed too much, you may not be able to get your car or crossover started. Unfortunately, again, the MAF sensor can be the indirect cause of this problem. It has convinced the ECU to make an unnecessary adjustment in the combustion chamber.
Poor Fuel Economy
This can also reduce your fuel economy. The engine is not running efficiently when it is sputtering or surging, and, as a consequence, it will burn through the gasoline or diesel fuel very quickly.
Rough Engine Idle
The dirty MAF sensor can also indirectly affect how well your vehicle runs when you are sitting at an idle. Whether a lean or rich fuel mixture, your engine’s idle will become rough. A lean mixture is heavy and air and a rich mixture is heavy and fuel.
Finally, Eurotech Auto Service & Repair in Fort Myers, FL, advises that your check engine light might turn on if the MAF sensor is dirty. Give us a call today if you are experiencing any of these problems.