By far, the most common type of MAF sensor is a “hot-wire” MAF sensor. This type of sensor measures the amount of current necessary to maintain the temperature of a wire above 90 degrees, which in turn gives your car’s computer a measure of the mass of the air entering the engine. Your car uses this number for multiple calculations, which is why keeping your MAF sensor running properly is important. Common signs of a failing MAF sensor include:
2. Your Engine Runs Lean When Working, or Rich When IdlingYour mass air flow tells your car’s computer information about the air that is used in your engine’s combustion chamber. If the wire is dirty, for example due to dirt, oil, or even dust, your engine will run lean when in motion, and rich when idling, due to inaccurate readings. If you consistently notice these features, chances are your wire is being insulated. The fix for this problem is as simple as cleaning the hot wire.
3. Stalling or rough idlingIf your MAF sensor fails completely, airflow information will not be sent to your control module. This will prevent your car’s computer from controlling the airflow information properly, causing the mentioned problems. The fix for this is a replacement of the MAF sensor.