Collins Auto Care advises that the most common problem a mass airflow (MAF) sensor faces is that it gets dirty. This is because it is located behind the air filter. If the MAF sensor is dirty or malfunctioning, you may end up with a check engine warning on the dashboard. Here are other signs the MAF sensor is bad.
Acceleration Trouble
You may find it difficult to accelerate your vehicle if the MAF sensor is malfunctioning. This is because the engine control module, your vehicle’s main computer chip, has increased the air in the combustion chamber unnecessarily. It has done so due to skewed data provided by the MAF sensor.
Rough Engine Idling
When there is excess air in the chamber, i.e., a lean fuel mixture, your car’s engine will also have problems idling. This is because there isn’t enough fuel in the chamber to keep the idle smooth. Unfortunately, a malfunctioning MAF sensor can be the underlying cause of this problem.
Poor Performance
It can also be the underlying cause of poor engine performance for the reasons discussed above. Any time there is a lean fuel mixture in the combustion chamber, the engine will hesitate and sputter. If there is too much fuel in the chamber, the engine will pick up speed unexpectedly.
Poor Gas Mileage
All of these things can cause a reduction in your vehicle’s overall gas mileage. Unfortunately, because the MAF sensor is the underlying cause of the problem, it must be cleaned or replaced before your gas mileage is restored. We can inspect the sensor and address the problem.
Black Exhaust Smoke
Getting back to too much fuel in the combustion chamber, this condition can also cause your vehicle to release black exhaust out of the tailpipe. Any time you have black exhaust, the engine is burning too much fuel. In severe cases, you may also see flames or spark coming out of the tailpipe. Do not drive your automobile if this is the case.
Difficult Starts
Finally, as you have learned, a faulty MAF sensor can indirectly skew the balance of air and fuel in the combustion chamber. When this happens, the engine has problems running. In fact, it can be so bad that you will have difficulties starting your car, truck, or utility vehicle.
Call Collins Auto Care in Houston, TX, today if your vehicle is experiencing any of the problems listed above. We can repair the issue and get you back on the road quickly.
