Symptoms of a Bad or Dirty MAF Sensor

The mass airflow (MAF) sensor measures how much air makes its way into your engine from the outside. The engine control module (ECM) uses this data to make adjustments in the combustion chamber. If your mass airflow sensor is bad or dirty, Mark’s Auto Service warns you will notice one or more of the following symptoms below.

Acceleration/Engine Lag

If there is too much air in the combustion chamber, your vehicle’s acceleration will lag. You will find it more difficult to pick up speed when you press down on the accelerator. You may also notice that your engine will lag or stutter once you have reached your desired speed.

Black Vehicle Exhaust

If there is too much fuel in the combustion chamber, you will see black exhaust smoke coming out of your tailpipe because the engine is burning away the excess fuel. It is important that you do not drive your automobile if you have a ton of exhaust smoke pouring out of the pipe.

Check Engine Light

Your check engine light may also come on if you have a malfunctioning MAF sensor. This is a result of the ECM turning it on because of the problems listed above and below. The imbalance in the combustion chamber alone will cause the ECM to turn on the light.

Poor Gas Mileage

Your vehicle may also see a reduction in the gas mileage that it gets if the engine is burning away too much fuel or struggling to run. This reduction may be subtle at first, but if you track your gas mileage, you will still notice the difference.

Rough Idling

Your engine will also idle roughly if there’s too much air in the combustion chamber. This is because it doesn’t have enough fuel and it is struggling to prevent from stalling. You may also notice that your engine is difficult to get started if it stalls or when you first turn it on.

Surging Engine

Finally, if there’s too much fuel in the combustion chamber, your engine will surge. It will pick up speed even if you haven’t directed it to do so. You will feel as if you are driving a bucking bronco. This problem and all of the problems above can be caused by a dirty mass airflow sensor.Mark’s Auto Service is the best auto repair shop in Loves Park, Belvidere, Roscoe, and Rockford, IL. We are also the best auto repair shop in Loves Park, IL. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment. We will inspect your MAF sensor and clean it or replace it if necessary.