It’s odd how the mass airflow (MAF) sensor can prevent you from being able to get your car, truck, or utility vehicle started. The MAF sensor measures the incoming air into the engine. If it malfunctions, it may report incorrect data regarding the air levels to the engine control module. When this happens, the module makes incorrect adjustments to the air and fuel in the combustion chamber. New Castle Auto Repair advises that these adjustments can make it difficult to start your automobile.
Acceleration Lag
If you do get your engine started, you may notice that your automobile is having difficult times accelerating when you press down on the accelerator. This acceleration lag can be attributed to too much air in the combustion chamber. Excess air in the chamber can also make your engine sputter. If the engine control module puts too much fuel in the chamber by accident, your engine will surge.
Rough Engine Idle
The faulty mass airflow sensor can also make your engine idle roughly if, again, there is too much air in the combustion chamber. The engine control module relies on the data provided by the mass airflow sensor to keep the air and fuel balanced in the combustion chamber. If the data is skewed and causes the module to add unnecessary air, your engine will idle roughly and might even stall.
Poor Fuel Efficiency
Naturally, any time your engine is having problems performing at an efficient level, it will burn through more gasoline. This is especially true if the engine control module puts too much fuel in the combustion chamber because the MAF sensor data is skewed. Unfortunately, you will continue to head to the service station more often until the faulty MAF sensor is cleaned or replaced.
Black Engine Exhaust
Another sign that the MAF sensor is indirectly adding fuel to the combustion chamber is black engine exhaust. Any time the engine burns more fuel than necessary, it releases black exhaust out of the tailpipe. In severe cases, you may even see sparks or flames in the exhaust.
Check Engine Light
Finally, because your engine is struggling, the engine control module will turn on the check engine light. A malfunctioning MAF sensor can cause others system sensors to send error codes to the engine control module. These error codes are what trigger the module to turn on the check engine light.
New Castle Auto Repair is the best auto service shop in New Castle, PA, and we would be happy to inspect your car’s mass airflow sensor if you suspect it is going bad.