Padron Automotive can help if you’re mass airflow (MAF) sensor is malfunctioning. Generally, you will end up with a faulty MAF sensor if it gets too dirty. When the sensor no longer reports correct air inflow data to the engine control module (ECM), the module will adjust the balance of air and fuel in the combustion chamber incorrectly. This will cause the following problems.
Acceleration Lag
Assume for the moment that the ECM has added air to the combustion chamber even though it didn’t need it. It did so because the MAF sensor sent incorrect data about the air flowing into the engine. The excess air creates a lean fuel mixture that will cause your vehicle’s acceleration to lag.
Rough Engine Idle
This fuel mixture will also cause the engine to idle roughly because it is being fuel-starved. Unfortunately, the ECM will continue to mess with the air and fuel balance because the MAF sensor is malfunctioning. Restoring the MAF sensor’s operation restores the combustion chamber’s balance.
Performance Issues
Another problem that can happen is your engine will sputter and lose power because, again, there is a lean fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. This being said, the ECM can also increase the fuel unnecessarily and cause your engine to pick up speed in spurts as it burns away the gasoline.
Poor Fuel Efficiency
All of the above are going to cause a noticeable reduction in the fuel efficiency that your car, truck, or utility vehicle gets. Unfortunately, the imbalance of air and fuel causes the engine to run inefficiently and it burns through the fuel more quickly. You will have to fill up more often.
Black Exhaust Smoke
Another sign that the ECM has added fuel to the mixture in the combustion chamber is black exhaust smoke flowing out of the tailpipe. As an aside, this can also be caused by a faulty oxygen sensor, a faulty catalytic converter, a clogged air filter, or problems with the engine control module itself.
Hard or No Starts
Naturally, if your engine is having problems running, it will also have problems starting if the malfunctioning MAF sensor is indirectly creating issues in the combustion chamber. It may be difficult or impossible to start your automobile depending on the air and fuel balance.
Finally, Padron Automotive in Topeka, KS, advises that the ECM may turn on the check engine light because it receives error codes from system sensors even though it is creating the problem. Bring your vehicle to our shop today so we can inspect the mass airflow sensor.
