If your automobile has been difficult to start lately, it could be a problem with the mass airflow (MAF) sensor. This sensor detects how much air is flowing into the engine. If it is unable to measure the air volume, the engine control unit may make unnecessary adjustments in the combustion chamber that make it difficult to start your automobile. This is just one sign you have a malfunctioning MAF sensor. Eddie’s Auto Repair is going to list the other signs below.
Acceleration Trouble
If the engine control unit puts too much air into the combustion chamber, your vehicle will have difficulties accelerating. This is because the air is causing a lean fuel mixture in the engine. This means there isn’t enough fuel to support your vehicle’s acceleration.
Rough Engine Idle
There also isn’t enough fuel to support a smooth engine idle. Consequently, your vehicle’s idle will be rough. This can be frustrating as the engine might stall while you are sitting at an idle if there isn’t enough fuel to sustain operation.
Performance Problems
A dirty MAF sensor can also cause engine performance problems. Your engine may sputter and hiccup at high speeds or it may pick up speed unexpectedly because there is too much fuel in the combustion chamber. Either way, these performance problems will continue until you clean the mass airflow sensor. If it is malfunctioning, it will need to be replaced.
Poor Fuel Economy
Consequently, anytime your engine performance is suffering, your fuel economy will suffer, as well. You will find that you need to fill your tank more often than normal, and this can be very frustrating with fuel prices what they are today. The engine control unit relies on correct data from the MAF sensor to control the levels of air and fuel in the combustion chamber. Anytime these levels are skewed, your gas mileage is reduced.
Black Engine Exhaust
You may also notice black engine exhaust coming out of your tailpipe. When this happens, this is an indication that the engine is burning too much fuel. The engine control unit can increase the amount of fuel in the combustion chamber unnecessarily if the MAF sensor isn’t working.
Check Engine Warning
Finally, these conditions will cause the check engine light to turn on. This is because the system sensors are detecting problems with the air and fuel mixture in the combustion chamber.
Call Eddie’s Auto Repair in Kingston, TN, today if your vehicle is experiencing any of the above problems. We can inspect your mass airflow sensor and clean or replace it if necessary.
