A mass airflow sensor (MAS) determines the mass of air entering a vehicle's fuel injection engine, and passes that data to the Engine Control Unit, or ECU. The air mass information is necessary for the ECU to correctly balance and deliver the correct amount of fuel to the engine. When a vehicle's mass airflow sensor is faulty or defective it can cause a variety of problems, and usually results in very poor performance from your engine. Symptoms of a Faulty Mass Air Flow Sensor A faulty mass airflow sensor will cause problems similar to low compression or low vacuum, and will also show symptoms similar to when your vehicle has low fuel pressure from a faulty fuel pump. Here are some of the most common symptoms of a faulty mass airflow sensor: If you believe your car has a faulty mass air flow sensor, take it to a qualified mechanic so that a complete computer diagnostic can be run. In most cases, a faulty mass flow sensor has a specific code that will generate during computer diagnostics, and is usually easy to determine with computer testing equipment.

Generally, you'll want to clean your mass airflow sensor either every six months, or every time you change your oil. Cleaning it when you change or clean your air filter will be a good way to save both time and money. To clean your mass airflow sensor, first, you must take it out. This is done by opening your vehicle's air box and using a flathead screwdriver to pluck it out. best air purifier singapore hazeWhen removing the sensor, be sure to never touch the wires. air scrubber rental nycA disconnected mass airflow sensor can't electrocute you, but the wires are delicate and small. air purifier macyBreaking one will require a replacement, which can run upwards of $100, so it's best to be cautious. Next, you have two choices.

The cheapest option would be to take your mass airflow sensor and place it in a plastic bag filled with rubbing alcohol. Take the bag and move it around, making sure the alcohol washes all of the dirt and grime from the sensor. Another option would be to go to your local auto parts store and buy a special mass airflow sensor cleaner, and spray it onto your sensor, but as stated before, this is more expensive. Dry and Reinstall the Sensor After cleaning your mass airflow sensor with either the cleaner, or rubbing alcohol, let it sit, generally for 20 minutes or more. The sensor has to be completely dry before it can be reinstalled in your car, otherwise you may damage it. Replace it and that's all.One of the most common problems, with MAF sensor equipped Ford (Mercury and Lincoln) vehicles, is that the MAF sensor's hot wires will get dirty (contaminated). This contamination will rob you of gas mileage and performance. Not only that, in some cases this condition will light up your check engine light with a P0171 or P0174 (lean A/F mixture) code.

Well, this article will help you to clean your mass airflow sensor in a step by step fashion. This article is broken up into several different parts and so to help you navigate it a little easier, here are its contents at a quick glance: Tip 1: The safest way to clean the MAF sensor's hot wires, is to just spray them and let them air dry. Avoid physically touching them, like with a cotton swab, since this could break the hot wires. Tip 2: Do not use carburetor spray cleaner or brake cleaner. Both of these are very harsh solvents and can damage the inner circuitry of the MAF sensor and now you'll have a BAD MAF sensor on your hands (this I can vouch for from personal experience) Tip 3: Do not use gasoline. Gasoline will leave a petroleum residue on the hot wires and this residue will attract more dirt (like a magnet to metal)... not to mention that gasoline is just too dangerous to use as a cleaner. Tip 4: Your local auto parts (like AutoZone or O'reilly Auto Parts) will have the appropriate MAF sensor cleaner.

The most common/popular is the CRC Mass Air Sensor Cleaner (part number: 05110). I've always thought the CRC MAF sensor cleaner a tad too expensive (but it beats using something unapproved and frying the MAF sensor) and so on occasion, I have also used a regular electronics spray cleaner from my local Radio Shack or Fry's electronics store with the same success. The most common symptom of a dirty mass air flow (MAF) sensor is a lack of power. Unfortunately, the PCM (Powertrain Control Module = Fuel Injection Computer) is not smart enough to sense a dirty MAF sensor and so you're not gonna' get a dirty MAF sensor diagnostic trouble code lighting the check engine light. A dirty MAF sensor will cause one or all of the following symptoms: The PCM uses the MAF signal to know how much air is entering the engine. In knowing the exact amount of air entering the engine, the PCM can now calculate the correct amount of fuel to inject into every cylinder. When the mass air flow sensor on your Ford car (pick up, van, mini-van or SUV) starts to get dirty, the dirt (technically called: contamination) starts to interfere with the way the MAF sensor measures the incoming air.

Thus a dirty (contaminated) MAF sensor still creates a signal but it's a MAF signal that is not conveying the correct amount of air that's entering the engine. And so the PCM does not inject the correct amount of fuel for the true amount of air entering the engine. As I mentioned before, the PCM can't tell you that the MAF sensor is dirty, since a dirty MAF sensor DTC does not exist and as easy as it is the check to see if it's dirty or not, there's really no need for one. OK, let's turn the page and get this show on the road...10% Off Online Or $5 Off In-StoreNow when you sign up for AutoZone emails, you'll receive a coupon for $10 off online or $5 off you in-store purchase. To sign up, follow this link and enter your information in the pop-up or scroll to the bottom of the page where you can enter your information in the space provided. Get great promo codes and more from AutoZone! In-Store & Online SavingsClick through to find AutoZone's in-store rebates and save as much as $50 on your automotive needs.

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