Can a Dirty Mass Airflow Sensor Turn On the Check Engine Light?

Yes, a dirty mass airflow sensor can turn on the check engine light. Also called the MAF sensor, a malfunctioning sensor can also generate a check engine warning. This is just one sign that you need to have your mass airflow sensor cleaned or replaced. Righteous Auto Care is going to list the other signs below.

The MAF sensor tracks incoming air into the engine. It reports the air volume to your vehicle’s main computer chip, the engine control unit or ECU. The ECU uses this information to make adjustments to the air in the combustion chamber. If the MAF sensor reports false data, the ECU may unnecessarily increase the fuel in the combustion chamber and you will end up with black exhaust smoke.

This will also cause engine performance problems such as surging. If the ECU unnecessarily increases the air in the combustion chamber, your car, truck, or utility vehicle will have problems accelerating and performing at high speeds. The engine will sputter and struggle to run.

Unfortunately, the adjustments to the air and fuel in the combustion chamber can be so severe that you will find it difficult to start your automobile. The engine may also stall, or you may be unable to get it to fire up at all. All of this can be caused by a dirty MAF sensor.

This includes problems with your vehicle’s acceleration. You will press down on the accelerator but the engine will be slow to respond. This can be frustrating, especially if you are trying to pick up speed so you can pass someone who is going too slow.

These engine performance problems will cause a reduction in your automobile’s overall gas mileage. You will find that you have to head to the service station to fill up more often. With gas prices what they are these days, this can be incredibly hard on your household budget.

Finally, if the malfunctioning MAF sensor convinces the ECU that the combustion chamber needs more air when it actually doesn’t, you will end up with an engine that idles roughly and even stalls. Again, this is because there is too much air in the combustion chamber.

Call Righteous Auto Care in Racine, WI, today to schedule a service appointment for your automobile if you are having any of the problems we have discussed above.