The mass air flow sensor is a vital component in a vehicle’s engine. This technology lets your vehicle know how much air is going into your engine.
So keeping your mass air flow sensor in top shape is vital for the optimal performance of your vehicle. It allows your vehicle’s engine to regulate performance and change air intake to enable the engine to run at its best.
An old, dirty or damaged mass air flow sensor will affect your vehicle engine’s performance. You have to change this component to allow the engine to function to full capacity.
So if you’re looking for tips on how to change your engine’s MAF, this article is for you. Continue reading.
How To Reset Mass Air Flow Sensor With Ease
If you want to reset your vehicle’s air flow sensor, use the tips below to get it done.
Step#1: Let the engine cool down:
Have you been using the car lately? If yes, let the engine cool down before you proceed with resetting the mass air flow sensor.
If the car’s engine hasn’t been on lately, start and warm it up a bit. Then proceed to the next phase.
Step#2: Take off the connector:
In this step, you need to disconnect the mass airflow sensor’s harness connector.
Step#3: Clean up or replace the mass air flow sensor:
You have two choices to make. You can decide to clean up your old mass air flow sensor or get a new one.
If you have good reasons to believe your old air flow sensor is no longer in good condition, get a new one without wasting time.
Step#4: Allowing the engine to idle:
This stage is straightforward. Just turn on the vehicle and let it remain idle for 5 to 6 seconds. After this, move to the next step.
Step#5: Connect mass air flow sensor harness connector:
It is time to reconnect your new or perfectly cleaned MAF. But remember that you have to turn off the engine before connecting it.
Step#6: Check if DTC P0102 Is Visible:
After connecting the MAF, check your dashboard. DTC P0102 will appear on the dashboard if the MAF is connected and working perfectly.
Step#7: Delete DTC memory:
The final step is to delete the DTC memory appearing on the dashboard. After that, turn on the vehicle, and you’re good to go.
Now, let’s discuss other essential information about the mass airflow sensor.
What A Mass Air Flow Sensor Is
The mass air flow sensor (MAF) is vital in a car’s electronic fuel injection system. Generally, it’s an essential component in a car’s engine.
You’ll find the MAF between the air filter and the car’s intake manifold. This component measures airflow or the volume of air entering the car engine.
Several types of mass air flow sensors exist. But modern cars utilize the hot-wire type.
What Problems Do Mass Air Flow Sensors Have?
A faulty or damaged MAF is a common problem in several car brands. These include Toyota, Mazda, GM, Nissan, BMW, Volkswagen, etc. It could become contaminated or damaged.
A contaminated or damaged MAF can be an issue in most engines, such as the Mazda Skyactiv. The engine will only crank when you try starting it. It won’t start.
Improper installation of your air filter can also cause the MAF to fail over time. The same thing happens when the air filter collapses. In both instances, the air flow sensor might not fail immediately, but it will happen over time if you fail to fix the filter properly or get a replacement.
If you’re using a washable air filter, try not to over-soak it. Over-soaking your washable filter can cause the engine’s MAF to become faulty.
Is Driving A Car With A Mass Airflow Sensor Unplugged Advisable?
It is not a smart decision to drive a car with an airflow sensor unplugged. But that doesn’t mean you cannot use the vehicle in such a condition.
Let’s get this straight. You can drive a car with its mass air flow sensor unplugged for a few days. Modern vehicles can run on the default MAF.
However, driving such a vehicle for several weeks or traveling long distances is not advisable. Fix the MAF first before doing so.
In a nutshell, driving a car that doesn’t have its MAF plugged adequately isn’t proper.
How Much Replacing A Mass Air Flow Sensor Cost
The price of the MAF varies, and the variation depends on quality. The quality mass air flow sensors cost more and may last longer. But keep in mind that other factors can affect their lifespan.
Among them is the air filter. If you don’t install the air filter correctly or if this component collapses, your mass air flow sensor may develop a fault. Dust and dirt can also damage an air flow sensor.
So, how much does the MAF cost? You can get a mass air flow sensor for around $90 to $370+.
How much does it cost to fix a mass air flow sensor? Mechanics charge different prices. You could spend around $50 to $200, depending on where you performed the repairs.
Should A Professional Replace Your Mass Air Flow?
Vehicle owners have found themselves fixing their machines by themselves often times. So fixing a component in a vehicle isn’t new to some people.
However, the mass air flow sensor is a crucial component in a car’s engine. So you have to ensure you fix it correctly.
What are we trying to say? Well, if you can fix your vehicle’s mass airflow sensor, and have basic knowledge of it, go ahead and fix it yourself.
But if you don’t know what to do, please get professional help. If you don’t fix the MAF appropriately, your vehicle engine’s performance will take a hit.
When You Should Consider Resetting Your Mass Air Flow Sensor
You have to consider changing and resetting your MAF when damaged or faulty. A broken or defective air flow sensor will negatively impact your vehicle’s performance.
So, how do you know your mass airflow sensor is faulty? The first sign or way to know if there’s a problem with your MAF is to check the engine light code. If the code displays DTC P0101 code, then changing the MAF is the best option.
You can also find out if your mass air flow sensor has a problem and change it.
Drop-in fuel efficiency:
If you haven’t been paying attention to your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, now is the perfect time to start doing so.
Now, consider how much fuel you were using before. Does the fuel in your car finish faster these days? If yes, your vehicle’s mass air flow sensor is defective.
It is easy to see why a faulty or damaged MAF can lower your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. This component’s job is to send airflow data to the engine to know what’s required.
So if it’s no longer working, expect a rise in gas consumption.
Your vehicle can’t start:
Your vehicle used to start the moment you turned the ignition key. It now takes a long time; sometimes, it doesn’t even start after so many attempts.
If you’re experiencing this sort of challenge, chances are you have a faulty MAF.
Engine showing hiccup-like sign:
Driving a vehicle experiencing a hiccup-like sign can be uncomfortable for the driver and passengers. You’ll also find it highly uncomfortable when maneuvering.
So, what’s the component responsible for this sign? Other factors could be responsible, but a faulty MAF is a common problem.
Stalled engine:
Are you noticing that your engine is stalling whenever you try to start it? In other words, the engine delays a little whenever you turn on the ignition key.
If that’s the case, you have a stalled engine. And the culprit could be the mass airflow sensor.
Conclusion
This post discusses how to reset the mass air flow sensor. If your air flow sensor is faulty or was recently installed, use these tips to reset it.
Driving a vehicle with a faulty mass air flow sensor can seem like a chore. The car could start jerking or show hiccup-like signs.
A vehicle with faulty MAF may have difficulty starting. Or you may experience a stalled engine. So making sure your vehicle’s mass air flow sensor is in good shape is important. It would help to ensure the smooth running of your automobile’s engine.
