Mass Air Flow Sensor: What It Is and

Signs It Needs Replacing

The mass air flow (MAF) sensor is vital for a healthy car. If the intake manifold is the vehicle’s
lungs, the MAF sensor is the nose, sniffing the air flowing in and relaying crucial information to
the brain. Learn how MAF sensors work, how long they last, and signs they need cleaning or
replacing.

How do mass air flow sensors work?

Engines harness energy through explosions with two ingredients: air and fuel. To safely control
these explosions in the combustion chamber, your vehicle matches the air-fuel ratio to a T. The
MAF sensor works between the air filter and intake manifold, providing a number for air volume
in the air-fuel ratio. Here’s how.

MAF sensors “sniff” how much air is flowing into your engine with a hot wire element acting as a
temperature sensor. This sensor is maintained at a constant temperature by an electrical
current. Air flowing in passes through the sensor and cools the hot wire down. In return, the
current’s voltage changes, and the wire heats back up to its constant temperature. That voltage
change is key, telling the engine control unit (ECU) the air’s temperature and density. Now the
ECU knows the amount of fuel to pump for maximum fuel efficiency.

How long do mass air flow sensors last?

MAF sensors are designed to last a vehicle’s lifetime—but they are fragile. The air filter is its
primary defense, and it’s recommended to check on your air filter annually. If it needs replacing,
BRAND’s top-rated air filters have you covered.

What happens when a mass air flow sensor goes bad?

Symptoms of a bad or broken MAF sensor include:

● The Check Engine Light – The classic. A faulty MAF sensor disrupts the engine’s
air-fuel ratio and causes inefficient combustion, triggering a check engine light.
● A P0101 Error – This error code indicates a problem with the amount of air entering
your engine, a sure-fire sign something is wrong with your MAF sensor.
● A Reduced Fuel Economy – If your vehicle’s gas mileage is lower than normal, this
may be due to a faulty MAF sensor miscommunicating with your ECU.
● Acceleration Trouble – If your vehicle is too quick or slow to accelerate and/or
decelerate, your MAF sensor may be disrupting the air-fuel ratio.
 ● A Rough Idle – If your vehicle’s idle speed is too slow or choppy, a faulty MAF sensor
may be the culprit.

How do I fix a mass air flow sensor?

A faulty MAF sensor shouldn’t be ignored. Thankfully, you have a few solutions.

A bad MAF sensor may only need cleaning, but a specialized cleaner is required, and we
recommend BRAND MAF Cleaner. Cleaning your MAF sensor every 6 months will prolong its
lifespan, preserve your gas mileage, and protect other parts like the catalytic converter. To learn
how, click here.

Sometimes cleaning isn’t enough, and it’s time for a replacement. Hey—don’t fret!

Replacing a MAF sensor may sound stressful, but BRAND makes it a breeze. Premium BRAND
parts are custom-made to fit your vehicle’s make, model, year, and trim package—no
guesswork involved! Plus they’re backed by an exclusive 12,000-mile/12-month warranty, so
you get your money’s worth. Order your MAF sensor or other OEM engine component today
and visit your local dealership for installation.