How To Reset Mass Air Flow Sensor ? Things You Need To Know

Your car’s mass airflow sensor is one of the most critical sensors. Poor gas mileage, trouble starting the engine, and a slow ride are symptoms of a malfunctioning oxygen sensor. One of the engine’s most critical components is the mass airflow sensor. Fuel and spark timing is adjusted based on the engine’s amount of air.

Teach you how to reset a mass airflow sensor to fix these problems. Calling in a professional mechanic is the only option if these troubles persist after resetting or replacing this sensor.

Mass Air Flow Sensor

Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF) is an integral part of your car’s mechanical fuel injection. The engine’s intake manifold is sandwiched between it and the air filter. The diagram is shown. When it comes to engine performance, mass airflow sensors are a must-have.

An IAT sensor, or intake air temperature, is built into mass airflow sensors in today’s vehicles. Today’s autos use a hot-wire airflow sensor for the most part.

When Do You Need To Reset The Mass Airflow Sensor?

Specific indications in your car will let you know if your mass airflow sensor is damaged. If they are, they could —

• Getting Started Is a Problem

It will be challenging or impossible to acquire. The vehicle started. Airflow information is not being transmitted to the engine because of a defective airflow sensor.

• Engine Stopped Working

After the ignition is turned on, the engine sputters for a while before it begins to function. Engine stalling may also be caused by other difficulties, such as a faulty spark plug. The mass airflow sensor is a common cause of this issue.

• While accelerating, jerking the wheel.

Another symptom of your engine’s defective airflow sensor is when the engine jerks when you press the accelerator.

Initially, the engine may be hesitant to move ahead when you press down on the gas pedal.

• Engine Misfires

Having a malfunctioning MAF sensor can cause your car’s engine to sputter while you’re driving.

Driving will be more complex and perhaps dangerous if the engine is less responsive.

• Reduced Energy Efficiency

If the mass airflow sensor in your engine has failed, you will see a reduction in the usual fuel efficiency. It provides airflow data to determine how much fuel the engine needs. If the sensor is faulty, you’ll be wasting more gas.

Also Read :
How Many Axles Do Cars Have?
How much psi should a tire have?

Can You Drive With A Bad Mass Airflow Sensor?

Yes, a bad MAF sensor can be driven for a while. It is strongly recommended that you have it repaired or changed according to the needs of your engine if you want to avoid costly repair costs and damage to its performance.

Mass Airflow Sensor Reset In 5 Steps.

Mass airflow sensors can be replaced. However, they can also be serviced and cleaned instead of paying for a new one. It’s a straightforward approach, and here are the five basic steps you can follow-

1. Start by determining where the engine’s airbox is located.

When resetting the mass airflow sensor, it’s critical to identify where the airbox is located. The throttle valve assembly and intake manifold are located directly above and below the air filter. Your car’s throttle valve assembly is located in a compartment within an air duct, so look under the hood for it. The air filter box’s exhaust duct will house the mass airflow sensor.

2. Unplug Your Car’s Battery

When doing regular maintenance or electrical work on your car, it is always good to disconnect the battery first. So even though there’s no power to the MAS sensor and nothing can do any harm, the ECU can still be awake and throw an error even if you turn the key to the off position. It’s comparable to some of the most complex cars on the road.

3. Remove the Airflow Sensor.

Remove the bolts holding the MAF airbox in place with a socket wrench. Carefully remove the clip and disconnect the vacuum hose from the MAF air box’s vacuum line. After removing the sensor, the MAF should be set down on a clean work surface.

Ensure that the sensor probe connector points upwards before connecting the sensor to the device. The screws must then be removed with the correct security bit.

4. Clean Mass Air Flow Sensor Procedures

Your most excellent option would be to remove your mass airflow sensor and place it in a rubbing alcohol-filled plastic bag. Move it around, and the alcohol will clean the sensor of all of the dirt and grime. Use a mass airflow sensor cleaning and spray it directly on your sensor for a more costly solution.

Spout the mass air flower cleaner onto the sensor element 10 to 15 times. Don’t even touch the parts. Damage to the wire or plate could result from using this method. Remove the sensor from the duct and allow it to dry completely before reinstalling.

5. Restart the ECU if necessary.

For the best results, it’s a good idea to reset the car’s electronic control unit (ECU). It’s possible to disconnect the negative and leave it for 10-15 minutes. If a dirty MAF required cleaning, it might have generated strange fueling knowledge.

Even though it will eventually balance out, the ECU reset will give it a fresh start. A scanner tool can also be used to take a break from learning.

What To Do After Replacing The Mass Airflow Sensor?

After being replaced, a few basic operations should be performed to help the car adjust to the new mass air flow sensor.

• You should disconnect the battery for a few minutes and reconnect it afterward so that the engine can get used to the new settings and get rid of the old. As a result, the engine will be aware of the need to adapt to the new sensor.
• Allowing the engine to idle and then turn it for a few minutes will help it get used to the new sensor.
• The Engine Control Module may also need to be reprogrammed depending on the vehicle you are driving.
• Even after replacing the sensor, it is not uncommon to see that the engine does not run as expected. This is because the engine has difficulty adapting and reading the new command. Any one of the above will help the engine adapt to the new sensor.

How To Test A Mass Airflow Sensor?

MAF sensors come in three varieties: low frequency, direct current (DC) voltage, and high frequency.

Most new cars use high-frequency sensors, focusing primarily on them. Having a copy of the car’s repair manual on hand is always good when testing the MAF sensor.

Preliminary checks should be carried out before more detailed diagnostics if there is any issue with the MAF sensor of the vehicle.

• The plug connection should be checked for proper contact and a tight seal.
• Make sure the air-mass sensor isn’t faulty.
• Check for damage to the measuring components.
• Check the voltage supply.
• Check the wires connecting the sensor to the control unit plug for continuity.
• Clean the sensor as described above.

An in-depth test should be used if the above visual inspections fail to resolve the sensor issue, as many issues can mimic a MAF sensor issue in a vehicle. The additional information provided here is purely educational to prevent harm to those who do not fully understand the material.

Mass Airflow Sensor Replacement Cost

• The component(s) estimated cost is between $100 and $150.
• $20–$50 per hour is the estimated labor cost.

Price range: $120–$200

For a mass airflow sensor repair, the make and model of the vehicle are the two most important factors. Most mass airflow sensors cost between $100 and $150, but some can cost up to $400, particularly in high-end German automobiles.

These sensors are typically installed on the air induction system, which means that the installation costs are typically between $20 and $50. As with several German cars, expect a hefty labor charge, maybe in the $100 level, when servicing them.

Prices can vary depending on where you live and the type of vehicle you drive. Use Openbay to compare prices and schedule a repair appointment with a reputable business in your neighborhood.

FAQS

Q1. How long does it take for the mass airflow sensor to reset after cleaning?
Ans. After completing the mass airflow sensor replacement, you will need to let your car idle for 30 to 60 minutes or disconnect the battery for a few minutes (I recommend 10 to 15 minutes) and reconnect it.

Q2. How do you reset a MAF sensor after replacing it?
Ans. Replace the old MAF sensor with a newer model.

• Connect the sensor’s harness to its harness by disconnecting its battery from the ground cable
• For about 10 minutes, leave it like that.
• At this point, the entire system will be reset. Activate the MAF sensor by connecting it to the engine.

Q3. What are the symptoms of a failed mass airflow sensor?
Ans. If your car’s mass airflow sensor is malfunctioning, you’ll notice a lack of power, sluggish fuel economy, and a check engine light on the dashboard.

Q4. How do you trick a mass airflow sensor?
Ans. You’ll need a unique tube to fool a mass airflow sensor. Unlike the plastic airflow sensor, this tube is made of metal. The fuel-air mixture from your car’s tailpipe can be measured by placing it at an ignition source.

Read more :
What Are Rotors On A Car?
How Many Quarts of Transmission Fluid You Should Add to Car