In most vehicle models, all you have to do is:
- Disconnect the part of the air intake duct that connects to the MAF sensor.
- Carefully unplug the sensor electrical connector.
- Unscrew two or more sensor mounting bolts.
- Remove the old sensor.
- Install the new one.
Full Answer
How do I reset the MAF sensor?
Resetting the Mass Air Flow Sensor by Disconnecting the Battery. Remove the old MAF sensor and replace it with a new one. Before you connect the sensor with its harness, disconnect the battery from the ground cable. Leave it like that for around 10 minutes. The whole system will be reset now.
Where is the MAF sensor located on a Ford Ranger?
You may think that the fuel consumption going down is a good thing – but it might actually damage your engine, which will cause it to become more expensive in the future. The MAF sensor is located on the big hose between the intake manifold and the air filter box, often installed on the air filter box.
Why is my MAF sensor not working on my aircon?
The MAF sensor has failed. The hot wire or film element is dirty or damaged so that it is unable to 'feel' air flow. The sensor self-cleaning electrical circuit (on hot-wire types) has failed. The most common cause of MAF sensor failure is a dirty sensing element.
What should the voltage be at idle on a MAF sensor?
Backprobe the signal and ground wires (red probe to signal and black probe to ground). Depending on your MAF sensor, your voltage reading should be between 0.60 to 0.80 volts at idle. If your reading indicates 12 volts or pretty close to it, you are probing the power wire, not the signal wire).
Can I repair MAF sensor?
When your mass air flow sensor fails or is about to fail, your vehicle will have a hard time running. It may stall constantly, even when you're driving. The sensor, however, may not be broken. Instead, it may just need to be cleared of any dust or debris that has gotten into the intake system.
How do you fix a air flow sensor?
0:462:40How To: Clean & Replace an MAF Sensor (Mass Air Flow ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere's an electrical connection that plugs in at the side remove the plugs and loosen the clamps orMoreThere's an electrical connection that plugs in at the side remove the plugs and loosen the clamps or bolts on the air filter box and lift it up.
Can MAF sensors be cleaned?
You can clean rather than replace the expensive mass air flow sensor. Clean your MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor when it's dirty rather than replace this $300 part. It's quick and easy with some handy tools and a spray.
Is it better to clean or replace a mass air flow sensor?
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.
Can I drive with MAF sensor unplugged?
Should You Drive Without The MAF Sensor? While unplugging the MAF sensor to test whether it's the cause of your problems is fine, you should not continue driving without it. The safe/limp mode is not optimal for long-term driving, and your engine needs the MAF sensor to run properly.
How do you test a MAF sensor?
0:586:09How to Test a Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor - Without a Wiring DiagramYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse clasp if you have to all right next we want to get our test lead and start testing these pins onMoreUse clasp if you have to all right next we want to get our test lead and start testing these pins on the harness side the harness side being the side that's not coming from your MAF sensor.
Can you use rubbing alcohol to clean a mass air flow sensor?
You can clean your MAF sensor with a few easy steps: Blow away any dirt or debris on the sensor using compressed air. Use isopropyl alcohol and gently clean the sensor by putting alcohol on an ear stick. Simply wet it with the solution and wipe off any dirt or grime.
Do I need to disconnect battery when changing MAF?
After changing a mass air flow sensor, you should disconnect it from the car battery for around 15 minutes.
How long do MAF sensors last?
Mass air flow sensors are designed to last the lifetime of your vehicle. In fact, they have no scheduled replacement interval. For this reason, the sensor is generally not replaced until it fails.
What causes a MAF sensor to go bad?
Contamination is a key reason why MAF sensors fail and require replacement. As air, dirt and other debris get into the sensor, the parts become contaminated and fail. Drivers often notice sluggish performance, rough idling, poor acceleration or even stalling. There may also be a more frequent need to refuel.
Will a bad MAF sensor throw a code?
Mass Air Flow Sensor Symptoms A faulty MAF sensor can also trigger other codes, such as those pertaining to an air/fuel ratio imbalance or an engine misfire.
What happens if you don't replace MAF sensor?
A bad MAF sensor can cause too much fuel to be left in the combustion chamber, creating untimed detonations. You'll experience this as poor drivability such as hesitations or sudden jerking motions, particularly during acceleration.
How much does it cost to fix an air flow sensor?
MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR REPLACEMENT COST Replacing the mass airflow sensor should cost $300 or less for parts and labor for most civilian cars, trucks, and SUVs.
How much does it cost to replace air flow sensor?
The replacement cost of a mass air flow sensor can anywhere from $80 to $380. The cost of the part alone is about $30 to $300 with the lower end of the range for common aftermarket mass air flow sensors while higher quality or more complicated OEM sensors are more expensive.
What causes air flow meter failure?
These issues can happen when the MAF sensor is damaged or when its wires are coated with dirt. It can't measure airflow accurately, therefore sending incorrect information to the PCM.
How do you clean an air flow sensor?
5:4310:50How To Clean a Mass Airflow Sensor (In-depth, detailed version) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStrong. So you just want to have it back and hold it spray a lot just like that then you're going toMoreStrong. So you just want to have it back and hold it spray a lot just like that then you're going to let it dry. Just for a couple seconds.
What is a MAF sensor?
Basically, the MAF sensor measures the amount of air flowing into the engine through the air cleaner assembly, which contains the air filter and connects to the throttle body. Depending on the make and model, your car uses either a hot-wire airflow meter (the most common) or a hot-film type.
Where is the MAF sensor located?
First, open the hood of your vehicle and locate the MAF sensor on the air cleaner assembly. Usually, you'll find it between the air filter housing and throttle body. This could be a small block or a cylindrical section mounted as part of the air duct. On some models, you'll find it inside the filter housing.
How to check if car computer is sending power?
Here, you check that your car computer is actually sending power to the airflow meter and grounding the circuit. Unplug the MAF electrical connector. Visually inspect the electrical connector and terminal for dirt or damage. Gently pull on the wires to check for tightness.
What do you need to test a film sensor?
For this, you'll need a digital multimeter (DMM) or an oscilloscope that can read frequencies. Other than that, the next steps apply. How to Save Time in MAF Sensor Diagnostics.
What should the resistance reading be on a MAF sensor?
You should read 0 (or close to 0) Ohms of resistance. If your meter reads infinite resistance, probably the MAF sensing element is burnt or broken. Visually inspect the sensor.
How does a hot film sensor work?
In general, the hot-film type sensor works the same way except it uses a film instead of a wire to send the signal to the computer. It is this extra amount of current the sensor is using that tells the computer how much air is flowing in.
What is a hot wire sensor?
The hot-wire type sensor maintains a wire (located in the middle of the airstream) at a higher temperature than the air flowing in. To maintain this predetermined temperature, electric current to the wire increases as airflow increases.
How to read a bad MAF sensor?
Reading of a bad MAF sensor at idle. You can get a reading of the MAF sensor with an advanced scan tool. Connect to the vehicle’s computer and stream the MAF grams per second (GPS) reading. The reading should be fairly consistent and not drastically fluctuate, and should read higher at higher RPMs.
What is a MAF sensor?
The mass airflow (MAF) sensor reads the airflow entering the engine. A defective MAF sensor can cause engine stalling, a rough running engine, and a check engine light for trouble codes like code P0171. Find out how to test a MAF sensor and how to replace a defective one with these tips from our mechanics.
How to tell if MAF sensor is bad?
Symptoms of a Bad or Faulty MAF Sensor 1 Rough running engine 2 Stalling engine 3 Check engine light for MAF code
How to check engine air filter?
Inspect the electrical connector’s terminals for discoloring or damage. Remove the air filter housing cover and check the condition of the engine air filter. Make sure it is clean, and clean the air box if needed since that can affect air flow.
Where is the debris on a MAF sensor?
Remove and check the MAF sensor for debris like dirt or leaves. These are sometimes found on the wire in the MAF sensor.
What to do if your car engine is running rough?
If the engine is running rough or stalling out, check underneath the hood for obvious, loosely disconnected parts that may be the cause. Check for disconnected wires, hoses, and air intake tubes.
How many volts should a MAF sensor be?
With this, the signal of the sensor should increase to about 1.5 to 3.0 volts. If the MAF sensor does not provide any output, then it needs to be replaced. However, if it does but it is very low, then it might be contaminated. A relay or circuit might be dirty and needs cleaning.
How to test mass sensor?
To test the mass sensor, first thing you need to do is to put off the ignition switch and then plug the MAF electrical connector. Then black probe the ground wire which is usually with the negative sign with a meters black lead and also the sensor signor wire, the one with the positive sign with the meters red lead.
What is the mass airflow sensor?
As written above, the mass sensor is one of the most important components of a car. It is useful in measuring the mass of air that needs to enter the fuel injection engine.
Why is a mass sensor important?
It is useful in measuring the mass of air that needs to enter the fuel injection engine.
What is an IAT sensor?
It is useful for measuring the correct amount of air that needs to enter the car engine. In recent cars, the IAT (intake air temperature) sensor is usually in the mass airflow sensor. Although there are different types of airflow sensors, modern cars are usually built with the hot wire air flow sensor.
Where is the mass sensor located?
It is usually located right in the middle of the engine intake manifold and air filter . It is useful for measuring the correct amount of air that needs to enter the car engine. In recent cars, the IAT (intake air ...
How to tell if your car is in fail safe mode?
Some other symptoms you need to look for are poor fuel economy, hard or no starting, low engine power, erratic performance, and engine running in fail-safe mode.
How to keep MAF sensor in good condition?
Cleaning the air filter regularly is a way to keep your MAF sensor in good condition. You can remove the sensor once in a while and clean the whole part as well.
When does a car need a MAF sensor replaced?
Whenever the car’s engine shows troubles related to MAF sensor, you’ll know it needs replacement.
When Do You Need to Reset Mass Air Flow Sensor?
If the mass air flow sensor is damaged, you’ll know it from certain symptoms your car will show. Some of them could be –
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Mass Air Flow Sensor?
Price of a mass air flow sensor varies depending on the quality. It may cost you $90 to $370 or more. The installation charge can range from $15- $200, depending on the place you visit.
How to tell if air flow sensor is bad?
Another sign that your engine will indicate a faulty air flow sensor is when you push the accelerator, and the engine will start jerking.
What to do if your engine is showing trouble?
If your engine is showing trouble, you need to replace the sensor. However, cleaning it and resetting it might work as a temporary solution.
Can you reset a MAF sensor?
If you’ve got a car that doesn’t need MAF sensor resetting , you can just replace the sensor and start your engine. But, most of the models require MAF sensor resetting for it to work. So, without further ado, let’s dive in to know how you can reset your mass air flow sensor.
How to diagnose a MAF sensor?
However, to properly diagnose the MAF sensor, you need to correctly measure values for your specific car engine and model, which you can find in a repair manual.
How much does it cost to replace a MAF sensor?
The average MAF sensor replacement cost is between $140 and $550, depending on the car model and labor costs. A Mass Air Flow Sensor costs $100 and $400 while the labor costs $40 to $150.
What happens when a MAF sensor goes bad?
The most common things that happen are a check engine light, bad engine performance, rough idle, and changed fuel consumption.
How to tell if MAF sensor is bad?
The most common symptom of a bad MAF sensor is engine performance issues together with a check engine light on your dashboard. These performance issues may include a loss of power, rough acceleration, hard starting condition, misfires, or black smoke from the exhaust pipe.
What is a mass air flow sensor?
The Mass Air Flow Sensor or MAF sensor is an important part for most car engines to function properly. It controls how much air is entering the car engine and then sends this information to the engine control unit, which controls how much fuel the fuel injectors should inject into the engine. Unfortunately, it happens sometimes ...
Why is my air flow sensor not working?
Often, the problems associated with the mass air flow sensor occur due to dirt and debris buildup on the sensor head. This particle accumulation over time results in poor performance of the sensor.
Where is the MAF sensor located?
The MAF sensor is located on the big hose between the intake manifold and the air filter box, often installed on the air filter box. Its exact location varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, as they fit the sensor based on the engine’s design. You can use a repair manual to ensure the location or use the internet for a quick search.
