You will find the mass airflow (MAF) sensor behind the engine air filter right before the throttle body. This sensor measures the air so that the engine control unit (ECU) always knows how much air is in the engine. Because it is located behind the air filter, it’s easy for the MAF sensor to get dirty. Usually, cleaning it solves the problem. If not, your light-duty truck has a bad mass airflow sensor. Midlane Truck & Trailer Repair lists the signs of a bad MAF sensor below.
It’s Hard to Get the Truck Started
Oftentimes, a faulty mass airflow sensor will send incorrect readings to the ECU and, as such, you’ll end up with too much air in the combustion chamber. When this happens, your engine becomes fuel-starved and it’s difficult to get it started. In fact, it may turn over several times before it finally starts.
The Engine Stalls Right Away
Another sign that you are dealing with a bad MAF sensor is your engine stalling right after you get it started. Again, this is likely being caused by a lack of fuel in the combustion chamber. Your engine simply does not have enough accelerant to fire up and keep running.
The Acceleration Is Jerky
If your vehicle does continue to run, the next sign that you have problems with the MAF sensor is that your acceleration will be jerky. When you press down on the accelerator, your light-duty truck will not pick up speed smoothly. Rather it will jerk and hesitate before it gains speed.
The Engine Has the Hiccups
You will also notice this problem with the engine as you are driving your light-duty truck. It will seem as if your engine has hiccups. A lack of fuel in the combustion chamber can make it difficult for the engine to keep running. It will stutter and act as if it’s going to stall while you are driving along.
The Idle is Lean or Rich
Idling can also point to a problem with the mass airflow sensor. Depending on the incorrect data that it sends to the ECU, you may end up with a lean or rich engine idle. This means there is too much air or too much fuel in the combustion chamber, respectively.
The Vehicle Slows Down Under Stress
Finally, if you use your light-duty truck to haul things, you will notice that it slows down when is under stress. This, again, is because the malfunctioning MAF sensor is tricking the ECU into filling the combustion chamber with air.
Stop by Midlane Truck & Trailer Repair in Eugene, OR, today if you are having any of the problems listed above.