What Are the Signs of a Bad Mass Air Flow Sensor?

Your vehicle uses a mass air flow sensor to monitor the mass of the air entering your car’s fuel injection system. This small sensor can dramatically alter your fuel efficiency and engine performance, so it’s important to keep it running efficiently. Explore the signs of a bad sensor and find out how to change a headlight and how to replace your mass air flow sensor today.

What Is a Mass Air Flow Sensor?

A precise amount of fuel and air is required to operate your engine at peak efficiency. Too much or too little air and your engine will experience stalling, stuttering or other performance issues. This sensor sends information to your car’s engine control unit to inform it of the mass of air. This information is used to alter the amount of fuel injected to achieve the ideal air/fuel ratio.

What Are the Signs of a Bad Sensor?

When your sensor is damaged, it fails to send the correct signal, or any signal, to the engine control unit. This may not be an emergency issue, but it should be solved quickly to avoid a stalling engine and reduced fuel economy. Here are some common performance issues that may be caused by a faulty mass air flow sensor:

• Hesitation during acceleration
• Stalling or stuttering
• Difficulties turning over
• Lean or rich idling

There are two common issues that prevent your mass air flow system from working properly: a dirty sensor and a damaged one. Clean your mass air flow sensor by locating it using your service manual. If you can’t find the location, ask a reputable auto parts technician in your area for more information.

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Remove the sensor and clean it using a specialty sensor cleaner product. This cleaner carefully removes oil, grime and dirt without damaging the sensor. Replace your sensor and see if it solves the issue. Otherwise, you’ll need to replace the entire mass air flow sensor.

How Can You Replace Your Headlights?

Another common DIY replacement is a headlight bulb. New headlights help you see clearly and keep you safe while driving at night or in low-light conditions. Check with a local auto parts store representative to find the right replacement bulb for your vehicle.

You’ll need to carefully remove the damaged bulb from your vehicle. Typically, this requires a wrench or screwdriver. Most vehicles have a cover for their headlight assembly at the rear of the assembly, under the hood of the vehicle. Remove this cover and carefully remove the damaged bulb. Take care not to touch the new bulb with your bare skin, or you could damage the surface of it. Replace both headlights at the same time, since the other headlight will typically burn out soon after the first.

How Can You Replace a Sensor?

Find a new mass air flow sensor, headlight bulbs and all the other parts and accessories you need at a local auto parts store. Enjoy convenient car parts pickup near me for quick and easy shopping. Restore the power and efficiency of your vehicle with a replacement sensor and new headlight bulbs so you can drive safely on your daily commute or your upcoming road trip.