Mass Air Flow Sensor

The mass air flow sensor is a vital part to the vehicle as the sensor measures the amount of air that travels into the engine. With that data it sends the information to the ECU and the ECU controls the amount of fuel delivered into the engine combustion chamber. And the most common types of mass airflow sensors are vane meter and hot wire.

Moving vane meter

The vane meter has the volume air flow (VAF) sensor which processes the air flow that goes into the engine, and it is usually accompanied by the spring loaded air vane. The vane moves along with the airflow, there is movement due to a drag force that is against it. Some VAF sensor have the intake air temperature sensor which allow the ECU to calculate the density of air.

Hot wire sensor

The hot wire functions the same as the anemometer which calculates the air velocity. Air flow is key to the ECU, as air flow travels past the wire, the wire cools decreasing the resistance, and allows more current into the circuit. And this sensor has an ability that is suited to support the gas combustion procedure which responds to air density.

Common issues with a faulty mass air flow sensor

A bad mass air flow sensor can lead to a decrease in engine performance, stalling, or engine misfires.