Car running rough? A new mass air flow sensor could be the solution

From ignition trouble to dodgy acceleration, with a side order of black smoke pouring from the exhaust, a dirty or faulty mass air flow (MAF) sensor can seriously mess with your car’s performance. When the balance of fuel and air going into the engine is out of whack, it can lead to further troubles down the track. Before you know it, you’re replacing parts left, right and centre that have been damaged by a build-up of unburned fuel.

Skip the drama and book in with your local mycar at the first sign of trouble. Diagnosing and fixing sensor problems is no big deal for a mycar mechanic. We’ve got the gear and the experience to get the job done right, making your sensor issues a thing of the past.

Book an air sensor replacement

What is a MAF sensor?

The role of the MAF sensor is to measure how much air is going into the combustion chamber. This information feeds back into the car’s computer system so that it can allow more or less air in as needed.

Fuel, air and an ignition source (either a spark or high temperature, depending on fuel type) are the three ingredients needed to make the explosions that push the pistons in a car engine. Too much air, and the engine won’t have enough power to drive properly. Too much fuel, and you’ll end up with some of it passing unburned through the exhaust, where it can damage different parts and release harmful gases into the atmosphere. This is why the MAF sensor is so important.

Location of mass air flow sensor

Unlike the O2 sensors, which measure what’s coming out in the exhaust after the fuel has been burned, the MAF sensor measures the amount of air coming into the engine. It sits between the air filter and the engine’s intake manifold, inside the air duct.

What are faulty mass airflow sensor symptoms?

Get to know what bad MAF sensor symptoms look like so you can catch little problems before they become bigger, more costly ones. Faulty MAF sensor symptoms can include:

Check engine light comes on - this can indicate a wide range of problems, so it’s important to get your car checked out as soon as possible if you see this light.
Misfiring or running “rough”
Jerking or hesitation - car has sudden surges of power, or struggles to accelerate
Trouble with idling, frequent stalling
Black smoke pouring from the exhaust
Difficulty turning the car on
Poor fuel economy

Think you might have problems with your MAF sensor? Book in with your local mycar and we’ll run a thorough diagnostic process to work out what’s going on. From there, we can sort your car out with professional repair and parts replacement.

When to replace mass air flow sensor

MAF sensors are designed to last the lifetime of your vehicle without breaking down. Build up of dirt and grime can reduce this lifespan, though, so it’s important to keep an eye out for signs that the sensor is struggling. At mycar, we have the tools and experience to inspect all air flow sensors for damage and replace them with quality parts as needed.

How much does it cost to replace MAF sensor

The average mass air flow sensor replacement cost sits at around $450, however it varies depending on your car, the parts required, and how easy or difficult it is to access the sensor to check and replace it.

Before we get started with fixing up your car, we’ll give you a comprehensive quote, so you have a solid idea of the cost upfront. If anything changes once we start having a look under the bonnet, we’ll let you know right away.

At mycar, we know that mechanic bills can take a hefty bite out of the budget. That’s why we’ve introduced Zip and Afterpay, letting you get those important repairs done now, and pay later.

Talk to your dedicated mycar team

Think you’ve got a sensor issue? Chat to your friendly mycar mechanic today. We’ll run through some quick questions to get a better understanding of what’s going on, then get your car in for a proper look. From there we can check, test and repair your MAF sensor issues.

You’re never far from friendly, expert service, with over 260 fully equipped mycar stores across Australia. Enjoy the benefit of guaranteed workmanship, as well as top-quality products and knowledgeable mechanics, at every mycar location.

Talk to us today!

Call 13 13 28

FAQ

What to do after replacing mass air flow sensor

After replacing your mass air flow sensor, it will need to be reset and properly calibrated. Because the MAF sensor is a smart part for your car, it’s not as easy as a plug-and-play solution. Once it’s been properly installed and reset, it’s ready to go!

What happens when a MAF sensor fails?

If the MAF sensor stops working, the car can’t accurately gauge how much air is going into the engine. This means it can’t mix the correct ratio of air and fuel, which will lead to problems with performance, as well as potentially a build up of unburned fuel residue through the exhaust, and release of harmful fumes into the environment.