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What is the MAF sensor, and how do you reset it when needed? You probably didn’t know, but the MAF sensor plays a vital role in how fuel injection works in your car. This implies that if the MAF sensor gets faulty for any reason, your car’s engine performance will be greatly affected.
The MAF sensor monitors the amount of air that comes into the engine and sends signals to the ECU; these signals control how fuel is injected into the combustion chamber in a typical ICE vehicle.
This article explains how to reset mass air flow sensor so that your engine starts running optimally again.
What Does MAF Sensor Do?
The MAF sensor – Mass Air Flow Sensor or Mass Flow Sensor – is an electronic component in all ICE vehicles. It sits between the air filter and intake manifold, monitoring how much air is getting into the engine and sending the signal to the ECU – Engine Control Unit.
A bad MAF sensor would send wrong signals to the ECU, which would result in an inappropriate proportion of actions within the combustion chamber, and this can lead to other problems such as higher fuel consumption, engine stalling, or even “no start.”
One of the ways to fix a faulty MAF sensor is to reset it. Also, if you installed a new sensor, it is important to reset it too. A well-functioning mass airflow sensor would improve fuel economy by enriching the combustion process with more oxygen.
How To Reset Mass Air Flow Sensor
Resetting the MAF sensor is something you can do on your own. But if it starts looking much more technical, you should call a mechanic to help out. To perfectly reset the sensor, you need an OBD II scanner, and of course, you need to know where your car’s MAF sensor is installed.
Hereunder are the straightforward steps to reset the MAF sensor in any vehicle.
- Step 1: Turn off the car completely and allow the engine to cool off completely. If the car had been off for a while, proceed with the next steps, the engine must be cool.
- Step 2: Locate the MAF sensor and remove the harness connector. It would be best to uninstall the sensor at this time and have it cleaned very well, then reinstall it (still leave the harness connector open) and proceed with the next steps.
- Step 3: Connect your auto scanner and start the engine. Let it run for a few minutes (about 6 – 10 minutes), then turn it off.
- Step 4: Reconnect the sensor’s harness and what code appeared on your auto scanner; you should get a P0102 or P0100 DTC code. When you see this code, simply clear the memory, and you have successfully reset the MAF sensor.
If these steps didn’t fix the MAF sensor problem(s) you’re facing, then you should have an auto electrician troubleshoot your car and find out what needs to be fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Know a MAF Sensor Is Bad?
A faulty MAF sensor would trigger the check engine light to come on and cause higher fuel usage. Also, a bad MAF sensor can cause engine stalling and misfiring since the combustion process is no longer efficient.
Can a Mass Air Flow Sensor Cause Misfire?
For sure, a dirt-filled mass air flow sensor will certainly cause misfires. This happens because the engine isn’t getting enough throttle openings. Misfiring and stalling are the two commonest signs of a bad/faulty MAF sensor.
Where Is A Mass Airflow Sensor Located?
You’d find the mass air flow sensor (MAF) installed between the air filter and intake manifold; that’s the position in many cars. Also, some vehicles have their Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor built into the MAF sensor assembly.
Do You Have To Reset the Car After Changing MAF Sensor?
It is very important to reset the MAF sensor or the ECU after you install a new unit. This is because the Engine Control Unit (ECU) needs to relearn the air/fuel mixture information from the newly installed sensor. Mere disconnecting your car’s battery for about half an hour can do the magic of resetting the ECU.
Summary
Clearly, this article explains how to reset mass air flow sensor and answers most common questions about the sensor. The MAF sensor should be running fine at all times if you wish to keep up with your engine’s fuel efficiency and optimal performance.