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Mass air flow meter: replacement and selecting

When and why mass air flow meter needs replacement

Average service life of a mass air flow sensor is 150 000 – 200 000 operational kilometers. Premature car part replacement is performed in case of thinning of the platinum filament (or abrasion of platinum coating of the plate), extreme soiling with dust and motor oil or internal circuit breakage.

Loss of air intake pipe tightness can lead to sensor soiling, and as a result - cause a replacement of mass air flow sensor. Moreover, correct functioning of this component depends greatly on the condition of an air filter, piston rings and valve stem seals. Untimely replacement of these components leads to oil depositions on the mass air flow meter which quickly causes its failure.

If this car part is broken “Check Engine” indicator lights up on the dashboard. Moreover, any component defect influences engine work at once. It is noticeable in its power decreasing, too low or too high rpms at idle and increased fuel consumption. In some cases the engine doesn’t start at all. Worsened accelerating dynamics can also indicate MAF sensor breakdown.

Replacement of the mass air flow meter should be performed at a service station. This car part can be easily damaged at mounting if you don’t have enough experience in such work. Before installing a new component it is recommended to replace the air filter. It is important for clean air supply to the engine and thus for meter durability as well.

When replacing the mass air flow meter you should also make sure that vacuum hoses and the air intake connected to it are intact. Hermeticity of these components is important for correct functioning of the air supply system.

How to choose mass air flow meter

According to the measuring method there are thermoanemometric or vortex types of mass air flow meters. The first ones are divided into subtypes according to the working element: platinum filament (hot wire sensors) or silicon plate with platinum coating (hot film sensors). Thermoanemometric mass air flow sensors are more delicate but have higher accuracy and work speed. While vortex components are more durable.

In order to have these car parts functioning correctly you should prefer products by reliable brands. The leading manufacturer of mass air flow meters is  the Bosch company. Also high-quality sensors are presented in the assortment of Meat & Doria, Hitachi, Bremi, Delphi, Metzger and other brands.

Selecting the component it is important to take into account the quantity of connectors. This parameter should match the car engine design; otherwise the component mounting will be impossible. Buying the mass air flow meter take into account the engine displacement. Also pay attention whether the component is supplied with a housing.