Go With the Flow (MAF Sensor Replacement)
March 30, 2025
A driver brought her vehicle into the shop the other day and told us how she was getting lousy fuel economy and that the engine was running rough. Plus, the Check Engine light was on. Our technician checked the code the engine had generated (why the Check Engine light was on) and found the problem. It was a faulty Mass Air Flow sensor, MAF sensor for short.
This MAF sensor is an important part of your vehicle. What it does is calculate the amount of air going into your engine. As you may know, air is taken into your engine where it's mixed with fuel. Then, the spark plugs fire, that explosive fuel/air mixture detonates, and all these sequential explosions together provide the power to get your vehicle moving down the road.
It makes sense that if the MAF sensor isn't sending the engine's computers the correct information on the amount of air going in the engine, the fuel/air mixture isn't going to be right. It will either too rich (too much gasoline for the amount of air) or too lean (not enough gasoline for the amount of air).
In this driver's case, the MAF sensor was damaged and needed to be replaced. Another thing that may cause the MAF to give an incorrect reading is if its wires are dirty or faulty. So, replacing or cleaning the wires important as well.
Other symptoms that your MAF sensor is bad? If your engine hesitates when you step on the gas, it stalls, or your vehicle is jerky when you accelerate.
A malfunctioning MAF sensor is not just bad for performance. Driving with your vehicle in that condition can cause more damage to your engine. When you bring your vehicle in for us to check, a technician will thoroughly examine your engine to make sure all issues are taken care of.
Car Fix Shelby
46870 Van Dyke Ave.
Shelby Township, Michigan 48317
(586) 739-7810
Need Service?
More articles from Car Fix Shelby
Before You Buy that Used Vehicle (Having a Used Car Inspected Before Buying)
March 15, 2026
Let's face it. New vehicles are expensive, so finding a good used one can save drivers a lot of money. It's tempting to look through ads, find a private seller who has what you're looking for and pay a price you think is a great deal. But when you go over to look at a used car, do you really k... More
Power Steering Pump Replacement
March 8, 2026
When youre driving and you hear a squeal or groan when you turn, it may be a sign your power steering pump is on its last legs. The same is true if you feel your steering is slipping or doesnt respond to your hands like it used to. Precise, responsive steering is, of course, important when it ... More
DOG FOOD IN YOUR ENGINE (Keeping Rodents out of your Engine)
March 1, 2026
A technician was telling us the other day that he was servicing an engine and spotted something he'd never seen before: A collection of dry dog food siting on a horizontal metal ledge near the base of the engine. It was neatly stashed and was in a spot where the food pellets couldn't have simply... More