By Blaze Sky
Motor vehicles have many important devices that are necessary for the good performance of the vehicle. One of these important devices is the Air Flow Meter Sensor, which measures the amount of air going into the engine. This sensor helps the engine control unit to add the right amount of fuel. A properly working Air Flow Meter Sensor helps a lot in vehicle performance, mileage and emission control. In this section, we will learn about this sensor in detail and understand how it works and why it is important.
What is Air Flow Meter Sensor?
The Air Flow Meter Sensor is a device that measures the amount of air entering the engine. This sensor is installed between the air filter and the engine. The information measured by it is sent to the Engine Control Unit (ECU). Then the ECU controls the amount of fuel put into the engine based on this information.
The biggest role of this sensor is to maintain the correct ratio of air and fuel. If this sensor does not work properly, the performance of the vehicle may deteriorate. Also, fuel consumption may increase and emission control may also be affected.
Symptoms of Air Flow Meter Sensor malfunctioning
- Sudden shutdown of the engine
Due to a bad Air Flow Meter Sensor, the engine may suddenly stop. This problem often occurs when the sensor gives incorrect readings. Due to this, the ECU does not get the correct information and it controls the amount of fuel incorrectly. As a result, the engine performance becomes irregular and sometimes it stops completely.
- Irregular idling
If the idling of the vehicle is irregular, it may mean that the Air Flow Meter Sensor is not working properly. If the sensor is faulty, the engine speed may suddenly increase or decrease. This causes jerks in the vehicle and spoils the driving experience.
- Decrease in mileage
If the mileage of the vehicle suddenly decreases, the reason for this may be a faulty Air Flow Meter Sensor. When the sensor is faulty, the ECU gets incorrect information and it may inject more fuel than required. This increases fuel consumption and reduces mileage.
- Check Engine Light Ignition
If the Check Engine light on the dashboard comes on, it may mean that there is a problem with the Air Flow Meter Sensor. In modern vehicles, this light can come on due to any engine-related problem. The exact cause can be found by getting the vehicle checked with a diagnostic tool.
- Decrease in acceleration
If there is a lack of acceleration in the vehicle, then the reason for this may be a bad Air Flow Meter Sensor. When the sensor is damaged, the engine does not get the right amount of fuel and this affects the pickup of the vehicle.
Solution of Air Flow Meter Sensor Problems
- Cleaning the sensor
Often dust and dirt accumulate on this Sensor, due to which it is not able to work properly. In this situation, cleaning the sensor can be a good solution. A special type of spray cleaner should be used for cleaning. Touching the sensor with hands should be avoided as this can damage the sensor.
- Replacing the sensor
If the problem persists even after cleaning, the Air Flow Meter Sensor may have to be replaced. While buying a new sensor, it is important to choose the right sensor according to the model and manufacturer of the vehicle. In most cases, the performance of the vehicle improves after replacing the sensor.
- Checking the wiring
Sometimes the problem is not in the sensor but in its wiring. Therefore, it is advisable to check the wiring of the sensor before replacing it. There may be some breakage or defect in the wiring, which can be fixed and the problem can be solved.
- Checking the ECU
In some cases, the problem is not in the Sensor but in the Engine Control Unit (ECU). Checking and updating the ECU can also solve the problem. For this, it is advisable to contact a good mechanic or dealership.
Types and Functioning of Air Flow Meter Sensor
- Hot Wire Air Flow Sensor
This is the most common type of Air Flow Meter Sensor. It has a hot wire which is cooled by the flow of air. The amount of air flow is estimated based on the amount of electricity required to keep the wire hot. With more air flow, the wire cools down more and more electricity is required to keep it hot.
- Vane Air Flow Meter
This type of sensor has a vane (fan-like structure) which rotates due to air pressure. The amount of air flow is estimated by the amount of rotation of the vane. It was more prevalent in older model vehicles, but now its use has decreased.
- Karman Vortex Sensor
This is a modern type of Air Flow Meter Sensor that has an obstacle that creates a vortex in the air flow. The number and frequency of these vortices estimate the air flow. This sensor is more accurate and requires less maintenance.
The Air Flow Meter Sensor is an important part of the vehicle’s engine that measures the amount of air going into the engine. This helps the engine control unit to add the correct amount of fuel. If this sensor malfunctions, the vehicle’s performance, mileage and emission control are adversely affected.
