Air Flow Meter/Sensor: Description and Operation

Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor:

PURPOSE
The Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine.

OPERATION
The MAF sensor uses a hot wire sensing element to measure the amount of air entering the engine. Air passing over the hot wire causes it to cool. It then sends out an analog voltage signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to determine the intake air mass. The PCM will then calculate the required fuel injector pulse width to provide the desired air/fuel ratio.

CONSTRUCTION
The MAF sensor is integral to its conical housing and is located between the air cleaner element and the air cleaner outlet tube.

NOTE: The hot wire sensing element and housing are calibrated as a unit and must be serviced as a complete assembly.