Located between the engine and the air filter, the mass air flow (MAF) sensor measures the volume and density of air entering the engine. A failing mass air flow sensor can result in sluggish performance, rough idle, poor fuel economy, an illuminated Check Engine light or possibly a failed emissions inspection. The good news is that it's easily accessible on most vehicles. Shop Advance Auto Parts' inventory of MAF sensors - we're sure to have one for your ride.
Your car's engine relies on air, fuel, compression and spark to run. The mass air flow sensor informs the engine computer of the volume and density of air entering the engine. The computer then uses that information to determine fuel metering strategy, along with readings from other sensors.
A faulty MAF sensor will result in an engine that's hard to start (or may not start at all). It also causes your engine to have rough idle, rough-running and rich-running condition, hesitation, surging or your engine will stall out after running for a few seconds. Sometimes the MAF sensor can be cleaned, but often it's just easier to replace it since it's usually in a fairly accessible spot. The good news is that a faulty MAF sensor is generally easy to diagnose since it will usually register a trouble code and illuminate the Check Engine light.