The mass airflow sensor in your European automobile is designed to keep track of the air that flows into the engine. The engine control unit, the main computer chip, uses this data to adjust the air and fuel in the combustion chamber. If the mass airflow sensor gets dirty or malfunctions, it might send incorrect data to the unit. When this happens, RB Auto Service advises your European automobile will experience one or more of the following problems.
Acceleration Problems
For example, assume for the moment that the mass airflow sensor reported a lesser airflow than what is actually flowing into the engine. The engine control unit might think that the combustion chamber needs more air. If it doesn’t, your vehicle’s acceleration will lag.
Performance Problems
The same is true with your European automobile’s engine performance. The excess air in the chamber will cause the engine to stutter and struggle to perform at higher speeds. If there is too much fuel in the chamber, the engine will pick up speed unexpectedly.
Rough Engine Idling
Either condition can make your European automobile’s idle rough. The idle will not be smooth because the engine is either not getting enough gasoline or it is getting too much gasoline. It’s easy to notice that your European automobile is idling roughly when you are sitting at a stop.
Black Engine Exhaust
Black exhaust smoke can be caused by too much fuel in the combustion chamber. This is because the chamber cannot send the fuel back to the tank. Rather, it burns away the excess fuel, and, as a consequence, produces black engine exhaust that flows out of the tailpipe.
Hard Starts or No Starts
A faulty mass airflow sensor can also make it difficult to start your car, truck, or utility vehicle. This could be because the engine is starved for fuel or it is flooded with fuel. In severe cases, starting your European automobile will be impossible until you replace the mass airflow sensor.
Reduced Fuel Economy
Any time there is an imbalance of air and fuel in the combustion chamber your engine runs inefficiently. When this happens, you will notice that your fuel economy is reduced. You won’t get the gas mileage you normally get out of your European automobile.
Check Engine Warning
Finally, the above symptoms of a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor can also turn on the check engine light on your dashboard. This is just one reason why this warning light turns on.
Call RB Auto Service in Pinellas Park, FL, today if you suspect that your European automobile’s mass airflow sensor is dirty or malfunctioning.