Mass Airflow Sensor

The Mass Airflow (MAF) sensor is an air flow meter that measures the amount of air entering the engine. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) uses the MAF sensor signal to provide the correct fuel delivery for all of engine speeds and loads. A small quantity of air entering the engine indicates a deceleration or idle condition. A large quantity of air entering the engine indicates an acceleration or high load condition. The MAF sensor has the following circuits:

• An ignition 1 voltage circuit
• A ground circuit
• A signal circuit

The PCM applies a voltage to the sensor on the signal circuit. The sensor uses the voltage to produce a frequency based on inlet air flow through the sensor bore. The frequency varies within a range of near 2000 Hertz at idle to near 10,000 Hertz at maximum engine load. The PCM uses the following sensor inputs to calculate a predicted MAF value:

• The Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP)
• The Intake Air Temperature (IAT)
• The Throttle Position (TP)
• The engine speed (RPM)

The PCM compares the actual MAF sensor frequency signal to the predicted MAF value. This comparison will determine if the signal is stuck based on a lack of variation, or is too low or too high for a given operating condition. If the PCM detects the actual MAF sensor frequency signal is not within a predetermined range of the calculated MAF value, a related Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) sets.