Component Description

MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR 

The mass air flow (MAF) sensor (1) is placed in the stream of intake air. It measures the intake flow rate by measuring a part of the entire intake flow. The mass air flow sensor controls the temperature of the hot wire to a certain amount. The heat generated by the hot wire is reduced as the intake air flows around it. The greater air flow, the greater the heat loss.

Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Therefore, the electric current supplied to hot wire is changed to maintain the temperature of the hot wire as air flow increases. The ECM detects the air flow by means of this current change.

INTAKE AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR 

The intake air temperature (IAT) sensor is built-into the mass air flow sensor. The sensor detects intake air temperature and transmits a signal to the ECM.

The temperature sensing unit uses a thermistor which is sensitive to the change in temperature. Electrical resistance of the thermistor decreases in response to the rise in temperature.

<Reference data>

Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

* : These data are reference values and are measured between ECM terminals.