The mass airflow (MAF) sensor is just as important to a diesel engine as it is to a gasoline engine. The MAF sensor tracks the inflow of air from the outside so the main computer chip can make adjustments in the combustion chamber if necessary. United Diesel Repair advises that many things can go wrong if the mass airflow sensor is bad. The most common problem an MAF sensor faces is getting too dirty. Let’s talk about what can go wrong if your diesel engine has a faulty MAF sensor.
Check Engine Warning Light
The check engine warning light will turn on because the engine cannot run efficiently if the MAF sensor is malfunctioning. Usually, another system sensor that is being affected by the faulty MAF sensor will send an error code to the main computer chip and it will turn on the check engine light. Unfortunately, the dashboard warning light will remain lit until you clean or replace the MAF sensor.
Engine Performance Issues
If the MAF sensor is unable to track the incoming air, it may cause the main computer chip to make unnecessary adjustments in the combustion chamber. Consequently, if the chip puts too much air in the chamber, your diesel engine will idle roughly, lag when you try to accelerate, and sputter at high speeds. Too much diesel fuel can cause the engine to surge and pick up unexpected speed.
Reduced Fuel Economy
These engine performance problems will reduce the diesel engine’s fuel economy. Diesel engines are known for getting better fuel mileage than gasoline engines do because the diesel fuel is dense with energy. This means it takes less fuel to generate more energy. If you are dealing with a faulty MAF sensor in the engine, this will affect the engine’s performance as discussed above and the overall fuel mileage you get out of a full tank.
Excess Black Exhaust
Your diesel engine may release tiny puffs of black exhaust when you accelerate. This is normal. What is abnormal is if you see excess black exhaust flowing out of the tailpipe. When this happens, the diesel engine is burning too much fuel. This excess fuel may have been placed into the combustion chamber due to a faulty MAF sensor reading.
Hard Starts/No Starts
Finally, it can be difficult to get your diesel engine started if the MAF sensor is malfunctioning. As you’ve learned, the air and fuel mixture in the combustion chamber can become imbalanced and this will make starting your vehicle difficult.
United Diesel Repair in Flowery Branch, GA, can test the MAF sensor and replace it if necessary. Call us today.
