How to Trick a Mass Air Flow Sensor- 3 Simple Techniques 

Mass airflow sensors are an integral part of modern vehicle engines. This sensor may be small, but it contributes to operating the vehicle most efficiently. If the MAF sensor goes bad, you can lose fuel efficiency and face other problems. Tricking a mass air flow sensor is sometimes necessary to get the car going. But, it is a temporary solution. If you trick the MAF sensor for a long time, it can hurt your engine. Anyways, let’s learn 3 simple ways how to trick a mass airflow sensor from this article.

What Is A Mass Air Flow Sensor? 

A mass air flow sensor is a sensor that lets your engine know much air is flowing through the pipes. The engine needs air(O2) and fuel for the combustion process and to keep the car running. To accomplish its purpose, the engine receives data from the mass air flow sensor about the amount of air flowing in to supply the right fuel for the combustion process.  

Purposes Of A Mass Air Flow Sensor

The mass air flow sensor may not be a big part. But it plays a big role in keeping the car running in good shape. 

Helps To Balance Air and Fuel Supply

The engine receives air flow data from the mass air flow sensor and supplies the right fuel for the combustion process. This way, the engine prevents having a “knock” or using too much fuel. 

Ensures Fuel Efficiency

The engine uses fuel as per the data sent by the mass air flow sensor. In this way, the engine uses just the right amount of fuel. It saves the owner quite a bunch of money. 

Protects Engine Health 

As we said earlier, the mass air flow sensor prevents the engine from knocking. This eventually prevents roughed-up pistons and gives the engine a long life. 

Signs Of A Bad Mass Air Flow Sensor

The engine shows signs when the mass air flow sensor gets contaminated or can not cooperate with the sensor anymore. 

Dashboard Sign 

You can see a sign indicating that the mass air flow sensor is not working on your car’s dashboard. It would be best to repair the sensor when you see the sign as soon as possible. 

Fuel Efficiency Is Gone 

When the mass air flow sensor has gone bad, you can tell the car is no longer running at its optimal fuel efficiency. This happens because the engine does not receive the correct air flow data from a faulty sensor. Thus the engine keeps on burning more fuel than necessary. 

You Find It Difficult To Accelerate

The automobile receives its fuel injection instructions from the mass air flow sensor. Regardless of whether you press firmly on the accelerator, your automobile may have trouble accelerating if it doesn’t instruct the engine to inject sufficient fuel.

Your Car Struggles To Start

To start, the engine in the vehicle consumes a lot of gas. Your vehicle might not supply the engine with adequate fuel if the mass air flow sensor malfunctions. You can observe that your automobile takes a few attempts to start.

Should You Trick or Bypass A Mass Air Flow Sensor? 

No matter what kind of situation you’re in, you should never trick a mass air flow sensor. The reason behind this opinion is that it is not good for your car’s health. By tricking a mass air flow sensor, you can deceive the engine by letting it think that more air is coming through. As a result, the engine burns more fuel, and the car runs rich. 

This reduces fuel efficiency and affects the health of the engine as well. In the long run, the engine loses its optimum performance and costs you much more than it would take to replace a faulty mass air flow sensor. 

How To Trick A Mass Air Flow Sensor?

It is never recommended to trick your car’s mass air flow sensor. But if you decide to do it anyway, you may follow one of the methods mentioned. 

1. Alteration Using A Resistor

Certain individuals have attempted to alter the MAF sensor’s voltage readings by including a resistor within the sensor’s wiring. Yet, this can harm the device or the motor and result in false data.

2. Bypassing

Unplugging the MAF sensor while employing a set resistor to deceive the engine regulation unit into believing the inflow is below the typical range is a different method that certain individuals have tried. Doing so can result in erroneous readings and endanger the engine or emissions management systems.

3. Cool Air Inflow

Certain individuals add aftermarket cool-air intake mechanisms, which can enhance inflow to the motor and possibly deceive the MAF sensor from reporting greater airflow than truly reaching the combustion chamber. The engine could be harmed, which can also lead to false results.

How To Repair A Bad Mass Air Flow Sensor? 

You can do two things to repair a faulty mass air flow sensor. 

Use A Cleaner 

Several good mass air flow sensor cleaners are available in the market. Just get one from your nearest dealer, unscrew the sensor from the car, spray the cleaner gently on the sensor, and let it dry for some time. Don’t rub or scrub it with anything; spray the cleaner and let it dry. 

Replace The Sensor 

The second option is to take the car to a garage or repair shop and get the faulty mass air flow sensor changed. You may be unable to change it yourself or make the thing worse. It would be a wise decision to take some professional help. 

How Much Does It Take To Change A Bad Mass Air Flow Sensor? 

Based on the brand, a mass air flow sensor cleaner can cost 50 to 100 USD. It will not cost you labor as you will clean it yourself. 

Replacing a mass air flow sensor can cost you up to 350 USD, including the labor cost.

Conclusion 

A mass air flow sensor is critical to fuel efficiency and your car’s overall health. Tricking a mass air flow sensor can spoil your car’s engine. This will cost you a lot of money while trying to save a hundred bucks. We suggest not tricking a mass airflow. You might do so for a temporary solution but fix it as soon as possible if your mass airflow has issues.

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