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What exactly is a mass airflow sensor (MAF sensor)?

Model: (Various brands) Various
Part: MAF sensor

The mass air flow sensor (or MAF sensor) is the component that measures the mass of air entering the engine. It tells the engine control unit to inject the exact amount of fuel to maintain the stoichiometric ratio (optimal air-fuel mixture), ensuring low fuel consumption, good performance, and low emissions. Inside the sensor, there is a platinum wire electrically heated to a constant temperature (120°C). The air entering the engine passes over this wire, cooling it down. The control unit measures how much electrical current is needed to keep the wire at its constant temperature: the more air that flows, the more the wire cools, and the more current is required to heat it. This measurement is converted into an accurate reading of the incoming air mass. It is important not to confuse this with the MAP (Manifold Absolute Pressure) sensor, which measures the pressure inside the intake manifold.

Posted on 27 November 2025 by ScegliAuto

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