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Are you finding yourself at the gas station way more often lately?
There can be many different reasons why your Volkswagen’s fuel efficiency may dwindle― the most obvious being a defective mass airflow sensor. The sole purpose of writing this blog post is to help our fellow readers understand how a glitch in such a trivial-looking sensor can influence a vehicle’s gas mileage. Let’s start by discussing a few interesting facts about the sensor like what it is and what purpose it serves.
Mass Airflow Sensor’s Significance
The mass airflow (MAF) sensor is an important part of your vehicle’s engine management system. Located between the air filter and the engine’s intake manifold, the MAF sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine per unit of time. The data is then sent to the engine control unit through a network of sophisticated electronics. The ECU uses this data, along with data sent from an array of other sensors, to determine how much fuel needs to be injected into the cylinders and when to inject it.
In short… a properly functioning MAF sensor is essential for a clean and efficient combustion of the air-fuel mixture inside the engine. If it malfunctions because of electrical issues, sensor element damage, contamination, or any other reasons, the vehicle’s engine performance and fuel efficiency will suffer.
Impact On Volkswagen’s Fuel Efficiency
Without oxygen you can’t burn anything… To feed the engine with the requisite amount of oxygen, cars come equipped with a series of components- collectively known as the air intake system. At the center of this system is MAF sensor. If it malfunctions, air-to-fuel ratio within the combustion chamber will fluctuate erratically. This is something that can cause the engine to run rich (too much fuel) or lean (too little fuel) and burn more fuel than usual. In other words― if there is something off with your Volkswagen’s MAF sensor, it will start burning fuel at an alarming rate.
Symptoms Of A Failing MAF Sensor
Suspect a glitch in your Volkswagen’s MAF sensor? Well, you can look for the following signs…
#1- Check engine light
A defective MAF sensor can activate the check engine light on the dash of your vehicle, as with any other engine-related issues. Get an OBD-II scanner and retrieve the error code stored in the vehicle’s fault memory. Decide the future course of action based on the findings. If the MAF sensor is indeed the trigger, have it checked by a certified professional and get it repaired.
#2- Engine performance issues
The MAF sensor may seem like a trivial component… but, it plays a crucial role in determining how efficiently a car engine should operate. If it malfunctions, the ECU’s ability to stabilize the air-to-fuel proportion inside the cylinders will be compromised. As a result, the engine will run rich or lean and struggle to perform smoothly. If your VW’s MAF sensor is acting up, you might have to deal with several engine performance issues such as an inconsistent or rough idle, hesitation during acceleration, engine stalling, etc.
#3- Decreased fuel efficiency
The most notable symptom of a failing MAF sensor in a vehicle is a sudden drop in its gas mileage. To determine the amount of fuel needed to be injected into the combustion chamber at any particular moment, the engine management computer relies on real-time inputs from a bunch of sensors, including the MAF sensor. So, obviously… if it malfunctions, the vehicle will consume fuel at an alarming rate.
#4- Increased emissions
A destabilized air-fuel mixture caused by a defective MAF sensor can also result in increased emissions in your Volkswagen. Worn-out spark plugs, defective ignition coil, clogged fuel injectors, and broken catalytic converter are some of the other leading reasons behind increased emissions in a vehicle. Whatever the reason may be… if you’re noticing increased emissions in your Volkswagen, don’t take it for granted. Find out the source of the issue and get it repaired.
Absolute Auto Care Inc.: Newton’s Most Trusted Volkswagen Service Center
Has your Volkswagen been burning fuel 
at an alarming rate lately? Although a sudden hike in the rate of fuel consumption could point to one of many different issues with a vehicle, the most prominent is MAF sensor malfunction. Have your vehicle’s MAF sensor checked by a certified professional and get it repaired before it takes a turn for the worse. If you are in Newton, NH, or neighborhood cities, feel free to reach out to us at Absolute Auto Care Inc. Contact us at 603-382-5100 or visit our website to schedule an appointment today.