What are the symptoms of a faulty diesel engine mass air flow sensor?

2 Answers
Matteo
08/27/25 3:28am
When the mass air flow sensor fails, the engine will exhibit abnormalities, often manifesting as: unstable idle, poor acceleration, "backfire" in the intake pipe, and black smoke from the exhaust pipe, while also causing excessive exhaust emissions. Below is relevant information about the mass air flow sensor: 1. Definition: The mass air flow sensor, also known as the air flow meter, is installed between the air filter and the intake hose to measure the intake air volume of the engine cylinders and adjust fuel supply accordingly. It is one of the key sensors in electronic fuel injection engines. 2. Maintenance: The mass air flow sensor itself is not particularly prone to damage. Typically, it is affected by dirty intake air leading to dust accumulation, which impacts its detection accuracy and lifespan. Therefore, it is essential to regularly replace with qualified air filters during daily vehicle use, preferably using OEM filters provided by 4S shops.
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McAlexandra
09/09/25 2:36am
My diesel pickup truck has been having issues lately. The idle is extremely unstable, and the engine vibrates violently, shaking the seats even when stopped at a red light. There's also a lack of power when accelerating - it takes forever to respond to the throttle, and climbing hills is noticeably difficult. Fuel consumption has skyrocketed alarmingly, going from one tank per week to emptying in just three days. The dashboard warning light came on, and diagnostics revealed a faulty mass airflow sensor causing inaccurate air intake measurements and incomplete combustion. This affects safety as insufficient power during overtaking could lead to accidents. After cleaning the sensor, I also reminded my friends to regularly check air filters to prevent dust clogging. The problems decreased significantly after these measures. Don't wait for major issues to arise - early repairs save both hassle and money.
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