What is the working principle of the air flow meter sensor?
2 Answers
The working principle of the air flow meter is that the voltage of the air flow meter remains constant, while the intake air volume changes the resistance of the air flow meter, thereby altering the current size, which is then transmitted to the vehicle's ECU. Below is a detailed introduction to the air flow sensor: 1. The air flow sensor, also known as the air flow meter, is one of the important sensors in an electronically fuel-injected engine. 2. It converts the inhaled air flow into an electrical signal and sends it to the electronic control unit (ECU), serving as one of the fundamental signals for determining fuel injection. It is a sensor that measures the air flow inhaled by the engine. 3. With the use of microcomputers for fuel injection control, several other types of air flow sensors have emerged, such as the flap-type air flow sensor and the Karman vortex air flow sensor.
I've been driving for decades, and I still remember how much simpler cars were in the early days. But now, this mass air flow (MAF) sensor is absolutely crucial. It's installed in the engine's intake pipe and mainly works using a heated thin wire or film—when air flows past, it cools the wire, changing its resistance. The engine control unit (ECU) calculates the incoming air volume based on this change, ensuring the fuel injectors deliver just the right amount of fuel. This keeps the engine running smoothly, improves fuel efficiency, and reduces vibrations. If it gets dirty or fails, especially in dusty urban areas, the engine might idle roughly, fuel consumption could spike, or the check engine light might come on. I always remind the mechanic to check and clean it during maintenance to avoid minor issues. This little component responds quickly, ensuring stable power while driving. Don’t underestimate these small parts—they make modern engines both efficient and reliable, a true testament to engineering ingenuity.
