MAF Sensor Function in Cars, Location and How It Works!
The function of the MAF sensor in cars can be considered important because it is closely related to the success of the combustion process in the engine's combustion chamber. So does the MAF sensor have other functions? If so, where is this component located, and how does it work? For more details, let’s take a look at the following review.
Function of the MAF Sensor in Cars
The MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor is one of the car sensors that functions to measure the amount of air entering the combustion chamber. The MAF sensor is usually embedded in injection cars, specifically in cars that use the EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) system. Whether from type L or type D. In addition, most MAF sensors are equipped with an IAT (Intake Air Temperature) sensor that measures the temperature of the air entering the intake manifold.
The amount of air entering the intake manifold, which will later be channeled to the combustion chamber, will be adjusted according to the size of the opening in the throttle valve. The wider the valve opens, the more air enters, so the MAF sensor will send a change signal to the ECU (Engine Control Unit). Then the ECU will use the change in resistance from the amount of air entering to modify the signal
Location of the MAF Sensor
The MAF sensor is generally located at the air filter, specifically in the part leading to the intake manifold or throttle body.
How the MAF Sensor Works
After knowing the function and location of the MAF sensor, you need to understand how this component works. The working mechanism is as follows.
As is known, the MAF sensor consists of two parts made of wire material called thermistor and hot wire. The thermistor itself functions as a temperature detector for the air at the IAT sensor. The thermistor wire has the characteristic of being resistant to the temperature it encounters even though that temperature fluctuates. Meanwhile, the hot wire is a wire that can withstand heat from the continuous flow of electricity. Thus, changes in air can be detected by the MAF sensor.
As for its operation, the MAF sensor only works when the car owner turns on the ignition key. When the car starts, the battery will automatically supply electrical current to the hot wire. The hot wire will then convert the accumulation of electrons into heat, causing the wire's temperature to rise to 3 volts.
When the car engine is running, the air in the air filter will flow into the intake manifold. At this condition, the heat on the wire will decrease because the wire is exposed to the air flowing into the intake manifold. Since the hot wire has a constant characteristic, when the temperature decreases, the electrical current will significantly increase. Even the wire's temperature, which increased by 3 volts, will rise again to 5 volts when the car is idling.
So it can be concluded that the faster the airflow entering, the more air mass enters the engine as well. This makes the hot wire require a lot of electrical flow. At this condition, the ECU will calculate the amount of air mass entering the engine by utilizing the electrical current emitted by the hot wire.
Thus, this is a review of the function, location, and working mechanism of the MAF sensor. Given its important function, the condition of this component should always be checked regularly. If any problems occur, immediately carry out repairs at the official Daihatsu workshop.
