Can A MAF Sensor Be Intermittent?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Can a MAF be intermittent? Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0104 stands for “Mass Air Flow (MAF) “A” Circuit Intermittent/Erratic.”

It may be logged once the PCM perceives that the MAF sensor frequency signal is not within the expected range based on the calculated MAF value

.

Contents hide

Does a bad mass air flow sensor always throw a code?

As was mentioned, air/fuel ratio and misfire codes may also point to a problem with the MAF sensor (though, there are many other possibilities, as well). Keep in mind:

Sometimes, a bad MAF sensor won't set a code

, especially on older vehicles with a type of self-diagnostics called OBD-1.

What are the symptoms of a bad MAF sensor?

  • The engine is very hard to start or turn over.
  • The engine stalls shortly after starting.
  • The engine hesitates or drags while under load or idle.
  • Hesitation and jerking during acceleration.
  • The engine hiccups.
  • Excessively rich or lean idling.

Can you test a mass air flow sensor by unplugging it?

While

unplugging the MAF sensor to test whether it's the cause of your problems is fine, you should not continue driving without it

. The safe/limp mode is not optimal for long-term driving, and your engine needs the MAF sensor to run properly.

What is a normal mass air flow sensor reading?

With the engine at idle, the MAF's PID value should read anywhere from

2 to 7 grams/second (g/s) at idle and rise to between 15 to 25 g/s at 2500 rpm

, depending on engine size.

Does it take a while for a new MAF sensor to work?


After changing the defective part, the control unit “learns” the correct data again through the self-adaptation

. This learning process may take a long time under certain circumstances – during this time the engine runs “unevenly” and gives the impression that the new air flow meter could also be defective.

What happens if I unplug mass air flow sensor?

Q: Car runs with the mass sensor unplugged. If you plug it in it will die if the car is running. If you unplug the mass air flow sensor

the car will start

. If you try to plug it in while it's running the car will die.

How often do MAF sensors go bad?

The MAF sensor needs to be replaced

every 10,000 – 12,000 miles

. Your MAF sensor's life can be extended with regular maintenance and air filter replacement. A good rule of thumb is to go by the book every 10,000 to 12,000 miles. There is no such thing as an expiration date for a mass airflow sensor (MAF).

How can I test a mass air flow sensor?

Should I disconnect battery when changing MAF sensor?

After changing a mass air flow sensor,

you should disconnect it from the car battery for around 15 minutes

.

Why does my truck run better with the MAP sensor unplugged?

According to the Service Manual, if the MAP sensor fails completely: “

the ECM will substitute a fixed MAP value and use the throttle position sensor (TPS) to control fuel delivery

“. This mimicks what you're doing when you unplug the sensor and is probably why it seems to work better that way.

Can a car run without a mass air flow sensor?

Without a proper signal from the mass air flow sensor,

the powertrain control module (PCM), which manages the engine, transmission, and other systems in your car, won't know how much fuel the engine needs

. This can either cause the engine to run too lean (too little fuel) or too rich (too much fuel).

Can you clean a mass air flow sensor?


You can clean rather than replace the expensive mass air flow sensor

. Clean your MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor when it's dirty rather than replace this $300 part. It's quick and easy with some handy tools and a spray.

What should MAP sensor read at idle?

With the ignition on, the MAP sensor output should be around 5 volts. Start the engine and check the reading; at idle, the MAP sensor should read

1 to 2 volts

. This indicates the MAP sensor is responding to changes in vacuum.

Is o2 sensor same as MAF sensor?

Mounted in the air intake duct or air filter housing,

a MAF sensor detects the air density as it heads into the engine intake to be mixed with fuel

, noted autoguru.com.au. On the other hand, the oxygen sensor monitors how much unburned oxygen is present in the exhaust as exhaust exits the engine.

How do you reset a MAF sensor after replacing it?

Check if the engine light is still on after the Mass Air Flow Sensor was replaced. The entire system can be reset by

unhooking the battery and leaving it unhooked for 10 minutes

. Keeping the battery unhooked for longer than 10 minutes won't hurt anything.

Does a new map sensor need to be programmed?

Each sensor therefore needs to be Calibrated –

it needs to be programmed into the ECU what the pressure reading is at a low point around 0 Volts, and at a high point around 5 Volts

.

Can I use electrical contact cleaner on a MAF sensor?


Electrical contact cleaner will be fine

. Do not use carb cleaner or WD40!

Can you use throttle body cleaner on MAF sensor?

Yes, you can use a MAF cleaner on a throttle body, but

you cannot use throttle body cleaner on a MAF

.

Does cleaning MAF sensor improve MPG?

Can MAF sensor cause misfire?


Even a dirty MAF sensor can cause a lean code and/or misfire to occur

. The engine may be stalling because it isn't getting enough throttle opening.

Is a MAP sensor the same as a MAF sensor?

What are some differences between a MAP and MAF sensor?

While a MAF sensor is always located before the throttle body, a MAP sensor can usually be found attached to the intake manifold

. Because it is in the intake tract, A MAF sensor will also have its own housing (usually plastic) to hold it in place.

How often does a mass air flow sensor need to be replaced?

Mass air flow are designed to last the lifetime of your vehicle. In fact, they have

no scheduled replacement interval

. For this reason, the sensor is generally not replaced until it fails.

How long does it take to change a mass air flow sensor?


Less than one hour

. Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Unplug the electrical connector on the mass air flow sensor. Use a flathead screwdriver to unfasten the air intake hose clamp at the throttle body.

Can you replace a mass air flow sensor yourself?

What will unplugging MAP sensor do?

With the MAP sensor disconnected,

the fuel delivery will be excessive and could cause harm to the engine and exhaust system

(catalytic converters). Your vehicle getting on the freeway accelerating, bogging down, and reaccelerating sounds like fuel starvation. It could be a fuel pump fault or a plugged fuel filter.

How do I know if my MAP sensor is working?

Can a MAP sensor be bypassed?

Map sensor bypass.

To install a map sensor bypass (check valves not missing link) you have to take the map sensor off the manifold and then take the t connector and stick it in the hole that is left in the manifold

.

Can you use rubbing alcohol to clean mass air flow sensor?

How do you test a mass airflow sensor?

What should happen if I unplug MAF sensor?

Q: Car runs with the mass airflow sensor unplugged. If you plug it in it will die if the car is running. If you unplug the mass air flow sensor

the car will start

. If you try to plug it in while it's running the car will die.

How long should a MAP sensor last?

How do you test a mass airflow sensor?

What should happen if I unplug MAF sensor?

Q: Car runs with the mass airflow sensor unplugged. If you plug it in it will die if the car is running. If you unplug the mass air flow sensor

the car will start

. If you try to plug it in while it's running the car will die.

Rebecca Patel
Author
Rebecca Patel
Rebecca is a beauty and style expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She is a licensed esthetician and has worked with top brands in the beauty industry. Rebecca is passionate about helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, and she uses her expertise to create informative and helpful content that educates readers on the latest trends and techniques in the beauty world.