Yes, a bad mass airflow (MAF) sensor can prevent you from being able to start your car. The reason why is that the mass airflow sensor measures the air coming into the engine and the engine control module uses this measurement to adjust the air and fuel in the combustion chamber. If the engine control module receives the wrong data, it may reduce the amount of fuel in the chamber to the point that you can’t start your car. RI Automotive lists other signs of mass airflow sensor problems.
Acceleration Trouble
Without enough fuel in the combustion chamber, even if you can get your vehicle started, you might notice that it lags when you try to accelerate. This could be when you try to accelerate from a stop and also when you try to pick up speed.
Black Exhaust Smoke
A misreading from the MAF sensor can also cause the engine control module to put too much fuel in the combustion chamber. When this happens, your engine burns away the excess fuel and you end up with black exhaust smoke flowing out of the tailpipe.
Check Engine Warning
A faulty MAF sensor will also cause the check engine light to come on. This is because it has likely sent an error code to the engine control module to let it know that it is going bad. The error code causes the module to turn on the check engine light to alert you of trouble.
Engine Hesitation
Engine hesitation, while you are driving along, suggests that there is too much air in the combustion chamber and your vehicle is being fuel-starved. Your engine may sputter and hiccup and, as discussed above, fight you when you try to get it to pick up speed.
Engine Surging
The opposite is too much fuel and this can make your engine surge. It can also make it difficult to start your automobile if the engine is flooded. Again, a malfunctioning MAF sensor can cause changes to the air and fuel mixture that will affect your engine’s performance.
Fuel Efficiency Reduction
Any time your engine’s performance is affected, your fuel economy will be affected. You know that you get the best fuel economy when your engine is running efficiently. If it’s running inefficiently, your fuel economy will be much lower than normal.
Finally, RI Automotive in Tampa, FL, advises that a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor can also make your engine idle roughly. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, call us today to schedule a service appointment.
