Yes, a dirty mass airflow (MAF) sensor can turn on the check engine light. Kinetech Motor Werkes advises that when the MAF sensor acts up, it indirectly affects the delicate balance of air and fuel in the combustion chamber. Once this balance is off, you will notice the problems listed below. In addition, your European automobile’s main computer chip will turn on the check engine warning light.
Acceleration Trouble
Acceleration trouble can be attributed to a lean fuel mixture. In other words, the dirty MAF sensor has tricked, if you will, the main computer chip into putting too much air into the combustion chamber. If the mass airflow sensor does not provide accurate data as to how much air is flowing into the engine, the chip will make unnecessary adjustments that can affect how well your vehicle accelerates.
Black Engine Exhaust
These adjustments can also cause black engine exhaust to flow out of the tailpipe. This is an indication that the fuel mixture in the combustion chamber is rich. The excess fuel contained in this mixture is being burned by the engine, and, as a consequence, it is also creating black exhaust smoke.
Hard Starts/No Starts
A malfunctioning MAF sensor can also make it difficult to start your European automobile. In fact, in severe cases, you may not be able to get your MINI, Porsche, or VW started at all. This is an indication that the imbalance of air and fuel in the combustion chamber is so air-heavy that the engine cannot start combustion. No combustion means no running engine.
Performance Problems
As with the acceleration lag discussed above, the fuel mixture imbalance can also cause engine performance problems. For example, you may notice that your European automobile sputters because it is fuel-starved. If it has too much fuel in the chamber, it will pick up speed sporadically.
Reduced Fuel Economy
All of these things directly affect your vehicle’s fuel economy. Unfortunately, they reduce it. As your engine continues to struggle and runs inefficiently, it will burn through more diesel fuel or gasoline. Consequently, you will notice that you are having to head to the service station more often.
Rough Engine Idle
One final indication that you have a faulty MAF sensor is a rough engine idle. This, too, can be attributed to a lean fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. Simply put, there isn’t enough fuel to sustain a smooth idle.
Kinetech Motor Werkes in Indian Trail, NC, can help, so call us today to schedule an appointment for your European automobile.
