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Take the bag and move it around, making sure the alcohol washes all of the dirt and grime from the sensor. The cheapest option would be to take your mass airflow sensor and place it in a plastic bag filled with rubbing alcohol. Breaking one will require a replacement, which can run upwards of $100, so it's best to be cautious. A disconnected mass airflow sensor can't electrocute you, but the wires are delicate and small. When removing the sensor, be sure to never touch the wires.
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This is done by opening your vehicle's air box and using a flathead screwdriver to pluck it out. To clean your mass airflow sensor, first, you must take it out. Cleaning it when you change or clean your air filter will be a good way to save both time and money. Generally, you'll want to clean your mass airflow sensor either every six months, or every time you change your oil.
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In most cases, a faulty mass flow sensor has a specific code that will generate during computer diagnostics, and is usually easy to determine with computer testing equipment. If you believe your car has a faulty mass air flow sensor, take it to a qualified mechanic so that a complete computer diagnostic can be run.
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Here are some of the most common symptoms of a faulty mass airflow sensor: Symptoms of a Faulty Mass Air Flow SensorĪ faulty mass airflow sensor will cause problems similar to low compression or low vacuum, and will also show symptoms similar to when your vehicle has low fuel pressure from a faulty fuel pump. When a vehicle's mass airflow sensor is faulty or defective it can cause a variety of problems, and usually results in very poor performance from your engine. The air mass information is necessary for the ECU to correctly balance and deliver the correct amount of fuel to the engine. A mass airflow sensor (MAS) determines the mass of air entering a vehicle's fuel injection engine, and passes that data to the Engine Control Unit, or ECU.
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