

The first is to verify that the device definitely works at its desired specifications, and the second is to define the working specifications. These issues may appear with the same symptoms as a malfunctioning air flow sensor. This is because contaminated filters can add to the quick re-contamination of sensors or can enhance limited air intake from blockages. In the case that cleaning the engine’s mass air flow sensor does not create an improvement in performance or a correction of previous issues, the air intake filters should also be examined. What are the Pros and Cons of Mass Air Flow Sensors?.Identifying a Broken or Faulty Mass Air Flow Sensor.The Applications of Mass Air Flow Sensors.Sensors must be delicately wiped with clean high-grade tissue to reduce scratches, and one should always avoid scrubbing as this may break parts or otherwise cause damage. Denatured alcohols should be avoided for this reason.

Volatile compounds such as acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and methanol are commonly preferred for their quick-drying qualities, however, the solvents must be of adequately high purity so that they do not leave residue once they have evaporated. Many of these are made from methanol 4 which will generally dissolve molecules such as hydrocarbons that have built up on the sensor, without causing damage to the sensor itself.Īnother important feature that should be considered in the selection of sensor-cleaning solvents, is whether or not they leave residue when they dry. There are several commercial cleaners sold as ‘mass air flow sensor’ cleaners that are commonly purchased as sprays. For example, toluene is very incompatible with most of the plastics employed in sensor housings and should therefore be used with care or avoided. While several modern sensor designs (for example, microcontroller-based mass air flow sensors) try to reduce exposure to possible contaminants, even these devices will require cleaning from time to time.Ĭhemical solvents 2 are one cleaning agent option, however, care should be taken to make sure that they do not react with the sensor housing or the sensor itself. To analyze mass air flow, one wire (or surface) is utilized as a reference, and the other is left vulnerable to the incident air flow.Īs mass air flow is determined by a difference in resistivity between the reference and exposed wires, any factor that influences this will result in inaccurate readings. The main reason that hot-film and hot-wire type sensors require cleaning is due to oils, dust, and other particles that collect onto the films or wires adjusting their resistivity. As contamination is one of the most frequent causes of mass air flow sensor failure and malfunction, especially for sensors in unhygienic environments such as car engines, the ability to test and clean sensors is a beneficial method of extending their lifetimes.
