- Open the hood of the car.
- Disconnect the connector of the MAF sensor.
- Set the multimeter to 20 volts.
- Connect the black lead of the multimeter to the ground terminal of the battery or chassis and the red one to the power feed terminal of the MAF connector.
- Turn the ignition of the car on.
- If you get 5 to 12 volts, then it is working correctly.
Full Answer
Can a digital multimeter be used to test the MAF sensor?
With a digital multimeter. Yes, a digital multimeter can be used in testing the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor. In this article I am going to briefly explain the three basic multimeter tests that are done to find out if it's bad or not.
How do you test a MAF sensor on a Dodge Ram?
Testing a MAF sensor’s voltage signal: Turn the ignition switch to the Off position. Plug in the MAF sensor’s electrical connector. Backprobe the sensor’s signal (+) wire with your meter’s red lead, and the ground (-) wire with your meter’s black lead.
What kind of multimeter do you use to measure engine air flow?
Use a digital multimeter for all tests where a multimeter is called for. The MAF sensor produces an analog voltage signal. This MAF signal's DC voltage is directly related to amount of air the engine is breathing.
How do I test the Ford mass air flow sensor?
Testing the Ford mass air flow (MAF) sensor on all of the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars and trucks is a very simple test that can be done without a scan tool. All you need is a multimeter.
How to connect a MAF sensor to a battery?
Connect the black lead of the multimeter to the ground terminal of the MAF sensor and connect the red lead to the battery positive source or the positive wire inside the MAF sensor connector.
Where to connect multimeter to battery?
Connect the black lead of the multimeter to the ground terminal of the battery or chassis and the red one to the power feed terminal of the MAF connector.
How to tell if a wire is working?
Try wiggling the wires, if the frequency remains steady, then the wire is properly working .
What is a mass air flow sensor?
A mass air flow (MAF) sensor is used to measure the amount of air entering the combustion chamber and calculate the amount of fuel that will burn completely in the given amount of air.
What is the voltage of a multimeter?
If the signals on the multimeter are 0.5 to 0.7 volts, then it is functioning properly.
Can a MAF sensor be checked without a multimeter?
In this way, the MAF sensor of the vehicle could be checked without a digital multimeter.
How to clean a MAF sensor?
If cleaning the MAF sensor, use an electronics spray cleaner to do it with. This in itself may solve your problem. Don't use carb or brake clean spray. These solvents can damage the sensor. Also, don't attempt to physically clean the sensor with anything. Check your local auto parts store, they will have MAF sensor cleaning spray.
What to check for when cleaning MAF sensor?
Check your local auto parts store, they will have MAF sensor cleaning spray. After having checked for contamination the other things that you must check for (and eliminate if present) are: That the engine does not have any vacuum leaks. That there are no ignition system misfires.
Why is my MAF sensor contaminated?
Why? Because this MAF sensor is a hot-wire type that easily becomes contaminated with dirt and stuff from the air filter not performing its job. Cleaning this type of sensor is easy since the hot-wires are clearly visible to the eye (with the sensor removed).
Can a MAF sensor be tested without a scan tool?
A MAF sensor can be tested without a scan tool. How? With a digital multimeter. Yes, a digital multimeter can be used in testing the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor.
What to do if MAF sensor doesn't pass test?
If your MAF sensor didn’t pass the tests, you’ll need to replace the sensor. Still, be aware of this recommendations and potential problems after installing the new sensor.
What does a MAF sensor measure?
The MAF sensor measures the volume and density of the air entering the engine. Some also measure the temperature of the air entering the engine. The computer uses this measurement, along with other inputs, to calculate the best air-fuel ratio and spark timing according to engine operating conditions.
What is the trouble code for a MAF sensor?
Debris or dust that interfere with the hot-wire or sensing element on a MAF sensor can also trigger a P0101, P0102, or P0103 trouble code.
What is the most common MAF sensor?
Although there are two common types of MAF sensors, hot-wire and hot-film, hot-wire types are the most common. Troubleshooting test procedures for hot-wire sensors may vary from one vehicle make to the next. You can further divide MAF sensors into low-frequency, voltage, and high-frequency types.
How many volts should a DMM be?
Set your DMM to 20 volts DC or autorange.
Where is the MAF sensor located?
Look for the MAF sensor between the air filter box and the throttle body. On some models, the sensor is inside the air filter housing. If you need help locating the sensor, consult the vehicle repair manual for your particular vehicle make and model. 1.
What to look for in air duct assembly?
Carefully inspect the air duct assembly for tears, damage, and loose components that may introduce unmetered air.
How many volts does a MAF sensor need?
OK, you're gonna' start by checking the basics. These are 12 Volts and battery Ground to the MAF sensor. After that, we'll test the actual performance of the MAF sensor as the engine is running. Use a digital multimeter for all tests where a multimeter is called for.
What color is the MAF sensor?
NOTE: There are several different Ford MAF sensors types. These come in either a black or light gray body and with 6 or 4 wires in the connector. Regardless of what color body the MAF sensor has or the amount of wires in the connector, they are all tested in the same way!
How many wires does a MAF have?
Photo 2 of 2 is of a MAF with 6 wires, since it has the IAT sensor integrated with the assembly.
What is the best way to test a Ford mass air flow sensor?
Testing the Ford mass air flow (MAF) sensor on all of the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars and trucks is a very simple test that can be done without a scan tool. All you need is a multimeter. I recommend using a digital multimeter but an analog multimeter can also be used.
Can you use a wire piercing probe on a MAF sensor?
Air Temp. sensor circuit (not applicable if you have a 4 wire MAF sensor). Using a wire-piercing probe is the most effective and easy way of getting to the MAF signal, since you don't risk damaging the female terminals of the connector by probing them directly.
How to check for air leaks?
How do you check for air leaks? With your eyes and hands. That's right, no special tools required. Just eyeball and physically shake/move the ducting to see if it's loose or disconnected.
Does air entering after mass air flow sensor affect fuel injection?
Air entering after the mass air flow sensor into the engine will negatively impact fuel injection. And will skew the results of your tests which could result in the replacement of a good MAF (and in the process throwing money away).
