How Airflow Sensors Work

For a combustion engine to operate efficiently and smoothly, it needs to determine engine loads so that it can accurately carry out fuel injection, combustion, and transmission shifting. With an electronic component known as an air flow sensor, the amount of air moving through the engine’s intake manifold is measured. As a key component of the electronic fuel injection system, the airflow sensor is paramount to executing correct timings and calculations for the automobile combustion engine.

For the placement of the airflow sensor, the component is nestled between the air filter and intake manifold as to be placed in the flow of air as it enters the engine. While there are a few common types of airflow sensors available on the market, the most commonly used type that is seen in most modern cars is the hot-wire type. With the hot-wire type airflow sensor, an electrically heated wire is placed within the flow of air to measure its temperature. While the automobile is still and airflow is low, electricity will cause the wire to heat up very rapidly and thus it can be determined that little air is moving through the system. As speed increases, however, higher airflow will begin cooling the wire down at a proportionate rate. As measurements are taken, signals are then relayed to the engine computer so that fuel injection can be properly calculated.

While simplistic in its design and operation, the airflow sensor is a vital component to the proper functionality of the automobile engine. Due to this importance, it is crucial that the sensor always remains clean and protected. If the engine air filter allows for contaminates to pass through the system and collect in the intake passage, the airflow sensor may not be able to gain accurate readings. As a result, the engine may operate more poorly with slower acceleration or even stall due to inaccurate fuel injection calculations. On engines that are automatic, an airflow sensor that is facing issues may also affect the ability to shift between gears as well. As such, it is highly important to ensure that the mass airflow sensor and filter are always protected and maintained.

For more modern automobiles, the standard inspection method for airflow sensors is to use a scan tool. During the inspection procedure, mechanics will utilize a testing sensor alongside the installed sensor to measure airflow at varying speeds. As compared to a fully functional airflow sensor, problematic sensors tend to provide readings that are lower. Despite this, it is also possible that a faulty sensor will provide a reading that is higher as well. As engine volumes tend to vary based on the amount of cylinders present within the apparatus, it is important to be familiar with the engine in question to ensure that accurate testing measurements are made. Additionally, one should also be aware that lower readings are not always indicative of a faulty airflow sensor as clogged or over-washed air filters can also cause readings to be skewed. Nevertheless, both air filters and airflow sensors are components that can be easy to replace when an issue does arise.

At ASAP Supply Chain, we can help you procure the automobile parts and airflow sensor components that you have been searching for with ease. As a leader among parts distributors, we provide customers access to an unrivaled inventory consisting of over 2 billion new, used, and obsolete components. Additionally, all parts have been sourced from top global manufacturers and ship alongside their qualifying certifications or manufacturing trace documents. Get started with a personalized quote on the items that you have been searching for in just 15 minutes or less when you send us an RFQ.