Yes, a malfunctioning MAF sensor can turn on the check engine light. Generally, when the MAF sensor goes bad, it skews data regarding the influx of air into the engine. When the engine control module (ECM) receives this skewed data, Anderson Automotive advises that it will make unnecessary changes in the combustion chamber that create the following problems. Any one of these problems can cause an illuminated check engine light.
Acceleration Trouble
For example, if the incorrect MAF data causes the ECM to add excess air that isn’t needed in the combustion chamber, your vehicle will have a difficult time accelerating because it is being fuel-start. Too much air in the chamber creates a lean fuel mixture.
Engine Idling Roughly
This lean fuel mixture will also cause your engine to idle roughly. This is a sign that the engine is not getting the fuel it needs to run smoothly. Consequently, the idle will be rough and the acceleration will lag. You will continue to have this problem until you replace the malfunctioning MAF sensor.
Performance Problems
You will also have engine performance problems such as sputtering and hiccupping. This, too, is caused by too much air and not enough fuel in the combustion chamber. This being said, the ECM may also put too much fuel into the chamber depending on the MAF’s data. When this happens, your engine will pick up speed unexpectedly because it is burning away excess fuel.
Poor Fuel Economy
All of these things can cause poor fuel economy. If the engine is sputtering and struggling to run, it will burn more fuel. If the ECM puts too much fuel in the chamber, it will burn it. Consequently, you will end up with a reduction in your vehicle’s gas mileage until the MAF sensor is replaced.
Black Exhaust Smoke
Another sign that there is too much fuel in the combustion chamber is black exhaust smoke flowing out of the tailpipe. Burning fuel produces black exhaust.
Hard Starts/No Start
Finally, the malfunctioning MAF sensor may make it difficult to start your automobile. As with the engine problems discussed above, difficulty starting the automobile or not being able to start it at all can be traced back to an imbalance between the air and fuel in the combustion chamber.
Call Anderson Automotive in Marion, IA, today if your vehicle is having any of the problems we have discussed above. These are signs that the MAF sensor needs to be cleaned or replaced.