Symptoms of A Failing MAF Sensor in Your BMW

A MAF sensor detects and ensures that the correct ratio of air enters into the internal combustion engine. Therefore, you must give more importance to ensure that you pay attention to your BMW's maintenance. A good Mass Air Flow sensor (MAF) ensures that your engine doesn't outwork themselves in the smallest of tasks.

MAF sensors will also make sure that your vehicle accelerates smoothly on an open road. This is done by ensuring that the right proportion of air and fuel is provided to the vehicle on a consistent basis.

The function of MAF sensor

The MAF sensor is important for your overall engine performance, and BMW models tend to have different components from other, more common vehicles on the road. In short, the MAF sensor detects and assesses the proper air-to-fuel ratio for ideal ignition and combustion in the engine. The MAF sensor works with your on-board computer to ultimately calculate the correct amount of fuel that will then be injected into the engine.

Symptoms of bad MAF sensor

When contemplating the symptoms of a bad Mass Air Flow, it is of key importance to understand the fundamentals behind the cause. When considering symptoms, it's important to realize that not all of the symptoms will start showing up together. Either you may notice a single symptom or experience a couple of them.

Check engine light illumination

This is the simplest warning that your BMW's internal sensors present to you. Behind the steering wheel, there is a small icon that blinks if the engine isn't operating as it should. However, it's important to realize that the engine light illumination doesn't necessarily point towards a faulty MAF. You must take this as an initial stage warning, and get your BMW checked out as soon as feasible.

Stalling of engine

If your BMW stalls at or after ignition, this is likely due to your engine not receiving enough fuel in the injection process, which in turn may be due to a failure of the MAF sensor to detect the proper ratios. At the start, the sensor sends the right input to get the gears working. However, after a couple of moments, the sensors misjudge and start sending in inaccurate readings. This tips the ratio in the opposite direction and causes your engine to stall.

Engine won't start

If your BMW's engine refuses to start, MAF sensor failure may be to blame, as it may be unable to detect the correct amount of air needed to allow the vehicle to fuel the engine and ignite. Particularly, if such problems persist in the summers, and virtually all the time, then your BMW has a faulty MAF sensor. With the incorrect composition of air and fuel, your vehicle won't have that initial trust to start itself optimally.

Rough idling

Rough idling is the case where your BMW is provided with the incorrect composition of air to fuel. In this case, there is much more air than gasoline or petrol. A lean idling occurs when the Mass Air Flow sensor gets dirty or contaminated. If your car idles hard with intense vibrations or any loud noises or cab-shaking events, this could be a sign of a failing MAF sensor.

Engine drags excessively

When your BMW begins to drag or exhibits a drastic decrease in performance, then your sensor might not be working optimally. This is traced down to the basics. Your vehicle isn't getting the right amount of fuel and is functioning in a deficit state, something that it can only maintain for short periods of time. So, it's time to visit your local automotive shop.

Excessive fuel consumption

When your car refuses to accelerate as quickly as it should, your MAF sensor may not be able to properly read the correct air-to-fuel ratio to allow your engine to function. On the first indication of excessive fuel consumption, get your BMW checked by a BMW specialist technician.

Remember

The easiest way to detect a failing MAF sensor is unsteady acceleration in your BMW. Unsteadily acceleration is when your BMW doesn't respond as it should when you press the accelerator. When there is a faulty mass airflow sensor, you can press the accelerator all the way down, but the vehicle will maintain a mediocre speed. Whenever you experience this, it's highly recommended that you get your BMW inspected as soon as possible.

We at Ultimate European Repair located in Tolleson, AZ are European auto repair specialist. Ultimate European Repair is passionate about the level of service provided by us. Moreover, our technicians are both ASE and BMW certified.