Air Intake Sensor problem

Joan79

Hi I posted this on a different forum but got no answers so thought I would try here.

Just under a year ago my car (1996 Mk4 ford fiesta) was playing up.

I could feel the car stuggling to accelerate and the car would accelerate and decelerate without my lifting my foot or applying extra pressure. Sometimes I would completely lose power but the engine would still be running and for me to regain power I had to switch a lower gear. Along with this came random stalling at low speeds usually when I'm slowing for a junction or turning around a bend (which isn't ideal since the steering wheel locks).

BUT after driving going to the garage a few times and them not finding the fault I learnt myself that maybe it was the air intake sensor ( I think that is what it's called). I got the garage to replace this and it worked perfectly.

Until now!

I am wondering if there is maybe something affecting the sensor so that it is not lasting very long because surely I shouldn't have to get it replaced every year?

Any advice will be greatly appreciated, thanks.

skiddlydiddly

If you mean the MAF(Mass Air Flow) then inside them is a little hotwire which has a current run through it, voltage changes according to airflow.
They can get crap(especially or example if using an oiled air filter such as a K&N) on them which means they read inaccurately or can just break.Some seem to be more fragile than others but all seem pretty expensive for such a small part.

Joan79

Yes I think it was called that aswell. It's rather annoying that it needs replacing again as it was last done around 10 months ago.

cyclonebri1

You are possibly replacing the wrong thing. where did the suggestion that it was the air intake temp sensor come from? dignostics or plucked from the air.

A more likely suspect would be the idle control valve, (ICV) or the water temp sensor in my view, get someone to plug it into diagnostics and clean the ICV.

matty538

cyclonebri1 wrote: »

You are possibly replacing the wrong thing. where did the suggestion that it was the air intake temp sensor come from? dignostics or plucked from the air.

A more likely suspect would be the idle control valve, (ICV) or the water temp sensor in my view, get someone to plug it into diagnostics and clean the ICV.

My thoughts exactly when I read the first post, the symptoms you describe sound more like the ICV than the MAF.
You could try removing the ICV and giving it a clean, which will be much cheaper than buying a new MAF.

Coveredinbees!!!!

My old festa used to do that, you can clean the mass airflow meter rather than replace it. you just have to take it off and undo the bit with the sensors on and clean it with carb cleaner then wipe off the dirt. You have to be very gentle but it saves replacing it.

thescouselander

The diagnostic test for the MAF is simply to unplug it - if performance is improved after doing this you know the MAF is to blame.

As already said the hotwire can be cleaned - when I did this on my OH's car I used electrical contact cleaner that came with a little straw so I could get right upto the wire and blast it. Its best not touch the wire in case it brakes. Also, it is vitally important that whatever cleaner you use does not leave any residue (DO NOT use WD40 or similar - get proper electrical contact cleaner with no residue).