Do you know that your Mercedes needs so many sensors to operate perfectly? One of the sensors that often goes unnoticed is the mass airflow (MAF) sensor. This Mercedes sensor is a relatively small component compared to the rest of the systems, and it is situated between the air filter and the intake manifold of the engine. Its function is to determine the volume of air that is going into the engine. This info is then relayed to the car’s computer to retune the fuel injection to get the right mixture of air and fuel for combustion. When the MAF sensor is faulty, it can cause a variety of problems or even affect the entire engine.
Some Symptoms of Mercedes MAF Issues
Check Engine Light
The most noticeable symptom of a faulty MAF sensor is when the check light illuminates on your Mercedes dashboard. This warning light can be caused by many things but if the MAF sensor is bad you should expect it to turn the check light on. When this light comes on, you should have your Mercedes scanned for codes to find out if the fault is truly from the MAF sensor.
Poor Acceleration
Bad MAF sensor symptoms include having slow acceleration or lag when you step on the gas pedal. Since the sensor is needed in controlling the air-fuel mixture, a faulty MAF sensor may provide the ECU with wrong signals. This leads to a poor fuel mixture that will make your Mercedes feel slow or lag when you step on the gas pedal.
Stalling
If your Mercedes is running roughly or stalling at times, it may be because your MAF sensor is out of order. At times, the car may even cut off while you are driving or even when at a traffic signal. These problems can cause driving to be unpredictable and even unsafe if not resolved as soon as possible.
Decreased Fuel Efficiency
With a failing MAF sensor, your Mercedes’ fuel efficiency may also be compromised. If the sensor delivers wrong information to the ECU, the engine could use a lot of fuel which results in low MPG. You may also find that you are using more fuel to fill your car’s tank than before. If you notice your car’s fuel economy suddenly dipping, you should consider getting an MAF sensor inspected.
Black Smoke
When the MAF sensor is faulty, the air-fuel ratio can be too high, which implies that there is an excess of fuel in the mixture. This can lead to situations where black smoke comes from the exhaust. The excess fuel combusts unevenly, and this accounts for the dark smoke that is emitted. If you see black smoke, then it is recommended to sort out the problem as soon as possible because running too rich can harm the catalytic converter and other parts of the engine.
Engine Misfires
One of the possible problems associated with the MAF sensor is engine misfire. A misfire is when the air-fuel ratio is off and the engine jerks while running. A bad MAF sensor is capable of delivering wrong data to the ECU which leads to an improper distribution of air and fuel in the cylinders. This can result in misfires, especially when the engine is under some load such as when accelerating.
Abnormal Sounds Emerging from the Engine
A defective MAF sensor also contributes to strange noises from the engine. You may experience a knocking sound from the engine bay. These noises are mainly a result of poor combustion that is as a result of an unequal air-fuel ratio. If you own a Mercedes and you hear some strange sounds coming from your car’s engine, you should make sure it is checked to find out whether the MAF sensor is the cause.
What to Do if Your MAF Sensor Fails
If you think your Mercedes has a bad 
mass airflow sensor, the right thing to do is to seek the help of a mechanic. At Momentum Motorworks, we have expertise in repairing issues in Mercedes vehicles. Our skilled technicians will conduct a diagnostic scan to establish the problem and fix it in a way that ensures the vehicle is back to its optimum performance. If you need our help for your Mercedes feel free to come to our garage in Birmingham, AL, or fill out the form online to book an appointment.