It is rare for the mass airflow or MAF sensor to malfunction, but it can if it gets too dirty. The reason why the sensor gets dirty is that it is located behind the air filter. Unfortunately, if some dirt makes its way through the filter, it can cake on the MAF sensor. If your Mercedes-Benz starts to have any of the problems listed below, it’s possible that the MAF sensor is dirty.
CEL Warning
One thing that can happen as a result of the rest of the problems listed in this blog post is the check engine light may turn on. A dirty MAF sensor can create problems with the balance of air and fuel found in the Mercedes’ combustion chamber. Unfortunately, this imbalance causes problems that are picked up by system sensors. They alert the engine control unit and it turns on the CEL.
Engine Performance Issues
Specifically, the Mercedes’ engine may start to lag or sputter because it does not have the fuel it needs in the chamber. This will also cause a reduction in the Mercedes’ ability to accelerate. Depending on the MAF sensor malfunction, the Mercedes may also end up with too much fuel in the chamber. This will cause the Mercedes to pick up speed sporadically.
Poor Fuel Economy
As if that were not bad enough, you will also see a significant reduction in your Mercedes’ fuel economy. This is because the engine is not running efficiently. Any time there is an imbalance in the chamber, the Mercedes will use more fuel to produce power. Consequently, you will end up with poor fuel mileage that requires you to fill the tank more often.
Dark Engine Exhaust
Your Mercedes they also start to produce excess black exhaust if the engine is burning too much fuel. Again, this fuel burn is indirectly caused by the faulty MAF sensor. It can send incorrect data to the engine control unit and the unit will add extra fuel to the chamber. Unfortunately, your Mercedes may become a smokestack releasing black exhaust.
Hard Starts/No Starts
Finally, let’s assume that there is too much air in the chamber. When this happens, you will have difficulty getting your Mercedes-Benz started. In severe cases, you may not be able to start the Mercedes at all because there will not be enough fuel in the chamber for the spark plugs to ignite. You may have to have your Mercedes towed to our shop.
We are here to help, so call us today if you are having problems with your Mercedes-Benz or another European automobile. We are European automobile experts.