What is an air flow sensor?

An Air Flow Sensor (AFS) is a device used to measure the amount of air entering an engine and is primarily used in engine management systems to ensure that the engine is able to operate properly. By measuring the amount of air entering the engine, the Air Flow Sensor helps to control the amount of fuel injected to achieve a balance of fuel economy, emissions and performance.

How Air Flow Sensors Work

The operating principle of the air flow sensor is based on the principle of thermal film measurement. Inside the air flow sensor is a hot wire, which is heated by an electric current and reaches a stabilized temperature, and the air flow is determined by measuring the cooling effect on the surface of the hot wire. When air flows through the sensor, it takes away heat, causing the temperature of the hot wire to decrease. By measuring the change in resistance of the hot wire, the air flow sensor can calculate the exact air flow rate.

How to clean a dirty air flow sensor

It is critical that the air flow sensor works properly, and a dirty sensor can have a big impact on its accuracy. When the air flow sensor is dirty, it can be cleaned by the following steps:
Materials:
Cleaner 75% medical alcohol Alcohol Spray bottle The finer the nozzle, the better.
Soft bristle brush The best is a woman make-up with soft bristle brush hair . The softer the better, can also be used without a brush, with an alcohol spray bottle to the sensor probe and the sensor on both sides of the spray spray rinsing can be, can be dried with a hair dryer or natural air drying can be.
Steps
Use a soft bristle brush to gently remove surface dust from the sensor. Avoid using hard brushes or powerful cleaning tools that may damage the sensor.

Spray an appropriate amount of electronic cleaner on the sensor surface, be careful not to spray directly on the wires or connectors.

Gently wipe the sensor surface with a clean cloth until the cleaner residue is completely removed.

Wait for the sensor to dry completely and install it again in its original position.

Please note that cleaning the air flow sensor requires careful handling and ensuring that no parts are damaged.

Why should I clean the air flow sensor?

A dirty air flow sensor may cause the sensor to measure inaccurately, which can affect the engine's fuel injection control. When the air flow sensor is dirty, it may incorrectly recognize the engine's air demand, resulting in an under or over supply of fuel. This will lead to problems such as inadequate engine combustion, sluggish acceleration, elevated emissions, and reduced power.
Regular cleaning of the air flow sensor will ensure its accuracy and reliability, thus maintaining optimal engine performance. In general, it is recommended that the air flow sensor be cleaned regularly to prevent it from accumulating excessive dust and dirt.

To summarize

The air flow sensor is an important part of the engine management system, helping to control fuel injection by measuring air flow. When the air flow sensor is dirty, it can be taken care of by cleaning it. Cleaning the air flow sensor helps maintain optimal engine performance and fuel economy. Regularly cleaning the air flow sensor is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure proper engine operation.

First, disconnect the vehicle and locate the air flow sensor. The air flow sensor is located after the air filter.

Remove the plug by pinching the tab on the plug.

The plug is unplugged.

A plumb bob screwdriver.

Unscrew the two self-tapping screws at the top and bottom of the sensor.

Pull out the air flow sensor.

The probe on the sensor.

The probe can also be seen on the back.

The true face of the sensor

Prepare medical 75% medical alcohol, never use drinking wine instead of alcohol don't ask why

Alcohol pot nozzle the finer the better.

Side of the probe and a position with alcohol spray to clean.

This surface with alcohol spray clean, focusing on the probe, is sure not to touch the probe with something.

This surface and the probe is also spray clean, because it is not too dirty to clean the brush, so as not to accidentally damage the probe.

Finally, if you want to scrub must use a soft brush, preferably women make-up with soft bristles, softer the better, you can not use a brush, with alcohol spray cans to sensor probes and sensors on both sides of the spray rinse can be used. You can use a hairdryer to blow dry or natural drying can be.