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Porsches have had problems with their MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensors, which is a rather complicated issue. However, our professional mechanics can diagnose the problem and offer you advice on whether to repair or replace it. Without a working MAF sensor, your Porsche won’t function properly and eventually, it will stop running. MAF sensor problems should not be neglected as it can cause quite a bit of harm to your Porsche’s engine. This article will discuss that further.
What is a Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor, and What Does it Do?
The MAF sensor is also called the air meter. It is part of the electronic fuel injection system of the car. It measures the amount of air that should be allowed into the engine. For proper combustion to take place in your car or SUV, it requires the correct ratio of air and fuel to enter the combustion chamber. When the engine control unit (ECU) receives the information from the MAF sensor, the ECU determines the correct proportion of fuel to allow into the combustion chamber to ensure correct combustion and a healthy engine.
Signs That the MAF Sensor Has Issues
- Misfiring Engine: This is an expected result of a bad MAF sensor, because misfires often happen due to the engine running too lean or too rich, in other words, when the ratio of air-to-fuel is incorrect.
- Poor Fuel Economy: Since the air-fuel mixture is off and the engine is not performing optimally, it is understandable you’ll get bad gas mileage.
- Rough Idling: Jerking and lurching during idling is due to incorrect air-fuel mixture and is normal if your MAF is not working.
- Black Exhaust Smoke: You will see thick black smoke out of the tailpipe of your Porsche, if the MAF sensor is not working as intended.
- Difficulty Starting: When the air-fuel mixture is incorrect, the engine will not want to turn over.
- Engine Hesitation: A sluggish engine is often a sign of a poor air-fuel mixture, which can be caused by a degraded MAF sensor.
- Engine Stalling: If the engine wants to stall while starting or during driving, it could be attributed to a malfunctioning MAF sensor.
- Trouble Accelerating: If you press the gas pedal and your Porsche doesn’t speed up, that may be due to a problematic MAF sensor.
- Check Engine Light: Whenever the engine has an issue, you’ll see this light illuminated on your dashboard. A professional mechanic can decipher the error codes by using a scanner.
Why do MAF Sensors Fail?
Most of the time the reason why the MAF sensor fails is lack of maintenance. Just a bit of regular upkeep can actually increase the longevity of your car’s MAF sensor.
- Contamination: If you have a dirty or defective air filter because of dirt, grime, and debris, this will have an adverse effect on the MAF sensor and render it unable to function properly. Contaminants can also get into the sensor itself, which is located in the engine’s air intake system, and cause problems.
- Electrical Problems: Since the MAF sensor is an electronic device, any electrical problems, like loose or defective wiring or poor connections, will interrupt the sensor’s ability to communicate with the engine control unit.
- Water Damage: Water or simply moisture can corrode and damage parts of the MAF sensor.
- Oil Spills: If there is even a small oil leak, it can cover the sensor and cause wrong readings.
- Impact Damage: The MAF sensor is subject to vibrations from the car’s engine, which can slowly cause damage over time.
- Aging Sensor: It’s normal for the MAF sensor’s components to degrade over time, as it is constantly exposed to heat, air, moisture, vibration, and other contaminants.
The Best Maintenance, Prevention, and Repairs at Protech Automotive
When you bring your Porsche to us for regular 
maintenance, we will inspect your car thoroughly and make sure none of these issues are present. If they are, we’ll address them in a timely manner so that further damage does not occur.
At Protech Automotive Services, our highly skilled technicians will take care of your car. Our friendly staff is eager to answer all your questions. We not only give you the best car repair service but we also strive to give you the best experience. Call us or book an appointment to stop by and talk with us! We are in Rhode Island, with locations in Cranston, Smithfield, East Greenwich, North Providence, Warwick, and Johnston.