Even the most ancient injection gasoline engine is stuffed to capacity with sensors and electronic systems. Failure of any element inevitably affects the operation of the entire engine. The VAZ-2110 received an engine inherited from the eight, it was modernized several times, but the engine control system did not change either on the eight-valve or on the 16-valve car, with minor exceptions. Today we will use the mass air flow sensor as one of the main ones in the power system.
Mass air flow sensor - what is it and where is it located?
Before telling you exactly how to check the mass air flow sensor installed on a VAZ-2110 with a conventional multimeter, you need to talk about the sensor itself.
It controls the mass air flow device, that is, the sensor measures such a parameter as the volume of air flow directly into the power plant. Its readings are taken into account together with the data of two other devices that determine the following air parameters:
- Atmosphere pressure;
- temperature.
It is mounted only on engines with an injector.
In essence, the mass air flow sensor is a hot-wire flow meter. It has the finest platinum wire inside. It changes its characteristics depending on the volume of air masses passing through the control device - the more of it, the colder it is. In order to maintain the platinum at a standard temperature, the on-board computer needs to apply voltage to it, the value of which provides the ECU with data on air masses.
For this reason, the performance of the sensor directly affects the optimization of the functioning of the entire atmospheric power plant. The MAF itself is a fairly small-sized device, and it is mounted directly on the air filter. A tube also goes from the sensor to the throttle valve.
What does a DMRV failure lead to?
Faulty mass air flow sensor
may lead to the following manifestations of vehicle operation.
- The engine does not start (this is very rare and on VAZ cars the mass air flow sensor is not capable of affecting the engine’s operation so much; moreover, if you turn it off completely, the on-board computer will set the default value)
- Changes in idle speed - they may increase or, on the contrary, decrease
- Increased fuel consumption with decreased acceleration dynamics. (incorrect readings from the mass air flow sensor interfere with the correct preparation of the fuel-air mixture).
- The most obvious sign of trouble is the Check Engine light on the dashboard.
In general, monitor the technical condition of your car and carry out all possible scheduled work on time to prevent engine breakdowns, including timely oil and filter changes.
Malfunctions and the reasons that caused them
The following signs indicate that the device that controls the mass air flow is faulty:
- The check engine light is on on the panel;
- high fuel consumption;
- slow speed increase;
- the engine does not start immediately when hot;
- The power of the power plant has decreased noticeably.
Sensor failure is most often caused by mechanical damage or the car owner’s negligent attitude to prevention. Often it is the rare replacement of the air filter that leads to accelerated failure of the sensor. If oil or water gets into it, performance will be a thing of the past.
For this reason, every time the air filter is replaced, you need to check the condition of the rubber seal between it and the sensor. It is this that provides protection from unpurified air.
What factors cause the mass air flow sensor to fail?
Most often, the device fails for reasons such as:
- Internal defects of the part;
- Oxidation of contacts;
- Poor wiring connection;
- Short circuit;
- Dust ingress;
- Filling with oil;
- Mechanical damage to the element.
Often, a malfunction of the mass air flow sensor occurs due to careless actions of the owner. For example, after careless washing of the power unit or during maintenance or repair. Failures associated with broken contacts or wiring can be corrected by cleaning the connections or repairing the break. Other problems usually require replacing the sensor. But if it becomes dirty with dust or oil, it can sometimes be cleaned. Most faults can be diagnosed by yourself. Some of them are visible during inspection, the rest are determined when checked by a tester. If self-diagnosis does not help you find the cause of the breakdown, it is recommended to contact a car service center.
Troubleshooting methods
Among the simplest are the following:
- the sensor is turned off;
- the car is started;
- when the computer does not detect the mass air flow sensor in its control system, the engine is switched to safe mode.
In this situation, air and fuel are supplied taking into account the position of the throttle valve. In this condition, you need to drive 200-300 meters. A malfunction is indicated by the vehicle accelerating too quickly.
It is important to know that the sensor should always be dry and as clean as possible. If oily deposits or moisture are detected on it, an urgent replacement of the air filter is required. Contamination of the device requires:
- checking the oil level;
- cleaning the oil separator installed in the vent hole of the crater;
- replacing the rubber seal.
Features of cleaning the regulator
How to clean the regulator by washing? In some cases, cleaning actually helps to extend the life of the flow meter; this process can be called a component of repair. For cleaning, you can use specialized products designed for this specific purpose. You can also use WD-40 liquid or carburetor cleaner.
How to wash the flow meter yourself:
- First, you need to dismantle the mass air flow sensor, we talked about this in more detail above.
- Once you have the device in your hands, you will need to use a cleaning agent to wash all sensitive components of the regulator. In particular, we are talking about wire mesh, thermal sensor, and contacts. When cleaning, be as careful as possible and regularly monitor the level of pressure of the jet from the cylinder. Please note that the stream itself should not be too strong; it is best to keep the balloon at a distance of approximately 5-10 cm from the device.
- Wait a few minutes, then apply the cleanser again, wait a little again. The cleaning procedure must be carried out several times, but as practice shows, usually three times is enough to obtain the desired result.
- Then, you need to pour distillate with alcohol into a medical syringe (you can find it in any pharmacy). Using a syringe, treat all sensitive components of the device, as well as contacts, this will allow them to be thoroughly cleaned.
Checking with a multimeter
First of all, the tester must be switched to a scale of up to 2 volts DC. In addition, it is also important to take the measurements correctly. It is worth noting that depending on the year of manufacture, the colors of the wires may differ. However, fortunately, their placement is standard in all cases. From the windshield they are located in this order:
- incoming signal (it is often yellow);
- power supply (gray-white);
- earth (green with black);
- output to the main relay (usually black and pink).
The red probe of the multimeter is connected to the first wiring. Black to ground. Depending on the readings, the condition of the sensor itself is diagnosed:
- good – up to 1.02;
- satisfactory – up to 1.03;
- performance limit – up to 1.04;
- will break soon - up to 1.05;
- The readings above indicate that the device has failed.
How to check the mass air flow sensor with a multimeter?
To check the mass air flow sensor DMRV with a multimeter
you need to know exactly which wires are responsible for what, if you have another car other than the VAZ 2110, 2111, 2112 family, then look for a power supply diagram for the sensor. Well, if you are the owner of AvtoVAZ, then look at the photo below.
Wires for the mass air flow sensor
And so we need the green wire is the ground and the yellow wire is the signal output from the sensor. To test the sensor, connect the multimeter to the green and yellow wires. It is not necessary to strip the wires in any way; you can simply insert probes into the terminal and measure the voltage.
Mass air flow sensor Fully working: 0.996 – 1.01 Volts;
The mass air flow sensor is working, but it was already working: 1.01 - 1.02 Volts;
MAF old: 1.02 - 1.03 Volts;
The mass air flow sensor is reaching its end and will soon need to be changed: 1-03 - 1.04 Volts;
The mass air flow sensor is almost dead: 1.04 - 1.05 Volts;
Mass air flow sensor needs to be replaced: 1.05 Volts and above.
Readings from the mass air flow sensor indicate that the sensor is working
Other tips
Sometimes the sensor cannot work normally after the ECU has been flashed. It is not difficult to verify this assumption in this way. When the engine is idling, the sensor terminal is disconnected. If the engine does not stall, then the problem is most likely in the control unit.
You can find out exactly what is happening with the sensor when diagnosing it with a motor tester, but such equipment is very expensive and usually cannot be found in a private garage. Therefore, to check it is necessary to visit a car service center.
However, there is a fairly simple way to find out whether the mass air flow sensor is working properly. It is usually not difficult to replace it with a new one or borrow it from a friend. If there is a noticeable difference in the operation of the engine, then the control device has become unusable.
Replacing the air flow sensor
To replace the VAZ 2110 mass air flow sensor, you need a part suitable for this model (the new sensor must have the same markings as the old one). In terms of selection, there are three price categories:
- Chinese-made sensors (relatively inexpensive);
- mid-price sensors from the manufacturer AvtoVAZ and some foreign manufacturers;
- high-quality and reliable, but quite expensive imported sensors;
When choosing a new sensor, you should focus on both the price and the manufacturer (Siemens, Bosch, etc.). In any case, you can buy a VAZ mass air flow sensor at any auto supply store, taking into account financial capabilities and personal preferences.
We also recommend reading the article about what kind of oil to pour into a VAZ 2110 gearbox. From this article you will learn about the features of selecting a VAZ 2110 gearbox, how much oil is in a 2110 gearbox, and what you need to consider when choosing a lubricant.
Replacing the mass air flow sensor itself involves dismantling the old device and installing a new one. The procedure is quite simple, accessible to every car owner and can be done with your own hands. Before replacing the sensor, it is necessary to carry out a number of preparatory work:
- buy a mass air flow sensor with the same markings as on the body of the old sensor;
- prepare the necessary set of tools, screwdrivers of different sizes, wrenches or socket wrenches or wrenches with socket heads;
- multimeter (if necessary).
General procedure:
- Place the car on a level surface, lift the hood, remove the negative terminal from the battery;
- disconnect the mass air flow sensor connector;
- loosen the fastening screw of the corrugated hose with the mass air flow sensor housing;
- using a “10” wrench, disconnecting the hose, unscrew the two mounting bolts of the sensor with the air filter housing;
- Remove the old sensor housing and replace it with a new one, installing it in the reverse order of removal.
Please note that after the repair it is necessary to make a test drive to check the dynamics and power. You may also need to replace the air filter if the existing filter element is too dirty. It is also recommended to blow out the air filter housing with a compressor before assembly.
Video “Features of replacing a flow meter in a garage”
How the replacement procedure is carried out and what points should be taken into account when performing this task - find out from the video below (author - channel In Sandro's Garage).
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Cleaning the sensor
If you observe signs of a malfunction of the mass air flow sensor, then you can try cleaning the device.
By the way, this is the most expensive sensor of all in the line of front-wheel drive VAZ cars. But if yours is broken, don’t rush to change it. There is a small chance of restoring his “health”. For the cleaning process you will need a special liquid that is used to clean the carburetor. Star keys are also useful. Unscrew the clamp, as well as the two “10” bolts. Remove the pipe and take out the sensor. Spray the liquid onto the wire and tube. Work with extreme care, wait until this liquid has completely evaporated and leave the device to dry.
While the device is drying, remove the throttle assembly. You will see plaque inside the throttle assembly. It needs to be removed with liquid. This dirt causes problems with the entire system. Because of it, problems with the mass air flow sensor appear, signs of a malfunction of the VAZ 2115, which bother beginners on automobile forums.
Do not remove the throttle cable. Place the knot on a cloth and treat particularly dirty areas with the liquid. Don't forget to clean the idle air control valve and the space underneath it.
After this, most likely, all signs of problems with the mass air flow sensor will go away, of course, provided that the sensor has no mechanical damage. Therefore, do not wait until you have the first signs of such problems, but take such prevention this coming weekend. It won't take you much time, and your car will truly breathe. You won't recognize your engine. It will start much better, its traction will improve, and you will notice an increase in the power of your engine.
Carry out such preventive maintenance regularly, and your car will thank you.
