Mass Air Flow Sensor (3.8L)

The MAF sensor measures the mass of air passing through it in a given time. The sensor consists of a screen to break up air flow, a resistor, a nickel-coated heated film, and an electronic module. The ECM uses this information to help determine injection pulse width.

Air flow is directed over the heated film. The cooling effect of the air is measured and fed to the electronic module mounted on the MAF sensor. The module will maintain the temperature of the heated film at approximately 166°F (75°C) above incoming air temperature.

If more energy is needed to maintain the temperature, then incoming air mass has increased. This information is sent to the ECM. The resistor is used to measure the temperature of the incoming air.