Mass Air Flow Sensors
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Innovative OE design
We build our OE expertise into every MAF sensor we make. Featuring a proprietary temperature compensation design, they offer outstanding performance over a wide range of ambient temperatures. And are fast to respond to changing engine conditions – typically less than 15 milliseconds to respond to 90 percent of a flow change. Innovative, dual-heated elements on specific references also help to ensure optimal performance, fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions
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OE engineered and tested
By testing and calibrating to OE specifications, our MAF sensors provide the same accurate readings and airflow output as the OE. Each sensor is tested on state-of-the-art sonic nozzle-testing equipment capturing over 6,000 data points per flow, for optimal calibration accuracy. They’re also flow tested to match the OE for signal stability (noise), temperature compensation (the ability of the MAF sensor to measure airflow accurately from -30°C to 70°C) and electromagnetic compatibility.
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Never remanufactured MAF sensor
Some things are better new. That’s why every sensor we make – whether with or without the housing—is built with all-new components and never remanufactured. Remanufactured MAFs are simply cleaned and tested, so any contamination on the sensor may not be eliminated, resulting in inaccurate readings to the ECU.
Greener probe-only technology
It’s often the electronics on the sensor probe that fail, meaning it’s not always necessary to replace the complete part. So we developed a probe-only solution, in addition to a full range of complete units. By eliminating the plastic housing, this provides a greener, more cost-effective and faster repair option.
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The complete package
With Delphi you get access to the complete package: the range, advanced DS diagnostics including the ability to look at live data, both at idle and max RPM, to determine if the MAF sensor is reporting the correct data, expert training and support and vehicle technical information including wiring diagrams, component locations and guided diagnostic procedures.
The Delphi Difference
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100 years of OE experience, supplier to the world’s top automakers
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OE heritage and knowledge built into every aftermarket part
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Comprehensive portfolio for a wide range of vehicles and model years
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Streamlined SKUs for easy inventory management
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Support through tools, tips and training
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Related product resources and downloads
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Resource Highlights
In this article you will find out about the oxygen sensors:
The oxygen sensor, otherwise known as the O2 sensor, does what its name suggests – it measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust. Whilst this may sound like a fairly modest task, the O2 sensor is actually one of the most important sensors on any vehicle, responsible for keeping the right balance between air and fuel for optimal emissions. Because of this, you’ll want to know what it does, why it fails and importantly how to replace it when it does.
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How does an oxygen sensor work?
Most cars have at least two oxygen sensors located throughout the exhaust system; at least one in front of the catalytic converter and one or more downstream from the catalytic converter. The “pre-cat sensor” regulates fuel supply, while the downstream sensor measures the efficiency of the catalytic converter.
O2 sensors can typically be categorised as either a narrow band or wide band sensor. A sensing element sits inside the sensor, encased in a steel housing. Oxygen molecules from the exhaust gas pass through tiny slots or holes in the sensor’s steel shell to reach the sensing element, or nernst cell. On the other side of the nernst cell, oxygen from the air outside the exhaust travels down the O2 sensor and makes contact. The difference in the amount of oxygen between that present in the outside air, and that present in the exhaust promotes the flow of oxygen ions and produces voltage.
If the exhaust gas mixture is too rich and there is too little oxygen in the exhaust, a signal is sent to the engine’s Electronic Control Unit (ECU) to decrease the amount of fuel added into the cylinder. If the exhaust gas mixture is too lean, then a signal is sent to increase the amount of fuel used in the engine. Too much fuel produces hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. Too little fuel produces nitrogen-oxide pollutants. The sensor signal helps keep the mixture just right. Wide band O2 sensors have an additional O2 pumping cell to regulate the amount of oxygen present in the sensing element. This allows measurement of a much wider air/fuel ratio.
Why do O2 sensors fail?
Since the oxygen sensor is in the exhaust stream, it can become contaminated. Common sources of contamination include an excessively rich fuel mixture condition or oil blow-by in an older engine and engine coolant being burnt in the combustion chamber as a result of an engine gasket leak. It is also exposed to extremely high temperatures, and like any component can wear over time. These can all affect the oxygen sensor’s response characteristics, resulting in an extended response time or a shift in the sensor voltage curve and in the long run reduced sensor performance.
What to look out for in a failing O2 sensor
When the oxygen sensor fails, the computer can no longer sense the air/fuel ratio, so it ends up guessing. For this reason, there are a few tell-tale signs to look out for:
- Check engine light: whilst the check engine light can come on for many reasons, it is normally down to an emission related issue.
- Poor fuel economy: a faulty oxygen sensor will upset the air to fuel mixture resulting in increased fuel usage.
- Rough engine idle or misfiring: since the oxygen sensor output help control engine timing, combustion intervals and air to fuel ration, a faulty sensor can cause the vehicle to run rough.
- Sluggish engine performance.
Troubleshooting an oxygen sensor
To identify the source of any O2 sensor faults, consider the following steps:
- Read any fault codes using a diagnostic tool. Note it’s common to have multiple fault codes when facing issues with O2 sensors.
- Lambda sensors have an internal heater, so check the resistance of the heater – it will usually be quite low.
- Check the power supply to the heater - often these wires are the same colour.
- Inspect the electrical connector for damage or dirt.
- Inspect the exhaust manifold and fuel injectors for leaks as well as the condition of the ignition components – these may affect sensor operation.
- Check the O2 sensor is reading correctly by confirming the O2 value with a four, or five gas emission analyser.
- Use an oscilloscope to check the signal at both idle and approx. 2,500 rpm engine speed.
- Use live data to check for signal if the sensor wiring is difficult to access.
- Check the condition of the probe element protective tube for signs of damage and contamination.
Common fault codes for O2 sensors
Common fault codes and causes include:
- P0135: oxygen sensor in front of the catalytic convertor 1, heating circuit / open
- P0175: system too rich (bank 2)
- P0713: fuel trim malfunction (bank 2)
- P0171: system too lean (bank 1)
- P0162: O2 sensor circuit malfunction (bank 2, sensor 3)
How to replace an O2 sensor
Before you replace the sensor, you need to diagnose the problem. Connect a diagnostic tool, such as Delphi’s DS, select the correct vehicle and read the fault code(s). Confirm the fault code by selecting live data and comparing the value of the suspect faulty sensor to that of a known working sensor. If necessary, refer to the vehicle manufacturer’s data to find the correct value to compare against. Other tooling or equipment may be required to determine if it is the actual sensor and not the wiring that is causing the problem.
- Because many late model vehicles have multiple oxygen sensors, be sure you correctly identify the bad sensor so you do not mistakenly replace the wrong one. Vehicle manufacturers identify “bank1” vs. “bank2” and “front / rear” vs. “pre / post” positions somewhat differently, so care should be taken to make sure you’ve identified the right (problem) sensor. The best way to do this is to look at real-time data using a diagnostic tool.
- Next unplug the wire connection.
- Then use a spanner – or dedicated O2 socket wrench - to unscrew the sensor from its seating. Once unscrewed, discard the old sensor and replace with the new unit.
- Most oxygen sensors come with a special electrically conductive anti-seize compound applied to the threads, so it’s merely a matter of threading the new sensor into the void left by the old one.
- To protect against the sensor becoming welded into its threading, Delphi sensors come with anti-seize compounds either pre-applied or included in the box. If required, apply the compounds to the new sensor before re-fitting. Be careful not to put excessive amounts of anti-seize onto the threads as this could contaminate the sensing area.
- Tighten the sensor to the recommended torque.
- Once the sensor is in place, plug in the electronic connector.
- Now reconnect the diagnostic tool and delete any related fault codes.
- Finally, run the ignition and confirm that the check engine light is extinguished, then perform a road test.
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