BRIEF INFORMATION: Air Mass Sensor
PRODUCT FEATURES
Application
HELLA focuses on providing a wide range of applications for European, Japanese and North American manufacturers.
Design and function
Air Mass Sensors usually use a compact housing design and measure engine intake air flow which is critical for real time adjustments of the air/fuel mixture. They operate in correlation with the main components that also manage the exhaust optimisation, like the EGR valves and oxygen sensors. The sensors have the crucial role of quantifying the exact amount of air that crosses the intake in a certain amount of time, the information provided being highly important for the engine‘s ECU.
Construction type
➔ Full Assembly – dedicated design housing with integrated sensor
➔ Sensor – singular sensor which fits the original housing of the vehicle
Sensor technology type
➔ Hot-wire – output signal defined as voltage variation
➔ Hot-film – output signal analog or digital depending on version
FUNCTIONAL DIAGRAM & FULL PRODUCT ASSEMBLY
The Air Mass Sensor is fitted in the intake pipe between the air filter housing and the intake manifold.
[1] Sensor: Provides a stable and precise output signal used in determining engine intake air flow as well as temperature in most cases.
[2] Housing: Precise fit, located after the air filter housing.
[3] Gasket: Provides perfect seal between engine intake system and external environment.
[4] Honeycomb mesh: Ensures protection from any unwanted large-scale debris reaching the sensor area
TECHNICAL DETAILS
| Operating voltage | 9 – 17 V |
| Rated voltage | 12 V |
| Vibration resistance | Yes |
| Installation location | Engine |
Pin 1: RT
Pin 2: GND
Pin 3: 12 V
Pin 4: 5 V
Pin 5: Out
1 Why is preciseness in operation across the whole lifespan of the product so important in an Air Mass Sensor?
Intake airflow and temperature represent important parameters in the ECU’s ability to manage modern injection systems. Even small deviations in Air Mass Sensor readings can lead to a loss in injection process accuracy, easily affecting overall engine efficiency and performance.
2 What are the first symptoms of a faulty Air Mass Sensor?
Knocking noise from the engine, black smoke, poor engine acceleration response, check engine warning light, stalling in certain start-up conditions, erratic idling and high fuel consumption are a few signs to look out in a faulty Air Mass Sensor.
3 Can the overall performance of the Air Mass Sensor decrease without showing obvious signs?
Yes, although the Air Mass Sensor can have multiple common signs when not working properly, sometimes the driver will not be able to detect slight deviations in air flow readings.
4 Can driving with a faulty Air Mass Sensor affect the lifespan of other vehicle components not related to electrics and electronics?
Yes, the ECU will not be able to achieve 100 % fuel injection performance in the case of a faulty Air Mass Sensor, so driving with a defective Air Mass Sensor can consequently lead to several costly problems like the DPF or even engine failure due to imprecise injection management.
5 What is the main external factor that can influence the correct operating of the Air Mass Sensor on a vehicle?
The main external factor which can directly affect Air Mass Sensor performance and operation is represented by contaminated air with dust or emission particles that pass through the air cleaner, directly reaching the sensor location. In order to prevent this happening, checking and changing the air filter within well-defined intervals is a simple and cost-effective way of prolonging the life of the Air Mass Sensor.