The RAM 1500 is by far one of the most powerful and efficient vehicles in the pickup truck category. To keep your RAM 1500 truck in the uppermost condition and efficiency, it is important to ensure that the Mass Air Flow sensor is in good working condition at all times.
A Mass Air Flow sensor (MAF) is a small, electronic computer module that sits inside the air tube between your air filter and your engine. It signifies to your engine’s computer how much air is being fed to the engine. The mass air flow sensor is responsible for measuring the amount of air entering the engine or the air flow. This is important as it allows your engine to regulate its performance and change the intake of air to keep your engine running in its optimal condition. If you push down on the accelerator, the engine will need more fuel to increase the rate at which the pistons are moved. In order to increase speed, more fuel and air are needed. The amount of fuel must be kept in line with the amount of air coming in. This is why your Dodge Ram 1500 mass air flow sensor is such an important part in the vehicle.
The MAF sensor is a small part that is hugely responsible for the clean and efficient burning of fuels by your Dodge Ram truck. The accuracy of the MAF sensor is critical to getting your truck to run efficiently. It is also responsible for adjusting the amount of fuel delivered to the engine for better efficiency. A faulty sensor can result in a significant loss in power, poor gas mileage, and frequent engine stalls. So how do you know if you have a bad mass air flow sensor?
The following are some of the symptoms of a bad Mass Air Flow sensor in your Dodge Ram 1500:
1 Your vehicle hesitates or suddenly jerks forward while accelerating
A bad MAF sensor can cause your vehicle to experience poor drivability issues such as engine stalling, jerking or hesitation during acceleration. This could happen while speeding up on the highway on-ramp or cruising down a city street.
2 Your air fuel ratio is too rich
Running rich means there is too much fuel and not enough air. Some of the signs that your vehicle is running rich include rough idling, black smoke exiting the tailpipe and decreased fuel efficiency than usual.
3 Your air fuel ratio is too lean
When this happens, your truck’s engine hesitates and you will have difficulty in starting your vehicle or get hard engine seizures.
Make sure you do not ignore the symptoms of a malfunctioned MAF sensor but fix the problems fast so you can be safe, prevent costly repairs, save money on fuel and avoid having your vehicle stranded on the road. Before you replace the mass air flow sensor, do take a look at the MAF. If it’s dirty, all you probably need is just some cleaning. Drop by your local AutoZone for advice on symptoms of a bad MAF sensor or pick up your Dodge Ram 1500 parts.