The MAF sensor measures the amount of air coming into the engine. This direct airflow measurement is more accurate than the calculated airflow information obtained from the other sensor inputs. The MAF sensor also houses an integrated intake air temperature (IAT) sensor. The MAF sensor uses the following circuits:

The MAF sensor that is used on this vehicle is a hot film type and is used in order to measure the air flow rate. The MAF output voltage is a function of the power required to keep the air flow sensing elements at a fixed temperature above the ambient temperature. The air flowing through the sensor cools the sensing elements. The amount of cooling is proportional to the amount of air flow. As the air flow increases, more current is needed in order to maintain the hot film at a constant temperature. The MAF sensor converts the changes in the current draw to a voltage signal that the ECM monitors. The ECM calculates the air flow based on this signal.

The ECM monitors the MAF sensor signal voltage and can determine if the sensor signal voltage is too low or too high. The ECM can also detect airflow that is inappropriate for a given operating condition based on the signal voltage.

The scan tool displays the MAF value and displays the value in grams per second (g/s). Values should change rather quickly on acceleration, but should remain fairly stable at any given engine speed. If the ECM detects a condition with the MAF sensor circuits, the following DTCs set:

The characteristic torque curve of a normally aspirated engine depends mainly on how the engines average pressure changes over the engine speed band. The average pressure is proportional to the volume of the air mass present in the cylinder when the inlet valve is closed. The design of the inlet system determines how large an air mass can be drawn into a cylinder at a given engine speed.

An intake manifold runner control (IMRC) valve (2) is used to change the intake manifold runner configuration. When the IMRC valve is open, the intake manifold is configured to one large plenum (4). When the IMRC valve is closed, the intake manifold is configured to two smaller plenums (3). The two intake manifold runner sizes result in different torque curves which improves performance at low and high engine speeds. The IMRC valve is located in the intake manifold (1). The IMRC valve solenoid is supplied with ignition 1 voltage and is controlled by the engine control module (ECM).