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Air Flow Sensors

Bill Kibbe 2006

Making sense of Air Flow Sensors

To create a balanced fuel mixture in a fuel-injected engine, the engines powertrain control module needs to know how much
air is entering the engine. There are two ways of doing this.
One is to estimate air-flow according to engine load and throttle position using inputs from the MAP and TPS sensors (speeddensity systems), and the other is to directly measure it (air-flow systems). In the last issue of Counter Point, we covered hotwire and hot-film type mass air-flow sensors. This month, well look at vane air-flow (VAF) and Karman-Vortex type mass
air-flow sensors. Vane air-flow sensors (also called air-flow meters) are used on some fuel-injected engines to measure the
volume of air entering the engine. This type of air-flow sensor is used mostly on European imports equipped with Bosch LJetronic fuel injection, Japanese imports equipped with Nippondenso multiport electronic fuel injection, and Ford vehicles
equipped with the Bosch multiport EFI (Escort/Lynx, Turbo T-Bird and Mustang with the 2.3L turbo engine, and Ford Probe
with the 2.2L engine).
HOW A VAF TYPE MASS AIR-FLOW SENSOR WORKS A vane air-flow sensor is located ahead of the
throttle and monitors the volume of air entering the engine by means of a spring-loaded mechanical flap. The flap is pushed
open by an amount thats proportional to the volume of air entering the engine. The
flap has a wiper arm that rotates against a sealed potentiometer (variable resistor), allowing the sensors resistance and output
voltage to change according to air flow. The greater the air flow, the further the flap is forced open. This changes the
potentiometers resistance and the resulting voltage return signal to the computer. Thus a vane air-flow sensor measures air
flow directly, enabling the computer to calculate how much air is entering the engine independent of throttle opening or intake
vacuum. The computer then uses this information to adjust injector duration for a balanced fuel mixture. The vane air-flow
sensor also contains a safety switch for the electric fuel pump relay. Air-flow into the engine activates the pump. So if the
engine will not start because the fuel pump wont kick in, check the air-flow sensor. The easiest way to do so is to turn the key
on and push the flap open. If you dont hear the fuel pump come on, the contact inside the sensor may be defective. A sealed
idle-mixture screw is also located on the air-flow sensor. This controls the amount of air that bypasses the flap, and
consequently the air/fuel mixture ratio.
VAF PROBLEMS Air-flow sensors cant tolerate air leaks. A vacuum leak downstream of the VAF sensor allows
unmetered air to enter the engine. The extra air can lean-out the fuel mixture causing a variety of driveability problems. The
oxygen sensor can compensate for small air leaks once the engine warms up and goes into closed loop, but not for large air
leaks. The oxygen sensor is also an after the fact sensor, which means air leaks can cause hesitation or stumbling when the
throttle is suddenly opened. Vane air-flow sensors are also vulnerable to dirt. Unfiltered air passing through a torn or poor
fitting air filter can allow dirt to build up on the flap shaft causing the flap to bind or stick. You can test the operation of the
flap by gently pushing it open with your finger. It should open and close smoothly with even resistance. If it sticks, a shot of
carburetor cleaner might loosen it, otherwise the sensor will have to be replaced. Backfiring in the intake manifold can force
the flap backwards violently, often bending or breaking the flap. Some sensors have a back-fire valve built into the flap
thats supposed to protect the flap in case of a back-fire by venting the explosion. But the anti-backfire valve itself can become
a source of trouble if it leaks as it can affect the air/fuel mixture. A leaky backfire valve will cause the sensor to read low and
the engine to run rich.
VAF SENSOR CHECKS Though there are special testers for troubleshooting VAF sensors, you dont always need one
to check the sensors operation. By watching the VAF sensors output with an analog voltmeter or ohmmeter, or better yet an
oscilloscope, you can look for a change in the sensors output as air-flow changes. One simple check is to look for a voltage
change as you slowly push the air-flow flap all the way open. A good sensor should produce a smoothand gradual transition in
resistance (ignition off ) and/or voltage readings (ignition on) all the way from full closed to full open. If you see any sudden
jerks in the movement of the needle (analog ohmmeter or voltmeter) or dips or blips in the scope trace (similar to sweeping a
TPS), the VAF sensor needs to be replaced. Changes in the sensors voltage output should also produce a corresponding
change in fuel injector duration when the engine is running. Injector duration should increase as the VAF flap is pushed open.
On the Ford EFI systems, you can use a breakout box and voltmeter to check VAF sensor voltage readings. Pushing the flap
open should cause a steady and even increase in the sensors output from 0.25V when the flap is closed to about 4.5V with the
flap fully open. The reference voltage to the air-flow sensor from the computer should be 5 volts. Fords trouble codes that
apply to the VAF include: code 26 indicates a VAF reading out of range, code 56 indicates sensor input too high, code 66 is
sensor input too low, and code 76 indicates no
sensor change during the goose test.
Most manufacturers also give specific resistance specs for the various VAF terminals in a shop manual. Bosch, for example,
lists the following for some of its applications:
Terminals 6 & 9

200 - 400 ohms

Terminals 6 & 8

130 - 260 ohms

Terminals 8 & 9

70 - 140 ohms

Terminals 6 & 7

40 - 300 ohms

Terminals 7 & 8

100 - 500 ohms

Terminals 6 & 27 max 2800 ohms @ 68 F

On a Mazda 323, the resistance reading between VAF sensor terminals E2 and VS should be 20 ohms with the flap closed, and
1000 ohms when the flap is open. Readings that are out of range would indicate a bad sensor.

The r2 resistor (connected in parallel with r1) allows the meter to continue to provide a VS signal in the event that an open
occurs in the main potentiometer (r1). The Vane Air Flow Meter also has a fuel pump switch built into the meter that closes to
maintain fuel pump operation once the engine has started and air flow has begun.
The meter also contains a factory adjusted idle adjusting screw that is covered by a tamper -resistant plug. The repair manual
does not provide procedures on resetting this screw in cases where it has been tampered with.

Types of VAF Meters

There were two major types of VAF meters. The first design, is the oldest type. It uses battery voltage for supply voltage. With
this type of VAF meter, as the measuring plate opens signal voltage increases.

VAF REPLACEMENT Vane air-flow sensors are a sealed unit, preset at the factory with nothing that can be replaced or
adjusted except the idle-mixture screw. Opening up a VAF thats still under warranty voids the warranty. So if the unit is
defective in any way, it should be replaced. The potentiometer is set and sealed at the factory, so the only adjustment thats
required when a sensor is replaced is to set the idle-mixture screw. This should be done using an exhaust gas analyzer to
obtain the proper carbon monoxide readings.
KARMAN-VORTEX TYPE MASS Another type of mass air-flow sensor that is used on some Japanese vehicles is a
Karman-Vortex type air-flow sensor. What makes this sensor different from vane air-flow and hot wire mass airflow sensors is
its unique approach to measuring air flow. The advantage of using a Karman-Vortex air-flow sensor instead of a vane air-flow
sensor is that it causes less restriction. And compared to other types of mass air-flow sensors, it is simpler and more reliable,
as contamination of the heated wire or filament in MAF sensors is always a concern. Whats more, a Karman-Vortex air-flow
sensor can respond more quickly to changes in air flow than other types of mass air-flow sensors, which allows the PCM to
maintain better control
over the fuel mixture.

HOW IT WORKS The sensor uses something called the Karman-Vortex principle to measure air flow. Intake air flow
reacting against the vortex generator creates a swirling effect to the air downstream, very similar to the wake created in the
water after a boat passes. This wake or flutter is referred to as a "Karman Vortex." The frequencies of the vortices vary in
proportion to the intake air velocity (engine load).
The greater the air flow, the greater the turbulence. So the sensor measures the amount of turbulence behind a small object that
is placed in the path of the incoming air to generate an air-flow signal. The turbulence is measured electronically one of two
ways: by passing light or sound waves through the air to detect the changes in pressure, or by counting the frequency of the
pressure changes (air turbulence). This allows the sensor to generate a signal that is proportional to air flow.

Photo Coupler Karmen Vortex Air Flow Meter

This air flow meter provides the same type of information (intake air volume) as the Vane Air Flow Meter. It consists of the
following components:

Vortex Generator.

Mirror (metal foil).

Photo Coupler (LED and photo transistor).

Karman Vortex Air Flow Meter Operation
Intake air flow reacting against the vortex generator creates a swirling effect to the air downstream, very similar to the wake
created in the water after a boat passes. This wake or flutter is referred to as a "Karman Vortex." The frequencies of the
vortices vary in proportion to the intake air velocity (engine load).
The vortices are metered into a pressure directing hole from which they act upon the metal foil mirror. The air flow against the
mirror causes it to oscillate in proportion to the vortex frequency. This causes the illumination from the photo coupler's LED
to be alternately applied to and diverted away from a photo transistor. As a result, the photo transistor alternately grounds or
opens the 5-volt KS signal to the ECM.
This creates a 5 volt square wave signal that increases frequency in proportion to the increase in intake air flow. Because of
the rapid, high frequency nature of this signal, accurate signal inspection at various engine operating ranges requires using a
high quality digital multimeter (with frequency capabilities) or oscilloscope.

TOYOTA & LEXUS APPLICATIONS Karman-Vortex air-flow sensors are used on 1987 and later turbocharged
Toyota Supras, and all Lexus engines except the ES 250 and ES 300. The sensor on these applications has a five-pin
connector and an integral air-temperature sensor. A light-emitting diode (LED), mirror and photo receptor are used to count
the pressure changes in these applications. The mirror is mounted on the end of a very weak leaf spring, which is placed over a
hole leading directly to the area in the sensor where the vortices form (the vortex generator). Every time a vortex forms, the
drop in pressure wiggles the spring, which causes the reflected light from the LED to flicker as it is picked up by the photo
receptor. The vibrations of the mirror produced by the vortices thus causes the light to flicker on and off in proportion to air
flow. The photo receptor inside the sensor generates an on-and-off digital signal that varies in frequency in direct proportion to

air flow. At idle when air flow is low, the signal frequency is also low (about 30 Hz). But as air flow increases, the frequency
of the signal increases. At high speed the signal may go to 160 Hz or higher.

MITSUBISHI APPLICATIONS Karman-Vortex air-flow sensors are also used on 1983 and later Mitsubishis with
turbocharged engines, and 1987 and later fuel-injected applications. In the earlier applications, ultrasonics are used to detect
the pressure changes. A small speaker sends a fixed ultrasonic tone through the vortex area of the sensor to a microphone. The
greater the number of vortices, the greater the turbulence and the more the tone is disrupted before it reaches the microphone.
The sensors electronics then translate the amount of tone distortion into a frequency signal that indicates air flow. The 198386 Mitsubishi sensor has a four-pin connector while the 1987 to 1990 versions have a six-pin connector. The early units also
contain an integral air-temperature sensor while the later ones also contain an integral barometric-pressure sensor. In 1991,
Mitsubishi changed to a redesigned Karman-Vortex sensor with an eight-pin connector that replaces the ultrasonic generator
with a pressure sensor that measures fluctuations in air directly.

KARMAN-VORTEX SENSOR DIAGNOSIS

Both Toyota/Lexus and Mitsubishi Karman-Vortex air-flow sensors put out two signals: an air-flow frequency signal and an
air-temperature or barometric-pressure voltage signal. The Karman-Vortex signal should be a square-wave signal that flips
back and forth from 0 to 5 volts. The frequency of the signal will increase (narrower pulse width) as air flow increases.
Frequency should increase smoothly and steadily with rpm.
Driveability problems such as surging, hesitation, stalling and elevated emissions may indicate a sensor failure. Most sensor
problems are caused by a loose or corroded wiring connector. On the early Mitsubishi applications, the sensor is mounted
inside the air cleaner. A poorly fitting air filter may prevent the air cleaner lid from fully seating against the sensor and cause
problems. Similar problems can be caused by air leaks in the intake plumbing or manifold. Codes 31 & 32 indicate no signal
from the air-flow sensor on the Toyota & Lexus applications. Code 12 refers to a fault in the air-flow sensor circuit on
Mitsubishi applications.

Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensors

The Mass Air Flow Sensors converts the amount of air drawn into the engine into a voltage signal. The ECM needs to
know intake air volume to calculate engine load. This is necessary to determine how much fuel to inject, when to ignite
the cylinder, and when to shift the transmission. The air flow sensor is located directly in the intake air stream, between
the air cleaner and throttle body where it can measure incoming air.
There are different types of Mass Air Flow sensors. The vane air flow meter and Karmen vortex are two older styles of
air flow sensors and they can be identified by their shape. The newer, and more common is the Mass Air Flow (MAF)
sensor.

Mass Air Flow Sensor: Hot Wire Type

The primary components of the MAF sensor are a thermistor, a platinum hot wire, and an electronic control circuit.
The thermistor measures the temperature of the incoming air. The hot wire is maintained at a constant temperature in
relation to the thermistor by the electronic control circuit. An increase in air flow will cause the hot wire to lose heat
faster and the electronic control circuitry will compensate by sending more current through the wire. The electronic
control circuit simultaneously measures the current flow and puts out a voltage signal (VG) in proportion to current
flow.

Hot Wire MAF

Wheatstone Bridge
vreg

Controller

5 volts

Fixed Resistor

Fixed Resistor

Variable Resistor

Heating Element

(Cold Wire)

(Hot Wire)

Logic:
B - Compare to logic tables to determine ambient air temperature.
2. Add fixed value to point B measurement (example 1000 deg. F )
1. Measure voltage at point

- Results 80 + 1000 = 1080 degrees = Target Value.

D until voltage value at point C equals Target Value voltage.

Example= More air volume across Hot Wire equals Higher Voltage applied to D to achieve

3. Increase voltage supply to point

Target Value voltage.

4. Output analog MAF signal voltage directly proportional to energy expended to maintain
Target Value voltage at point

C.

Result:
Increased Air Flow across HotWire = Higher voltage output on MAF signal wire = Increased load

2001 Bill Kibbe

This type of MAP sensor also has an Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor as part of the housing assembly. Its
operation is described in the IAT section of Temperature Sensors. When looking at the EWD, there is a ground for the
MAP sensor and a ground (E2) for the IAT sensor.

Diagnosis
Diagnosis of the MAP sensor involves visual, circuit, and component checks. The MAP sensor passage must be free of
debris to operate properly. If the passage is plugged, the engine will usually start, but run poorly or stall and may not
set a DTC