Where Is the MAF Sensor Located?

Q: Where Is the MAF Sensor Located?

A: The mass air flow (MAF) sensor, when equipped, is usually located between the air filter box and the intake hose. It’s usually visible as soon as you open the hood, but you may need to remove some electrical connections and the air filter box itself to access the sensor.

The actual location of the MAF sensor may vary per vehicle. For example, in a 1997-2003 Ford F-150, the MAF sensor is located inside the air filter housing. In a 2007-2013 Chevrolet Silverado, the MAF sensor is located on the intake hose. It’s immediately visible when you lift the hood up, and you’ll only need a screwdriver to remove it.

The mass air flow (MAF) sensor is a key component of many fuel injection engines, as they measure the amount of air entering the engine. The powertrain control module (PCM) needs information from the MAF sensor to properly determine engine variables such as air-fuel ratio and ignition timing, as well as engine load. Rationality check algorithms compare the MAF to the throttle position for OBD2 purposes.

That being said, not every fuel injected engine has a MAF sensor; some just use the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor, as on a “speed density” system. Chryslers and some Jeeps are set up this way, with no mass airflow sensor.

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Pro Tip: A newer example would be the 2016 Ford F150 3.5L, which does not have a mass airflow sensor, but rather a manifold absolute pressure sensor with an integrated intake air temperature sensor (IAT). The MAP sensor is located on the intake manifold and measures the intake manifold pressure.

Tips on How to Access the MAF Sensor

Before removing the MAF sensor, you should remove the wiring harness that’s connected to it. You can do so by simply pressing on the tab located somewhere along its side and pulling the wiring harness out. Some mass air flow sensors don’t use conventional Phillips screws and use Torx screws instead. It might be useful to have this ready if you plan on conducting a replacement yourself.