Air Flow Meter/Sensor: Description and Operation

Air Flow Meter:

PURPOSE
Measures airflow with a potentiometer rotated by a spring loaded measuring plate and signals the ECU.

LOCATION
Attached to air cleaner on left side of engine compartment.

OPERATION
Incoming air moves the measuring plate in relation to volume (more air, more movement), overriding spring tension. As the measuring plate moves, contacts in the attached potentiometer also move, varying potentiometer resistance and the input voltage signal sent to the ECU.

The ECU factors intake air temperature into its fuel quantity calculations because density varies with temperature (cold air is denser than warm). With both flow volume (measuring plate and potentiometer) and temperature information, the ECU can make precise mixture adjustments under a wide range of operating conditions.

INTAKE AIR THERMOSENSOR
Incorporated into the meter is a fuel pump switch and an intake air thermosensor. The fuel pump switch prevents fuel pump operation when the engine is not running and the ignition switch is "ON." The thermosensor measures ambient air temperature to allow ECU fuel compensation based on air density.