how To Reset Mass Air Flow Sensor – (7 Easy Steps)

With time, your car’s mass air flow sensor will usually stop working. For this, we do not blame you because the mass air flow sensor stops working primarily due to the regular wear and tear that it is subjected to. Upon replacement of it, you must know how to reset mass air flow sensor

A mass air flow sensor in your car is one of the vehicle’s most essential components as it is responsible for monitoring the amount of air that enters and exists.

When the mass air flow sensor starts to deteriorate, you will notice that the engine will be inaccurately estimating the amount of fuel that needs to be filled in the fuel tank. As a result, having a defected mass air flow sensor can impact your car’s roadworthiness, eventually leading to the vehicle randomly breaking down and falsely illuminating the check engine. 

How to reset mass air flow sensor (quick solution)

The need for resetting your mass air flow sensor only arises when the previously faulty component is replaced with a brand new one. You may not worry about it because we will guide you on how to reset mass air flow sensor conveniently

Therefore, you must follow this step-to-step brief guide that we have drafted for all our readers on how to reset mass air flow sensors.

  1. After installing a new mass air flow sensor in your vehicle, ignite the engine and permit it to warm at its standard rate to the optimal temperature. 
  2. Turn the ignition of your car’s engine off.
  3. Start by disconnecting the primary connection of the mass air flow sensor from its harness. 
  4. Restart the car’s engine again and let the vehicle sit with the engine running for at least five to seven seconds for you to proceed to the next step.
  5. Turn the engine off and attach the mass air flow sensor to its harness. 
  6. Examine your vehicle to see if DTC PO102 is showing. 
  7. Conclude by deleting the memory of DTC from the computer of your car. 

What is a mass air flow sensor? 

what is mass air flow sensor
what is mass air flow sensor

The mass air flow sensor is one of the essential components in your car and for your electronic injection system, which is responsible for the efficient running of fuel. Usually, you will find the mass air flow sensor in your car located between the engine’s manifold and the air filter. 

Different ways- how to reset mass air flow sensor

The method we previously described as a quick solution to reset mass air flow sensor is the most straightforward and traditionally used. However, if you do not want to go ahead with the undertaking, we have a few substitutes for the technique that can be used to reset the mass air flow sensor. 

Using a paperclip

You can use this paperclip method how to reset mass air flow sensor when you are performing the task on your own. Begin by inserting a paper clip into the port to reset the mass air flow sensor. 

But for this, you have to first discover the port for resetting. To quickly locate the reset port, look for the port in the hood of your car or the engine, and rest assured you will succeed. Then put the paper clip inside the port and rotate the clip towards the ride side, indicating resetting the mass air flow sensor

Upon completion, ignite the car’s engine and notice how the car moves. If the vehicle does not drive, you have to take it to a mechanic to get the car checked, but if it does, congratulations, you have victoriously reset the mass air flow sensor! 

Disconnecting fuel injectors 

A Mass airflow sensor is a vital functioning part of your car’s engine control module, and it is always necessary to know how to reset mass air flow sensor. 

Another method to reset the sensor is disconnecting all related fuel injectors. Detaching all these injectors will have the advantage of clearing any build-up of debris in the car around the senor, as it could have led to a potential problem while resetting. 

 fuel injectors 
fuel injectors 

You should go ahead with identifying the location of your vehicle’s gas tank and then inspecting all of the fuel injectors. Subsequently, disconnect each fuel sensor from the tank and turn them off before turning them on again. 

The entire procedure will cost you no more than ten minutes of your time, so keep in mind to be cautious with the disconnection to learn how to reset mass air flow sensor

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will it cost to replace my mass air flow sensor? 

The cost of replacing a mass air flow sensor will vary according to the type of car you own and the quality of the sensor that you are opting for. However, at a rough approximate, it can cost between $90 and $370.

How long does it take to reset the mass air flow sensor?

The time taken to reset a mass air flow sensor will also be determined by the method you choose to proceed with, but it will not take more than 15 minutes of your time. 

How do I know if my mass air flow sensor is properly working? 

To know if your mass air flow sensor is properly working, then the engine of your vehicle will be running efficiently and will not be overheating. If the case is otherwise, then you may expect the opposite. 

Conclusion 

After a thorough read on how to reset mass air flow sensor, we hope you have an accurate and genuine understanding of the procedure.

Resetting the mass air flow sensor is not complicated but requires keen observation and patience. So, if you have both stated qualities, feel free to undertake the task yourself instead of heading to a mechanic.

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Hi! My name is Tom Watson Founder of Garage Fortress. I am happy to say that I am the owner of Garage Fortress which is a website focused on automotive technology and cars. I studied technology for 15 years at a university and got an Advanced Technical Certificate in Automotive Technology.

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