Porsche MAF Sensor

Why Does the MAF Sensor Malfunction in Your Porsche?


By Bavarian Performance Specialists November 21, 2019

Porsche vehicles represent the best in motoring innovation, quality, and design. However, even the most superior of vehicle can develop failure, and one of the most common drivers have to deal with is MAF failure. Inconvenient and with a wide range of symptoms, this type of part failure can be very frustrating to drivers. Therefore, this issue is best avoided where possible, and in this article, we will take a look at the main causes of MAF sensor malfunction.

Where is the MAF Sensor and why is it important?

The MAF sensor is most commonly found under the hood attached to your engine, though some models place this unit slightly to the side of the engine system. It is a black cylinder that has multiple apertures which connect it to systems such as your engine, onboard computer (OBD), and PCV valve. Its chief purpose is to measure engine airflow and report its findings to the OBD.

The MAF sensor is important because it helps to ensure that the correct air and fuel mixture is achieved inside the engine. This means that the fuel mixture will ignite correctly and allow your engine to perform at optimum levels. This also will ensure your Porsche is as fuel economic as possible.

Why does the MAF Sensor fail?

The most common reason as to why your MAF sensor is on the fritz is due to contaminants coating the delicate sensor. These contaminants are most commonly dust or debris but can also be deposits from leakages of one of the many systems found under your hood. This debris causes failure because the grime prevents your sensor from being able to take accurate readings. Contamination will occur gradually, typically over around 18,000 miles, so this problem can creep up on Porsche owners slowly and quietly, without many initial symptoms.

This build up can be monitored and managed via sensor cleaning, which can easily be done at home, thus saving on servicing expenses. To successful clean your sensor simply follow the steps below:

  1. Turn off the engine and fully remove the key.
  2. Give the engine time to cool.
  3. Lift the hood and find your MAF sensor.
  4. Unplug the sensor from its connected systems.
  5. Detach the unit from the air intake tubing.
  6. Carefully remove the sensor.
  7. Use a special MAF spray to clear away any debris found.
  8. Reinsert the sensor.
  9. Wait at least five minutes before starting your engine to ensure the cleaner has fully dried/evaporated.

Other common signs of MAF sensor failure

Another common MAF sensor issue that Porsche drivers experience is a contact fault between the MAF sensor and its connected systems. This contact is electrical, and if this shorts out, it will either prevent your sensor from making readings or relay skewed findings to the OBD.

If the contacts are fine but the issue continues, then it may be that the measuring elements found within the sensor have become damaged, meaning that readings are inaccurate.

The condition of your Porsches’ PCV valve can also impact upon the health of your MAF sensor. The PCV valve is incharge of taking in the air which the MAF sensor measures. If the PCV valve becomes damaged or blocked, then the MAF sensor won’t be provided with a reliable air flow to measure.

Lastly, mechanical damage can impact upon the performance of your MAF sensor. Damage like this can occur by driving over rough terrain, which can shake the sensor loose. A minor collision can also cause this to happen.

Bavarian Performance Specialists

If you want to guarantee your MAF sensor is Porsche MAF Sensor Fix operating as it should, then bring your Porsche to an auto repair shop that specializes in German or imported vehicles. Bavarian Performance Specialists have been servicing residents of Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Westlake, Malibu, and Newbury Park, CA for many years. We have achieved an impressive 5 out of 5-star rating. We offer a 3-year/36,000 mile guarantee as standard, ensuring complete peace of mind. We are specialists in German Automobile manufactured vehicles. We are well known for our friendly service, transparency, and honesty when it comes to the repairs we perform. Call Bavarian Performance Specialists or come by today for an appointment.