Red Seal Automotive Service Technician Practice Exam

Which of the following is a symptom of a faulty mass air flow (MAF) sensor?

1. Excessive tire wear

2. Poor acceleration

3. Transmission slippage

4. Air conditioning failure

The correct answer is: Poor acceleration

The correct choice highlights poor acceleration as a symptom of a faulty mass air flow (MAF) sensor. The MAF sensor plays a crucial role in the engine management system by measuring the amount of air entering the engine. This data is vital for the engine control unit (ECU) to optimize the air-fuel mixture for combustion. When the MAF sensor is malfunctioning, it can provide inaccurate readings, leading to an improper air-fuel mixture. This imbalance can cause various performance issues in the engine, including sluggish acceleration because the engine may not be receiving the optimal amount of air needed for efficient combustion. Understanding this helps to recognize why the other symptoms do not directly relate to a faulty MAF sensor. For instance, excessive tire wear typically stems from alignment or suspension issues, while transmission slippage generally indicates problems within the transmission or its fluid levels. Air conditioning failure is often associated with refrigerant issues or AC system components rather than the air intake system. Therefore, poor acceleration is distinctly tied to the operation of the mass air flow sensor, highlighting its importance in vehicle performance.