Repair 7

Can a Faulty EGR Valve Affect the Air Flow Meter

A cars engine depends on a balanced ratio of fuel and air for proper combustion and sufficient horsepower. A faulty exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve affects the functioning of the mass air flow (MAF) sensor for an engines air flow.

Identification

The EGR valve allows a small quantity of exhaust gas from the combustion chamber into the engines intake manifold, resulting in a cooling of combustion fumes. The MAF sensor, also known as the air flow meter, calculates the amount of air entering the engine for balancing with the fuel.

Effects

Typically, a faulty EGR valve leaks more gas into the engines intake manifold, which has a direct effect on the MAFs functioning. The MAF detects more gas or air within the system and automatically adds more fuel to the mixture to balance the fuel-to-air ratio.

Significance

A faulty EGR valve requires immediate replacement. Aside from wasting excess fuel from an improper fuel-to-air ratio, a faulty EGR valve releases harmful emissions into the atmosphere.