by Sean MetzkerThe Mass Air Flow Sensor
Demystifying the Mass Air Flow Sensor
No, it’s not a part from a rocket ship.
And no, it’s not from a DIY, at-home chemistry set.
When your mechanic tells you that you need a mass air flow sensor replacement in St. Charles, what they’re saying is that your vehicle is no longer correctly measuring how much air is reaching your engine’s internal chambers. Why is this important? Because the ratio of fuel to air actually has a big impact on your car’s performance. Too little and your engine might be plagued by hiccups. Too much and a heavy idle could cause extra wear and tear. Just like Goldilocks, what you want is that perfect balance of air and fuel that’s just right.
Common Signs of a MAF Sensor Issue
Before looking over your St. Charles mass air flow sensor replacement options, it’s best to know what kind of problems a poorly-functioning MAF sensor can cause. Almost always, a bad MAF sensor will lead to engine performance complications. From not being able to start your car to feeling hiccups and jerks while on the road, these issues can take a number of forms. Here’s a few of the more usual signs of a MAF sensor failure:
- Start and Stall – Your engine rolls over and starts, but immediately dies after starting.
- Acceleration Jerkiness – As you speed up, your engine hesitates before pushing forward.
- Uphill Problems – When driving up a hill, your engine seems to drag much more than usual.
- Unusual Idling – If your car is idling in a strange manner (either high or low), then it could be the MAF Sensor.
How Do I Know It’s the MAF Sensor?
The only real way to identify a faulty MAF sensor as the culprit is to have a complete diagnostic run by a professional auto repair and maintenance shop. The resulting diagnostic report can be evaluated by a technician at the shop and they should be able to advise whether cleaning your sensor may be enough or if a full mass air flow sensor replacement in St. Charles is necessary. Keep in mind that a good rule of thumb is to have your MAF sensor cleaned at every oil change to extend the part’s life.
How Much Will a St. Charles MAF Sensor Replacement Cost?
The truth is that prices can vary dramatically for a full replacement of the MAF sensor, ranging from about $200 up to nearly $500. While labor costs at a reputable St. Charles shop like Rx Auto will stay the same regardless of the make and model of the vehicle, the actual parts cost can be quite different. In general, imports and less common vehicles will cost more while models with higher numbers on the road will have a lower parts cost.
At Rx Auto, we’re available to complete mass air flow sensor replacements in St. Charles for all makes and models. We’ve got a large inventory of MAF sensors on hand and even if your model isn’t in stock, we can quickly have it delivered to our local shop.
To find out more about MAF sensors or to pencil yourself in for a replacement visit, dial (630) 443-8500 and speak to a friendly, helpful member of the Rx Automotive team.
by Sean MetzkerAuto Ignition Coil Spark Plugs Replacement
A Few Signs That Your Ignition Coil or Spark Plugs Need Replacing
You’re riding down the road in St. Charles when you feel it – a slight hiccup in your car’s engine. It doesn’t appear to be a major problem, so you keep driving. Then, it happens again.
What you’re feeling is a misfire in your engine. That little jolt is your car’s way of telling you that something’s not quite right with how it turns gas into power and maybe it’s time to visit a St. Charles auto repair shop. In many cases, misfires are caused by general deterioration in either the ignition coil or spark plugs. These two components work together to turn a vehicle’s electrical battery power into the mechanical force that, simply put, makes your car move.
A Quick Primer on Your Car’s Ignition System
When you turn the key on your car, there are a few things that happen. First and foremost, power is sent to the spark plugs to ignite a mixture of fuel and air. However, there’s a little problem. Car batteries are not that strong, so they need some help in the form of your ignition coil. When the power is sent to the spark plugs, the ignition coil (or multiple coils) amplifies this power, making it strong enough to start up the engine.
In turn, the spark plugs do their job, which amounts to literally starting a controlled fire in your engine. Created to withstand high heat, high quality spark plugs have a small gap where the power signal is translated into an electrical spark, thus providing an explosion and setting your car’s pistons in motion. To keep your car running, these spark plugs continue to fire and generate power.
More Signs You’re Due For an Ignition Coil or Spark Plugs Replacement
While engine misfires are clearly the most common signs of a problem, there are other potential symptoms that could indicate your ignition coil or spark plugs need to be changed:
- Inconsistent Idle – If your vehicle is making jittery noises or vibrating when idle, then it could be the spark plugs.
- Sputtering & Stalling – In the same manner, a sputtering vehicle is often caused by spark plugs that are not igniting correctly.
- Starting Problems – A car that’s struggling to start may have spark plug or ignition coil issues.
- Higher Fuel Costs – Making more trips to the pump than usual? Worn spark plugs have a direct impact on your vehicle’s MPG.
- No Get Up & Go – When an ignition coil or spark plugs deteriorate, it can feel like your car no longer has any power under the hood.
Why It Makes Sense to Have a Professional Replacement
Unlike other car repairs that are easier to do on your own, ignition coil and spark plug replacements in St. Charles require some specialized diagnostic equipment and a bit of precision for adjusting the size of spark plug gaps. Fortunately, nearly all St. Charles auto repair shops will be well-versed in ignition system repairs and maintenance and should be able to have you in-and-out in just a short time.
If you’ve noticed any telltale signs of an ignition coil or spark plugs issue, give Rx Auto in St. Charles a call at (630) 443-8500 for a quick and affordable replacement before it turns into a major problem.