What is this part in the air intake tube?

Hi,

That is the mass airflow sensor (MAF) with an integral air intake temperature sensor. I attached a pic below of the component.

The MAF sensor consists of a heated wire or thin film that is exposed to the incoming air. As air flows over this element, it cools it down, and the degree of cooling is directly proportional to the mass of air passing through the sensor. This signal provides precise data about the amount of air entering the engine.

As a result, the PCM can control, in real-time, the air-fuel mixture. It ensures that the engine gets the right amount of fuel to match the incoming air, resulting in an optimal air-fuel ratio for combustion.

Let me know if that helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

If the wiring harness for that is damaged would it cause shifting hesitation, overheating, not shifting when going uphill unless you pump the gas maybe?

Hi,

The MAF will cause drivability issues such as hesitations. That could result in other issues. The sensor is used by the powertrain control module (PCM) to determine the amount of air entering the intake. With that information, the PCM knows how much fuel to add to make the vehicle run as efficiently as possible.

If the fuel mixture is off (very rich) it could cause damage to other components. For example, the catalytic converter could be damaged. If it plugs, it could cause overheating.

The transmission is the one that is most questionable. If the engine isn't running properly, the transmission may experience changes in shifting patterns.

What is happening with the vehicle? Have you scanned the computer for diagnostic codes? If so, what codes have been retrieved?

Let me know.

joe

Not above a cdb II scanner so only current codes which is none. Was throwing p 449 changed evap solenoid and purge need to get better scanner. I had some stupid make more horsepower module spliced into its wiring harness it melted and I replaced the wires back together. If that's a bad connection could be the same as tranny issues as far as symptoms? I really need to get a scanner myself.

Hi,

When you repair a broken wire, it should be soldered and then protected with heat shrink. When you simply twist the wire ends together and tape them, it can cause a poor connection and fail (come loose). Is that what you meant? And, if the wiring for the transmission is this way, certainly it can cause issues.

Let me know.

Joe

Just that one wiring harness has that issue. Also just replaced evap purge and solenoid now my car runs hot. I have to turn A/C on to get aux fan to kick in. Also changed PCV valve and hose. The overheating never happened 115° running parked A/C full blast for hours no overheating. Now driving in 60° weather and getting hot I have to turn A/C on to drop temperature. Thanks. That might be a different question I have to ask.

Hi,

The purge solenoid really isn't related to the cooling system. That is odd. By any chance, do you hear the primary fan turn on when it starts to get warm? Will it overheat at highway speed?

Let me know.

Joe

Yes, at highway will start to rise until I turn the A/C on. Parked and running or city running it gets hot. It hasn't overheated yet but runs hot. The only things I've touched for cooling is the overflow hose for radiator started leaking at the union in the middle of it. I don't know why it's split but anyways I put a joiner and put the hoses back together. Also, PCV valve and hose.

Hi,

When you repaired the coolant hose, did you confirm the coolant is still full? How much coolant was lost? If air got into the system, it could cause an air lock and prevent coolant circulation.

Let me know.

Joe

A little was lost and I refilled. How would I get air out of the system?

This may sound like a crazy question, but were you able to add approximately the same amount that came out?

If not, allow the engine to cool. Open the reservoir or radiator cap. Make sure the system is full. Start the engine and turn the heater on high. Allow the engine to reach operating temperature. If you have good heat inside, recheck the coolant level and fill if needed.

Try that and let me know.

Joe

Okay, cool, thanks will do!

Wow fill tank read full. Started the car with cap off and fluid disappeared! Added almost a whole gallon of antifreeze. That's weird it would still read full in the fill tank. Ran the car for 45 mins and never bumped over normal. Do you know anyways to test relays without connecting to battery? Should test the points where relays are and make sure they are getting proper and steady power with my multimeter. Thanks again

Hi,

I'm glad it's working good for you now. Air is a funny thing in a cooling system. It can cause all kinds of things to go haywire. LOL

Regardless, take care of yourself and feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe