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Mercedes-Benz are highly recognizable vehicles worldwide. Their impeccable engine design, sleek style, and classy purr are trademark signs of quality and class. This only makes the inevitable engine damage or wear and tear all the more frustrating when it’s time to address the issue.

The best way to protect against damage and serious repairs is to take proper care of your vehicle: by driving responsibly, topping off your fluids regularly, and bringing your vehicle to your mechanic for suggested maintenance.

However, all the preparation and prevention in the world can’t guarantee that your vehicle won’t eventually require repairs and replacements. One of the more common and simple repairs (or replacements) that you may have to make during the life of your Mercedes is the mass airflow sensor.

The Importance of the Mass Airflow Sensor

The job of the mass airflow sensor is to measure various aspects of the air inflow to the engine, such as amount and temperature. It uses these measurements to calculate the proper air-to-fuel ratio for your engine to properly combust. Your Mercedes’ computer then uses these calculations to adjust the amount of gas that your system’s fuel injector puts out.

All of this comes together to optimize the performance of your Mercedes and keep your fuel economy as low as possible. Therefore, if your mass airflow sensor starts to fail, you may notice issues with your vehicle’s performance.

Symptoms of a Failing Mass Airflow Sensor

Due to the role that your mass airflow sensor plays in the ignition and combustion process, if it starts to fail, you will likely notice one or more of these symptoms listed below. Your Mercedes specialist will be able to perform a thorough inspection and diagnosis to narrow down the issue accurately.

Diminished Fuel Economy

One of the first and most obvious signs of a failed mass airflow sensor is reduced fuel economy. When your sensor fails, your car’s computer tries to overcompensate by injecting more fuel into the chambers. This leads to both reduced fuel economy and worse performance overall. If you notice that your Mercedes is suddenly guzzling gas, it’s important to bring your vehicle to a certified Mercedes specialist as soon as possible.

Rough Idling

Rough idling can be indicative of several issues with varying degrees of severity. If you notice that your vehicle is idling intensely or making rattling sounds while sitting still in traffic, your mass airflow sensor could be on the fritz.

Reduced Power

If you notice that you are losing power while driving, or if your Mercedes is not responding when you press the accelerator, a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor may be responsible.

Starting Problems

If your mass airflow sensor is unable to detect the proper air-to-fuel ratio, you may experience difficulty starting your vehicle, if it starts at all.

Stalled Engine

A stalled engine is not just a sign of a failing mass airflow sensor. It’s a dangerous issue that should be checked out by a mechanic immediately. If your Mercedes stalls after you start it or suddenly quits in the middle of traffic, it’s time to take your vehicle to a garage for a comprehensive diagnostic review.

How Glenwood Foreign Car Can Help

There are few things that high-end car owners hate more than dealing with the run-around from a dealership about their mechanical problems. If you suspect your Mercedes is experiencing failure of its mass airflow sensor, the unparalleled, professional mechanical service at Glenwood Foreign Car is the place for you.

Glenwood Foreign Car provides a full range of professional maintenance and repairs on a range of vehicles, from SUVs to cars to mid-sized sedans. We specialize in foreign vehicles of all makes and models, and our services range from oil changes and inspections to windshield replacements and engine repair. Better yet, all of our services come with a 2-year/24,000-mile warranty so you know that you’re protected on the road.

Our mechanics at Glenwood Foreign Car have been serving the Upper Makefield Township, Yardley, Newtown, and Morrisville, PA area since 1977. With full Bosch certifications and almost 45 years of experience, you can be sure that your Mercedes in the right hands.