Mass Airflow Sensor
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 10 other vehicles, including the 2002 Mazda Tribute, 2002 Mazda Protege5, 2002 Mazda Protege, 2002 Mazda Millenia, and 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The Mass Airflow (MAF) sensor measures the flow of air entering the engine. This measurement of airflow is a reflection of engine load (throttle opening). Sensing element (hot wire) is a thin platinum wire wound on a ceramic bobbin and coated with glass.
Hot wire is maintained at 392°F (200°C) greater than cold wire (ambient) temperature. Cold wire is located downstream of hot wire. Air temperature is measured as intake air passes through the MAF sensor and over the cold wire sensor. PCM uses this information to control fuel delivery.