Questions about the Mass Air Meter sensor

Post by **Volvo_240_Atari_2600** » 15 Mar 2007, 16:16

Hi...

Please excuse the possible ignorant question.
But what is the function of this part?

What are some of the signs that would tell me that it was on the way out? Or does it just go w/o notice or symptoms?

What makes a remanufactured one from ipdusa.com so expensive?

Should I change one out as preventative maintenance at some point or is that not deemed necessary.

I have a 1989 245 GL with a B230 engine, USA with 194k on the clock. It was always a Florida car. As I listed in other threads about my car, I know I am the third owner. Never had records of past repairs but the car does seem like it was periodically maintained.

I've owned it for 3 years. The alternator has a Volvo Bosch tag on it and still looks clean. I don't think it's the original. I know the t belt was done at 123k just b4 I purchased t and just had it done with the seals, tensioner and water pump about 2 weeks ago. Even the spark plug wires are the Volvo originals but deffinately not the ones that came with the car in 89 and probably replaced by the previous owner at some point in 2003 as they are not cracked or brittle in any way, very flexible and no signs of aging. Ths tailgate harnes... Now that's original as I had to do some splicing a year ago and will be replacing that some time soon.

Brakes... I just did the rears this past weekend that were near metal and the front are at 50% and this is the first time it was touched since I have had this car. Less than a year ago I replaced the radiator and I replaced the starter durring Huricaine Frances in 2004.

I just had the rear transmission seal, bearing and bushing replaced two days ago and the bushing for the drive shaft (center) replaced.

The car runs fine but I am so curious about the Mass Air Meter Sensor.
Sorry about all the above history of my car.

Thank you to anyone who can explain it's use to me and any input on it will be helpful.

Robbie · Post by **Robbie** » 15 Mar 2007, 16:48

Hi

The Mass air meter measures the air going into the engine so that the ECU can decide how much fuel for the the injectors to squirt into each cylinder.

Hope this helps

Post by **billofdurham** » 15 Mar 2007, 16:52

Here is a little light reading for you:

http://www.swedishbricks.net/faq/fiairm ... l#question

Your car should have a diagnostic box in the engine compartment. If it has you can read fault codes to find out if things are going wrong.

Bill.

wojeepster · Post by **wojeepster** » 15 Mar 2007, 18:07

I bought two used air mass sensors off of www.car-part.com for $20 each They both work flawlessly. I replaced a broken one and I keep a spare. I see no reason to pay more for one. If you keep your volvo forever you will have to replace it eventually but I would not before it needs it. If your car will not start and you think it might be the air mass sensor unplug it. This puts the computer in "limp home" mode. If car now starts turn off then plug in air mass sensor and try starting car again. If in will not start with air mass sensor pluged in you probably have a bad one or a large leak in the bellows type hose that leads to the throttle body.