NTK’s MAP and MAF sensors under the spotlight

Niterra is widely respected around the world for the excellence and reliability of its NGK Ignition Parts and NTK Vehicle Electronics products. The latter is renowned for its wide range of combustion-engine sensors that have been developed not only for their durability, but also for their ability to ensure that engines run efficiently and as cleanly as possible. Nowhere is that more important than with the Manifold Absolute/Boost Pressure (MAP) and Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensors. These small, but vital, components are essential in monitoring the amount and the pressure of air entering the engine and consequently how much fuel is needed by the powertrain. Small wonder then that NTK’s MAP and MAFs are much in demand for Aftermarket applications.

Technical excellence

Essentially the MAP and MAF units are part of the engine management system and both measure the amount of air entering the engine to ensure successful fuel combustion and an efficient operation of the powertrain. However, they are separately distinct components that operate in different ways. Both MAF & MAP sensors were added to the NTK Vehicle Electronics range in 2016 and work by assessing the amount of air that the engine takes in to combine with the fuel. MAF sensors are fitted to both diesel and petrol engines. Found between a vehicle’s manifold and air filter, the MAF passes information on the mass flow of air to the Engine Control Unit (ECU), which then uses this data to calculate the correct quantity of petrol needed by the engine. In diesel engines, the principal task of the MAF is to control the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valves. These are designed to reduce harmful emissions in the form of nitrogen oxides (NOx) by transferring emission gases from the vehicle’s exhaust manifold into the intake manifold. MAF components can largely be split into two variants: hot-wire technology and hot-film technology. MAFs use electrical current to measure air mass and have no moving parts.

In contrast, the MAP sensor reads the air pressure directly in the engine’s intake manifold. With this information, the ECU determines the engine’s mass-flow rate and with it the perfect mix of air and fuel that is required. The sensor specialist offers two variations of MAP: manifold pressure type and boost pressure type. This part can be found in the intake manifold or pressure hose and is fitted to turbodiesel and petrol engines.

Wide market coverage

NTK Vehicle Electronics brand offers no less than 167-part numbers for 214 million vehicles of both the manifold pressure type and boost pressure type MAP sensors. This translates into coverage of 62% for vehicles in operation in EMEA. The company has 197-part numbers for MAF products, which represent coverage of 61% for vehicles in operation in the EMEA region.

With the company’s hard-earned reputation for exacting standards and superb quality, NTK MAP and MAF sensors endure rigorous testing to ensure that they meet the most demanding requirements and continue to perform to the highest level. As a key engine-management component, their optimal performance is essential to ensuring that engines are able to continue not only to reduce emissions, but also to cut fuel consumption.

Essential maintenance

With all high-tech components, regular monitoring is essential to maintaining the best possible performance, and MAF and MAP sensors are no exception. It is always advisable to consult the manufacturer’s instructions before deciding to either repair or replace an item. The typical problem that can occur with either MAF or MAP sensors over time is a reduction in sensitivity caused by a buildup of either dust or oil. This tends to lead to reduced fuel economy, difficulty starting the vehicle, poor idling, black exhaust smoke, unstable engine running, a loss of engine power and misfiring. This can often be rectified by simply removing and cleaning the sensor. To prevent the future recurrence of such issues, the source of this contamination must be identified and rectified. The first sign that the unit is not functioning correctly is usually an engine warning light on the vehicle’s dashboard.

Once the part has either been cleaned or replaced completely, it can be tested using a quick check that requires the driver to apply full throttle while in the third or fourth gear to achieve the maximum pressure boost. The ideal voltage reading in the scanning tool used for testing should ideally read between 0.2V and 4.8V. The manifold pressure sensor is tested using a vacuum pump connected to the measuring chamber of the component. In this way, the output voltage can be evaluated using a scan tool to read the signal emitted by the sensor. It is important to see a fluctuating signal in accordance with an application of pressure. Ideally, the normal reading should be: 1,2 - 1,7 V @ 0,4 Bar (absolute pressure) or 3,9 - 4,5 V @ 1,0 Bar (absolute pressure).

Conclusion

This feature forms part of a series of articles that seek to offer some basic background and technical information on the products offered by Niterra’s NGK Ignition Parts and NTK Vehicle Electronics brands. The next subject under the spotlight will be the engine speed & position sensors, another important element of the engine’s combustion process Previous articles in the series can be found under here:

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