Sentra XE L4-1597cc 1.6L DOHC MFI (GA16DE) (1997)
Mass Air Flow Sensor: Description and Operation
The mass air flow sensor is placed in the stream of intake air. It measures the intake flow rate by measuring a part of the entire intake flow. It consists
of a hot film resistor that is supplied with electric current from the ECM. The temperature of the hot film resistor is controlled by the ECM a certain
amount. The heat generated by the hot film resistor is reduced as the intake air flows around it. The more air, the greater the heat loss.
Therefore, the ECM must supply more electric current to maintain the temperature of the hot film resistor as air flow increases. The ECM detects the
air flow by means of this current change.