Mass Air Flow Sensor: Operation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Dodge Stratus and 2005 Chrysler Sebring. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Airflow is measured by the MAF sensor. A voltage will be produced via the MAF sensor when air is passed through. Changes in air flow and air density cause the temperature of the ceramic element to fluctuate. The ceramic element changes resistance respectively to changes in temperature. This voltage correlates to airflow. The change in resistance varies the signal voltage output to the PCM.