Mass Airflow (MAF) Sensor
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1995 Ford Pickup, 1995 Ford F-Super Duty, and 1995 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
MAF sensor measures flow of air entering the engine. This measurement of airflow is a reflection of engine load (throttle opening). The sensing element (hot wire) is a thin platinum wire wound on a ceramic bobbin and coated with glass. The hot wire is maintained at 392°F (200°C) above cold wire (ambient) temperature. Cold wire is located downstream of hot wire. As air passes through the airflow sensor, the air temperature is measured as air passes over the cold wire sensor. The PCM uses this information to control fuel delivery.