I have a 2015 Mazda 3 with over 360,000 miles on it. For the last three months, I've noticed a slight jerking when accelerating, especially when I need to go faster. I've also noticed an increase in gas consumption. The car drives well otherwise—it doesn't cut off on the road, starts smoothly, and doesn't have erratic idling. However, I believe it has something to do with the air and gas mixture in the engine.
About two weeks ago, I researched the mass air sensor. According to a website, when these sensors go bad, the engine may hesitate, jerk, or surge during acceleration. I checked the lifespan of the mass flow sensor, and it's typically between 80,000 to 170,000 miles. I also learned that if you unplug the sensor and try to start the car, it shouldn't start, indicating a faulty sensor.
I just ordered a new Mass Flow Sensor, which took about a week to arrive. I initially tried an aftermarket sensor, but it didn't work with my Mazda 3. I'm hopeful that replacing the sensor will solve the issue with the jerking during acceleration and improve my gas mileage.
when these sensors go bad, the engine may hesitate, jerk, or surge during acceleration
No, not really. With your miles it's something like a fuel pump or the transmission. It's best to test things before emptying your wallet on expensive new parts. MAF sensors can be cleaned. Be careful what you read.
I initially tried an aftermarket sensor
never buy aftermarket sensors
it was rebuilt three years ago
never rebuild transmissions. They always fail fairly soon after.
If the transmission goes out, I'll know because it won't move at all
Nope. Not true. Transmissions can fail in all sorts of ways. (including jerking).
"I've already had the fuel system cleaned and a transmission check, as it was rebuilt three years ago. The transmission changes gears smoothly, so I've ruled that out. If the transmission goes out, I'll know because it won't move at all."
I have a manual transmission, just like you mentioned. This would be my second rebuild if it was the transmission, but it's not. My transmission isn't jerking at all—I can smoothly drive up to 90 on the speedometer. If it were a transmission problem, it would be in the shop right now. What I'm experiencing isn't related to the transmission; it could be the fuel pump or the mass flow sensor. I know I'm getting bad gas mileage, so I suspect it might be related to needing a tune-up.
I have a manual transmission
OK so it would have been good if you followed the posting instructions and included that in your original question.
it could be the fuel pump or the mass flow sensor
Again, no. MAFs don't really do that.
Check your fuel pressure. Inspect your spark plugs. Run a diagnostic scan. You could be having misfires.
