What role does the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor play in an engine?

The Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor is a critical component in an engine's fuel management system, specifically designed to measure the amount of air entering the engine. This measurement is essential for the engine control unit (ECU) to calculate the appropriate amount of fuel to inject into the combustion chamber, ensuring optimal combustion efficiency. By providing real-time data on airflow, the MAF sensor helps maintain the correct air-fuel ratio, which is vital for engine performance, fuel economy, and emissions control.

The other options are related to different functions within an engine but do not describe the role of the MAF sensor. For instance, measuring oil pressure pertains to engine lubrication and its health, regulating fuel flow typically involves the fuel injectors and the fuel delivery system, and detecting engine temperature is managed by a different sensor, usually the coolant temperature sensor. Each of these functions plays its own important role, separate from the primary function of the MAF sensor.