The sensor or the mass airflow meter records the quantity of air flowing through it, making the ECU have the needed data to identify the state of engine operation and adjust the flow of fuel; the large amount of air flowing through the sensor will signal acceleration, whereas the small amount of air will signal deceleration or idle. Mazda uses two meters; a mechanical door/ cone system that is linked to a variable resistor with a door/ cone opening when air enters, changing resistance; the other works on the principle of a hot wire, the voltage of a heated wire being changed depending on the air flow. When testing plate or cone type airflow meters, make sure that the plate or cone is free to move and that there is no fault in electrical connections. In different Mazda models, unscrew the negative battery cable, unscrew airflow meter assembly, check cracks and resistance between designated terminals, and the values obtained are to match the stated values however, otherwise, the airflow meter assembly needs to be substituted. The process of removal entails first of all unlinking the negative battery cable, loosening the intake hose, separating the airflow meter, and then reattaching them in that sequence.