Circuit Description
The mass air flow (MAF) sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine during a given time. The PCM uses the mass air flow information to monitor EGR flow rates. A large quantity of air entering the engine indicates an acceleration or high load situation, while a small quantity of air indicates deceleration or idle.
The MAF sensor produces a frequency signal. DTC P0101 will be set if the signal from the MAF sensor does not match a predicted value based on engine coolant temperature, throttle angle and engine speed.
Conditions for Running the DTC
| • | The PCM performs this DTC diagnostic continuously. |
| • | DTCs P0405, P0406, P0102 and P0103 are not set. |
| • | The Baro is more than 75 kPa. |
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The diagnostic must fail 2 of the 5 EGR tests (these tests are performed internally by the PCM).
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The PCM illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive drive trip that the diagnostic runs and fails. |
| • | The PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the Failure Records will store this information. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive drive trip, the Freeze Frame records the operating conditions at the time of failure and updates the Failure Records. |
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
| • | The PCM will turn the MIL off after 3 consecutive trips without a fault condition. |
| • | A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if this or any other emission related diagnostic does not report any failures. |
| • | The scan tool Clear Info function was used. |
Diagnostic Aids
Check for the following conditions:
| • | Damaged harness. Inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the harness appears to be OK, observe the scan tool while moving connectors and wiring harnesses related to the MAF sensor. A change in the display will indicate the location of the fault. |
| • | Plugged intake air duct or dirty air filter element. A wide open throttle acceleration from a stop should cause the Mass Air Flow displayed on a scan tool to increase . If not, check for a restriction. |
If DTC P0101 cannot be duplicated, the information included in the Fail Records data can be useful in determining vehicle mileage since the DTC was last set. This may assist in determining how often the DTC sets.
The adaptive learn matrix (ALM) is used to adjust the EGR vacuum control based on mass air flow (MAF). The ALM may change as a result of back pressure increases over the life of the vehicle or other engine system variations. The ALM is made up of sixteen cells (numbered from zero to fifteen) in which each cell covers a range of engine speed (RPM) and load (mm3).
An intermittent may be caused by any of the following conditions:
| • | A poor connection |
| • | Rubbed through wire insulation |
| • | A broken wire inside the insulation |
Thoroughly check any circuitry that is suspected of causing the intermittent complaint. Refer to Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis in Wiring Systems.
If a repair is necessary, refer to Wiring Repairs or Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Test Description
Number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the Diagnostic Table:
-
This step verifies that the problem is present at idle.
-
A voltage reading of less than 4 or over 6 volts at the MAF sensor signal circuit indicates a fault in the wiring or a poor connection.
-
Verifies that ignition feed voltage and a good ground are available at the MAF sensor.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Important: Before clearing any DTCs, use the Scan tool to save Freeze Frame and Failure Records for reference, as the Scan tool loses data when using the Clear Info function. Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed? | -- | ||||||||
Does the scan tool indicate DTC P0101 Failed This Ign? | -- | Refer to Diagnostic Aids | ||||||||
3 |
Did you perform a repair? | -- | ||||||||
4 |
Is the APP Angle near the specified value? | 0% | Go to DTC P0121 Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor 1 Circuit Performance | |||||||
Is the voltage near the specified value? | 5V | |||||||||
Connect an J 35616-200 unpowered test lamp between the MAF sensor ignition feed and ground circuits at the MAF sensor harness connector. Is the test light ON? | -- | |||||||||
7 | Is the voltage less than the specified value? | 4.5V | ||||||||
8 |
Does the voltage measure near the specified value? | 0V | ||||||||
9 | Connect an J 35616-200 unpowered test lamp between the MAF sensor ignition feed circuit and the chassis ground. Is the test light ON? | -- | ||||||||
10 |
Was a poor connection found? | -- | ||||||||
11 |
Was the MAF sensor signal circuit open or shorted? | -- | ||||||||
12 | Locate and repair the open in the ground circuit to the MAF sensor. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |||||||
13 | Locate and repair the open in the ignition feed circuit to the MAF sensor. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |||||||
14 | Locate and repair the short to voltage in the MAF sensor signal circuit. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |||||||
15 | Replace the MAF sensor. Refer to Mass Airflow Sensor Replacement . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |||||||
16 | Replace the PCM. Important: The new PCM must be programmed. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |||||||
17 |
Does scan tool indicate the diagnostic Passed? | -- | ||||||||
18 | Does the scan tool display any additional undiagnosed DTCs? | -- | Go to the Applicable DTC Table | System OK |
