P0101
CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
The Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor measures the amount of air which passes through it into the engine during a given time. The PCM uses the mass air flow information to monitor engine operating conditions for fuel delivery calculations. 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 which can be monitored using a scan tool. The frequency will vary within a range of around 2000 Hertz at idle to near 8000 Hertz at maximum engine load. DTC P0101 will be set if the signal from the MAF sensor does not match a predicted value based on barometric pressure, throttle position and engine RPM.
CONDITION FOR SETTING THE DTC
^ DTCs P0106, P0107, P0122, P0123, P1106, P1107, P1121, or P1122 not set.
^ The engine is running.
^ EGR duty cycle is below 75%.
^ EGR pintle position is below 75%.
^ Above conditions present for at least 5 seconds.
ACTION TAKEN WHEN THE DTC SETS
^ The PCM will illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) during the first trip in which the diagnostic test has been run and failed.
^ The PCM will store conditions which were present when the DTC set as Freeze Frame and Fail Records data.
CONDITIONS FOR CLEARING THE MIL/DTC
^ The PCM will turn the MIL OFF during the third consecutive trip in which the diagnostic has been run and passed.
^ The history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles have occurred without a malfunction.
^ The DTC can be cleared by using the scan tool Clear Info function or by disconnecting the PCM battery feed.
DIAGNOSTIC AIDS
Check for the following conditions:
^ Skewed or stuck Throttle Position (TP) sensor. A faulty TP sensor or TP sensor circuit can cause the PCM to incorrectly calculate the predicted mass air flow value. Observe Throttle Angle with the throttle closed. If the Throttle Angle reading is not 0%, check for the following Conditions and repair as necessary:
- TP sensor signal circuit shorted to voltage,
- Poor connection or high resistance in the TP sensor ground circuit.
^ If none of the above conditions are noted and the Throttle Angle reading at closed throttle is not 0%, replace the TP sensor.
^ Skewed Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor. A skewed MAP sensor can cause the BARO reading to be incorrectly calculated. To check the MAP sensor, compare the MAP/BARO reading on the vehicle being diagnosed to the MAP/BARO reading on a normally operating vehicle. If a large difference is noted replace the MAP sensor.
^ Poor connection at PCM. Inspect harness connectors for backed out terminals, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, and poor terminal to wire connection.
^ Misrouted harness. Inspect the MAF sensor harness to ensure that it is not routed too close to high voltage wires such as spark plug leads.
^ 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.
^ The actual Mass Air Flow is compared to a calculated Mass Air Flow based on the MAP, TP and engine RPM readings (speed density). A skewed/unresponsive MAP sensor at key ON will cause the calculated Mass Air Flow value to be inaccurate. When the engine is started a large difference between actual Mass Air Flow and Calculated Mass Air Flow occurs. DTC P0101 will set, the vehicle will stall, a default Mass Air Flow based on the MAP sensor will occur. Because the MAP sensor is skewed/unresponsive the default Mass Air Flow values are incorrect and vehicle may not restart. If a fault occurs which causes the MAP sensor value to be incorrect (poor vacuum connections, damaged vacuum source, or defective vacuum hose(s), unmetered air into the manifold), DTC P0101 will set and the default mass airflow value will be substituted. Because the MAP sensor value is incorrect the vehicle may not start and run.
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.
TEST DESCRIPTION
Number(s) below refer to the Step number(s) on the Diagnostic Chart:
3. If sent here from Engine Cranks But Will Not Run, continue to follow diagnostic table even if DTC P0101 has NOT failed this ignition.
4. This step checks the MAP sensor. By disconnecting the MAF sensor, the vehicle is forced into speed density; Speed density is based on the MAP, TP, and engine RPM readings. With a slewed/unresponsive MAP sensor, the speed density calculation is incorrect and vehicle may not start. For further information refer to Diagnostic Aids.
5. This step checks for skewed or sticking MAP sensor. MAP sensor should respond smoothly and gradually as RPM is increased. Compare MAP sensor of affected vehicle to that of a normally operating vehicle if a large difference is noted replace MAP sensor.
9. Verifies that ignition feed voltage and a good ground are available at the MAF sensor.