P0103

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 8,000 Hertz at maximum engine load. DTC P0103 will be set if the signal from the MAF sensor is above the possible range of a normally operating MAF sensor.

Conditions for Running the DTC

^ The engine is running.
^ Ignition voltage greater than 8.0 volts.
^ Throttle angle below 50%.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

^ MAF signal frequency is above 11,500 Hertz (11.5 kHz).
^ The condition is present for 0.5 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

^ The PCM will illuminate the MIL during the second consecutive trip in which the diagnostic has been run and failed.
^ If equipped with traction control, the PCM will command the Electronic Brake and Traction Control Module (EBTCM) via the serial data circuit to turn OFF traction control, and the EBTCM will illuminate the TRACTION OFF lamp.
^ 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 a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

Inspect for the following conditions:

Important: Remove any debris from the connector surfaces before servicing a component. Inspect the connector gaskets when diagnosing or replacing a component. Ensure that the gaskets are installed correctly. The gaskets prevent contaminate intrusion.

^ Poor terminal connection.
Inspect the harness connectors for backed out terminals, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, and faulty terminal to wire connection. Use a corresponding mating terminal to test for proper tension. Refer to Diagrams.
^ Damaged harness.
Inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the harness appears to be OK, observe the sensor display on the scan tool while moving connectors and wiring harnesses related to the sensor. A change in the sensor display may indicate the location of the fault.
^ Inspect the PCM and the engine grounds for clean and secure connections.

If the DTC is determined to be intermittent, reviewing the Fail Records can be useful in determining when the DTC was last set.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the Diagnostic Table:

2. This step verifies that the problem is present at idle.
4. A frequency reading with the MAF sensor connector disconnected indicates an Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI) related fault or a poor connection.
9. This vehicle is equipped with a PCM which utilizes an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM). When the PCM is being replaced, the new PCM must be programmed.