P0103
DTC P0102 or P0103
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.
DTC Descriptors
DTC P0102
- Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Circuit Low Frequency
DTC P0103
- Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Circuit High Frequency
Diagnostic Fault Information
Typical Scan Tool Data
Circuit/System Description
The mass air flow (MAF) sensor is integrated with the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor. The MAF sensor is an air flow meter that measures the amount of air entering the engine. The engine control module (ECM) uses the MAF sensor signal to provide the correct fuel delivery for all engine speeds and loads. A small quantity of air entering the engine indicates a deceleration or idle condition. A large quantity of air entering the engine indicates an acceleration or high load condition. The MAF/IAT sensor has the following circuits:
* An ignition 1 voltage circuit
* A ground circuit
* A MAF sensor signal circuit
* An IAT sensor signal circuit
* An IAT low reference circuit
The ECM applies 5 volts to the MAF sensor on the MAF sensor signal circuit. The sensor uses the voltage to produce a frequency based on the inlet air flow through the sensor bore. The frequency varies within a range of near 1,700 Hertz at idle to near 9,500 Hertz at maximum engine load.
Conditions for Running the DTC
* The engine is running for greater than one second.
* The engine speed is greater than 300 RPM.
* The ignition 1 signal is greater than 8 volts.
* The above conditions are met for greater than one second.
* These DTCs run continuously when the above conditions are met.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
P0102
The ECM detects that the MAF Sensor is less than 1,867 Hz for greater than 5 seconds.
P0103
The ECM detects that the MAF Sensor parameter is greater than 14,500 Hz for greater than 5 seconds.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
DTCs P0102 and P0103 are Type B DTCs.
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
DTCs P0102 and P0103 are Type B DTCs.
Diagnostic Aids
* Verify the integrity of the air induction system by inspecting for the following conditions:
- A restricted or collapsed air intake duct
- A misaligned air intake duct
- A dirty or deteriorating air filter element
- Any objects blocking the air inlet screen of the MAF/IAT sensor
- Any water intrusion in the induction system
- Any contamination or debris on the sensing elements of the MAF sensor
- Damaged components
- Loose or improper installation
- Any air flow restriction
- Any vacuum leak
* A wide open throttle (WOT) acceleration from a stop should cause the MAF sensor parameter on the scan tool to increase rapidly. This increase should be from 2-6 g/s at idle to 100 g/s or more at the time of the 1-2 shift.
* Verify that any electrical aftermarket devices are properly connected and grounded. Refer to Checking Aftermarket Accessories (Component Tests and General Diagnostics).
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Engine Controls Schematics (Electrical Diagrams)
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Electrical Information Reference
* Circuit Testing (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Connector Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
DTC Type Reference
Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions (Diagnostic Trouble Code Descriptions)
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information
Special Tools
J 38522 Variable Signal Generator
Circuit/System Testing
Important: All electrical components and accessories must be turned OFF and allowed to power down.
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the MAF/IAT harness connector at the MAF/IAT sensor.
2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 5 ohms between the ground circuit terminal C and ground.
• If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
3. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the ignition circuit terminal B and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ignition circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
4. Ignition ON, test for 4.8-5.2 volts between the signal circuit terminal A and ground.
• If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
• If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
5. Connect the J 38522 to the vehicle. Refer to Component Testing for instructions.
Component Testing
To determine if the ECM can properly process the MAF sensor frequency signal, connect the J 38522 to the vehicle as follows:
1. Turn OFF the ignition.
2. Connect the battery voltage supply, and ground the black lead.
3. Connect the red lead to the signal circuit of the MAF sensor.
4. Set the Duty Cycle switch to Normal.
5. Set the Frequency switch to 5 K.
6. Set the Signal switch to 5 V.
7. Start the engine.
8. Observe the MAF Sensor parameter for the correct range of 4,950-5,025 Hz.
• If the MAF Sensor parameter is not within the specified range, replace the ECM.
• If the MAF Sensor parameter is within the specified range, replace the MAF sensor.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Mass Airflow Sensor with Intake Air Temperature Sensor Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for ECM replacement, setup, and programming