P0103

DTC P0103

Circuit Description

The mass air flow (MAF) sensor is an air flow meter that measures the amount of air entering the engine. The powertrain control module (PCM) uses the MAF sensor frequency signal in order to provide the correct fuel delivery for a wide range of engine speeds and loads. A small quantity of air entering the engine indicates a deceleration or idle. A large quantity of air entering the engine indicates an acceleration or high load condition. The MAF sensor has an ignition 1 voltage circuit, a ground circuit, and a signal circuit. The PCM applies a voltage to the sensor on the signal circuit. The sensor uses the voltage in order to produce a frequency based on inlet air flow through the sensor bore. The frequency varies within a range of around 2,000 Hertz at idle to about 11,500 Hertz at maximum engine load. If the PCM detects a frequency signal that is too high, this DTC sets.


DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC.
DTC P0103 MAF Sensor Circuit High Voltage


Conditions for Running the DTC

- The engine speed is more than 300 RPM.

- The ignition system voltage is more than 11 volts.


Conditions for Setting the DTC

- The PCM detects that the MAF sensor frequency signal is more than 11,250 Hertz.

- The condition exists for more than 1 second.


Action Taken When the DTC Sets

- The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.

- The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

- The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.

- A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.

- A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.

- Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.


Diagnostic Aids

- Any water that enters the air intake system that reaches the MAF sensor could cause this DTC to set. The water rapidly cools the hot sensing elements in the sensor causing a false indication of excessive air flow. Inspect the air induction system for evidence of water intrusion.

- A poor connection in the ignition 1 voltage circuit of the MAF sensor can cause a DTC P0103 to set.

- If the condition is intermittent, refer to Intermittent Conditions.Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures


Test Description

DTC P103 Steps 1-10:

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

3. This step tests for electromagnetic interference (EMI) on the signal circuit of the MAF sensor. A frequency reading with the MAF sensor disconnected indicates an EMI related fault or a poor connection. Disconnecting the MAF sensor may set additional related DTCs.

4. This step eliminates any conditions which can cause a DTC to set with a normally operating MAF sensor.