P0102

DTC P0102

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 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 sensor has the following circuits:

* An ignition 1 voltage circuit
* A ground circuit
* A signal circuit

The PCM applies a voltage to the sensor on the 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 2,000 Hertz at idle to near 10,000 Hertz at maximum engine load. If the PCM detects the frequency signal is less than the possible range of a correctly operating MAF sensor, DTC P0102 sets.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0102 Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Circuit Low Frequency

Conditions for Running the DTC

* The engine is running for more than 5 seconds.
* The engine speed is more than 500 RPM.
* The ignition 1 signal is more than 11 volts.
* The above conditions are met for more than 2.5 seconds.
* This DTC runs continuously within the enabling conditions.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The PCM detects that the MAF sensor frequency signal is less than 100 Hertz for more than 3 seconds.

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

* Inspect for any contamination or debris on the sensing elements of the MAF sensor.
* 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 180 g/s or more at the time of the 2-3 shift. If the increase is not observed, inspect for a restriction in the induction system or the exhaust system.
* A high resistance of 15 ohms or more on the ground circuit or the ignition 1 circuit of the MAF sensor may cause this DTC to set. A high resistance will cause a driveability concern before this DTC sets.
* If the condition is intermittent, refer to Inducing Intermittent Fault Conditions and Intermittent Conditions. Component Tests and General Diagnostics Intermittent Conditions

Test Description

Step 1 - Step 7:

Step 8 - Step 14:

Step 15 - Step 26:

Step 27 - Step 28:

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
5. This step will determine if any mechanical faults have caused this DTC to set.
7. This voltage drop test will determine if high resistance has caused this DTC to set.
9. This step verifies the voltage signal from the PCM to the MAF sensor connector.
10. This step tests the signal circuit of the MAF sensor for a short to another 5-volt reference circuit.
11. This step will determine if the MAF sensor is able to generate a frequency signal.
13. This step will determine which portion of the circuit or which component is shorted to ground.
16. This step verifies that the signal circuit is not shorted to any other PCM circuit.