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 engine control module (ECM) uses the MAF sensor signal in order to provide the correct fuel delivery for a wide range of engine speeds and loads. The MAF sensor signal is a function of the current required to keep the air flow sensing element at a fixed temperature. The air flowing through the sensor cools the sensing element. The amount of cooling is proportional to the amount of the air flow. As the air flow increases, more current is required in order to maintain the hot elements at a constant temperature. The MAF sensor converts the changes in current to a voltage signal that is read by the ECM. The ECM calculates the air flow based on this voltage signal. The MAF sensor uses the following circuits in order to operate:
- The ignition 1 voltage
- The 5-volt reference
- The MAF sensor signal
- The low reference

The 5-volt reference for the MAF sensor is also supplied to additional sensors. For two of the sensors the voltage is supplied on separate ECM terminals. The other sensors are connected at a splice pack. The 5-volt reference is shared by the following sensors:
- The MAF sensor
- The camshaft position (CMP) sensor
- The accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor 1
- The fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor
- The air conditioning (A/C) refrigerant pressure sensor

The low reference circuit of the MAF sensor is shared at a splice pack with the following components:
- TP sensor 1
- TP sensor 2
- The camshaft position (CMP) sensor
- The intake air temperature (IAT) sensor
- The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor

If the ECM detects the MAF sensor signal is more than the possible range of a properly operating sensor DTC P0103 sets.

CONDITIONS FOR RUNNING THE DTC
- DTCs P0121, P0122, P0123, P0221, P0222, P0223 are not set.
- The engine is running for more than 0.5 second.
- The ignition 1 signal is more than 11 volts.

CONDITIONS FOR SETTING THE DTC
- The ECM detects that the MAF sensor signal is more than 4.8 volts for more than 2 seconds.
OR
- The MAF sensor signal is more than a calculated value using throttle position (TP) and engine speed.

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 the following conditions:
- A high resistance on the low reference circuit of the MAF sensor may cause this DTC to set intermittently and also result in poor engine performance.
- An intermittent short to voltage on the low reference circuit of the MAF sensor may cause this DTC to set. It may also result in possible internal ECM damage.
- Any water in the air induction system may cause this DTC to set.
- Any contamination of the hot elements of the MAF sensor may cause this DTC to set.
- If the condition is intermittent, refer to Intermittent Conditions. Intermittent Conditions

TEST DESCRIPTION

Steps 1-7:

Steps 8-16:

Steps 17-18:

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
4. This step will determine if any mechanical faults have caused this DTC to set.
6. A very small amount of voltage will appear on this circuit when the ECM is operational. This is considered normal.
7. The measured resistance of the circuit will increase when the ECM is operational. This is considered normal.