P0101

DTC P0101 MASS OR VOLUME AIR FLOW CIRCUIT RANGE/PERFORMANCE PROBLEM

CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION

DTC Detection Condition:

The MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor measures the amount of air flowing through the throttle valve. The ECM uses this information to determine the fuel injection time and provide a proper air-fuel ratio. Inside the MAF sensor, there is a heated platinum wire exposed to the flow of intake air.

By applying a specific current to the wire, the ECM heats this wire to a given temperature. The flow of incoming air cools the wire and an internal thermistor, changing their resistance. To maintain a constant current value, the ECM varies the voltage applied to these components in the MAF sensor. The voltage level is proportional to the airflow through the sensor and the ECM interprets this voltage as the intake air amount. The circuit is constructed so that the platinum hot wire and temperature sensor provide a bridge circuit, with the power transistor controlled so that the potential of A and B remains equal to maintain the set temperature.

MONITOR DESCRIPTION

Monitor Strategy:

Typical Enabling Conditions:

Typical Malfunction Thresholds:

The MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor helps the ECM calculates the amount of air flowing through the throttle valve. The ECM uses this information to determine the fuel injection time and provide a proper air-fuel ratio. Inside the MAF sensor, there is a heated platinum wire exposed to the flow of intake air. By applying a specific current to the wire, the ECM heats this wire to a given temperature. The flow of incoming air cools the wire and an internal thermistor, changing their resistance. To maintain a constant current value, the ECM varies the voltage applied to these components in the MAF sensor. The voltage level is proportional to the air flow through the sensor and the ECM interprets this voltage as the intake air amount. If there is a defect in the sensor or an open or short circuit, the voltage level will deviate outside the normal operating range. The ECM interprets this deviation as a defect in the MAF sensor and sets a DTC.

Example: If the voltage is more than 2.2 V at idle or less than 0.4 V at idle off, the ECM interprets this as a defect in the MAF sensor and sets a DTC.

Wiring Diagram:

Step 1:

INSPECTION PROCEDURE

HINT: Read freeze frame data using the hand-held tester or the OBD II scan tool. Freeze frame data records the engine conditions when a malfunction is detected. When troubleshooting, it is useful for determining whether the vehicle was running or stopped, the engine was warmed up or not, the air fuel ratio was lean or rich, etc. at the time of the malfunction.