GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

DTC P0101 or P1101 LTD without Turbocharger

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

DTC P0101: Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Performance

DTC P1101: Intake Air Flow System Performance

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

High Resistance

Open

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Ignition 1 Voltage

P0102

P0101

P0102

--

P0101, P0103

MAF Sensor Signal

P0102

P0102

P0102

P0102

P0101, P0103, P1101

Ground

--

P0102

P0102

--

P0102

Typical Scan Tool Data

MAF Sensor

Circuit

Normal Range

Short to Ground

Open

Short to Voltage

Ignition 1 Voltage

--

0 Hz

0 Hz

--

MAF Sensor

1,700-9,500 Hz

0 Hz

0 Hz

0 Hz

Ground

--

--

0 Hz

--

Circuit Description

The intake flow rationality diagnostic provides the within-range rationality check for the mass air flow (MAF), manifold absolute pressure (MAP), and the throttle position (TP) sensors. This is an explicit model-based diagnostic containing 4 separate models for the intake system.

    • The throttle model describes the flow through the throttle body and is used to estimate the MAF through the throttle body as a function of barometric pressure (BARO), TP, intake air temperature (IAT), and estimated MAP. The information from this model is displayed on the scan tool as the MAF Performance Test parameter.
    • The first intake manifold model describes the intake manifold and is used to estimate MAP as a function of the MAF into the manifold from the throttle body and the MAF out of the manifold caused by engine pumping. The flow into the manifold from the throttle uses the MAF estimate calculated from the above throttle model. The information from this model is displayed on the scan tool as the MAP Performance Test 1 parameter.
    • The second intake manifold model is identical to the first intake manifold model except that the MAF sensor measurement is used instead of the throttle model estimate for the throttle air input. The information from this model is displayed on the scan tool as the MAP Performance Test 2 parameter.
    • The fourth model is created from the combination and additional calculations of the throttle model and the first intake manifold model. The information from this model is displayed on the scan tool as the TP Performance Test parameter.

The estimates of MAF and MAP obtained from this system of models and calculations are then compared to the actual measured values from the MAF, MAP, and the TP sensors and to each other to determine the appropriate DTC to fail. The following table illustrates the possible failure combinations and the resulting DTC or DTCs.

Scan Tool Diagnostic Test Results

MAF Performance Test

MAP Performance Test 1

MAP Performance Test 2

TP Performance Test

DTCs Passed

DTCs Failed

--

--

OK

OK

P0101, P0106, P0121, P1101

None

OK

OK

Fault

OK

P0101, P0106, P0121, P1101

None

Fault

OK

Fault

OK

P0106, P0121, P1101

P0101

OK

Fault

Fault

OK

P0101, P0121, P1101

P0106

Fault

Fault

Fault

OK

P0121, P1101

P0101, P0106

--

--

OK

Fault

P0101, P0106, P1101

P0121

OK

OK

Fault

Fault

P0101, P0106, P0121, P1101

None

Fault

OK

Fault

Fault

P0101, P0106, P0121

P1101

--

Fault

Fault

Fault

P0101, P0106, P0121

P1101

Conditions for Running the DTCs

    • DTC P0102, P0103, P0107, P0108, P0112, P0113, P0116, P0117, P0118, P0128, P0335, or P0336 is not set.
    • The engine speed is between 400-8,192 RPM.
    • The IAT Sensor parameter is between -7 to +125°C (+19 to +257°F).
    • The ECT Sensor parameter is between 70-125°C (158-257°F).
    • This DTC runs continuously within the enabling conditions.

Conditions for Setting the DTCs

The engine control module (ECM) detects that the actual measured airflow from MAF, MAP, and TP is not within range of the calculated airflow that is derived from the system of models for more than 2 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTCs P0101 and P1101 are Type B DTCs.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTCs P0101 and P1101 are Type B DTCs.

Diagnostic Aids

    • A steady or intermittent high resistance of 15Ω or greater on the ignition 1 voltage circuit will cause the MAF sensor signal to be increased by as much as 60 g/s.
    • Depending on the current ambient temperature, and the vehicle operating conditions, a MAF sensor signal circuit that is shorted to the IAT signal circuit will increase or decrease the MAF sensor signal that is interpreted by the ECM. Additionally it may cause a rapid fluctuation in the IAT Sensor parameter.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Special Tools

J 38522 Variable Signal Generator

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools.

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Verify that DTC P0641 or P0651 is not set.
  2. If any of the DTCs are set, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle.
  3. Verify that restrictions do not exist in the exhaust system. Refer to Restricted Exhaust.
  4. Engine operating at idle, observe the scan tool MAF Sensor parameter. The reading should be between 1,700-3,200 Hz, depending on the ECT.
  5. 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 greater than 100 g/s at the time of the 1-2 shift.
  6. Use the scan tool and compare the MAF Sensor parameter to a known good vehicle under various operating conditions.
  7. Verify the proper operation of the MAP sensor. A skewed MAP sensor will cause the BARO value to be inaccurate. Refer to DTC P0106.
  8. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC to verify the DTC does not reset. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Verify the integrity of the entire air induction system by inspecting for the following conditions:
  2. • Any damaged components
    • Loose or improper installation
    • An air flow restriction
    • Any vacuum leak
    • Water intrusion
    • In cold climates, inspect for any snow or ice buildup
    • Inspect the MAF sensor element for contamination
  3. Ignition OFF for 90 seconds, disconnect the harness connector at the B75B MAF/IAT sensor.
  4. Test for less than 5Ω between the ground circuit terminal B and ground.
  5. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  6. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the ignition circuit terminal C and ground.
  7. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ignition circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  8. Ignition ON, test for 4.8-5.2V between the signal circuit terminal A and ground.
  9. 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 K20 ECM.
    If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K20 ECM.
  10. Ignition OFF, connect the red lead of the J 38522 Signal Generator to the signal circuit terminal A at the B75B MAF/IAT sensor harness connector. Connect the battery voltage supply to B+. Connect the black lead to ground.
  11. Set the J 38522 Signal Generator Signal switch to 5V, the Frequency switch to 5K, and the Duty Cycle switch to Normal.
  12. Engine Idling, observe the scan tool MAF Sensor parameter. The scan tool MAF Sensor parameter should be between 4,950-5,025 Hz.
  13. If the MAF Sensor parameter is not within the specified range, replace the K20 ECM.
  14. If the circuits test normal, test or replace the B75B MAF/IAT sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Mass Airflow Sensor Replacement
    •  Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming

DTC P0101 or P1101 LDK with Turbocharger

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0101: Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Performance

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

High Resistance

Open

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Ignition 1 Voltage

P0031, P0037, P0100, P0458

P0100

P0100

--

P0100

MAF Sensor Signal

P0100

P0100

P0100

P0100

P0101, P0102, P0103

Ground

--

P0100

P0100

--

P0100

Typical Scan Tool Data

MAF Sensor

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open

Short to Voltage

Operating Conditions: Engine Running at various operating conditions

Parameter Normal Range: 1,700-12,500 Hz

Ignition 1 Voltage

65,535 Hz

65,535 Hz

--

MAF Sensor

65,535 Hz

65,535 Hz

65,535 Hz

Ground

--

65,535 Hz

--

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. The MAF/IAT sensor has the following circuits:

    • Ignition 1 voltage
    • MAF sensor ground
    • MAF sensor signal
    • IAT sensor signal
    • IAT low reference

The purpose of this diagnostic is to analyze the performance of the MAF sensor by comparing the measured airflow to the following 2 distinct models:

    • The first model is separated into two parts. The first part is based on basic engine parameters and uses engine speed, and throttle angle as inputs. The second part is derived from long term fuel trim, at cruising speed and the ECM is looking for an adaptation value to be within a calibrated range.
    • The second model uses the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor for input, and the ECM is looking for an adaptation value to be within a calibrated range.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0010, P0011, P0013, P0014, P0096, P0097, P0098, P0099, P0100, P0102, P0103, P0106, P0107, P0108, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0221, P0222, P0223, P0236, P0237, P0238, P0335, P0336, P2088, P2089, P2090, P2091, P2176, P2227, P2228, or P2229 is not set.
    • The engine is running.
    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is warmer than 10°C (50°F).
    • The ignition 1 voltage signal is greater than 10.5V.
    • The change in the throttle position (TP) is less than 2 percent.
    • The charge air bypass valve is closed.
    • Long term cruise fuel trim needs to be active and stable.
    • This DTC runs continuously within the enabling conditions.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The ECM detects that the measured MAF is not within range of the calculated airflow based on throttle angle and engine speed.
        AND
    • The ECM detects a significant error in the long term fuel trim at cruising speed.
        OR
    • The ECM detects that the measured MAF is not within range of the calculated model that is derived from MAP.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • DTC P0101 is a Type B DTC.
    • The ECM will disable boost control, and limit the system to mechanical boost only, resulting in a substantial decrease in engine power.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTC P0101 is a Type B DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

    • The charge air cooler (CAC) is connected to the turbocharger and to the throttle body by flexible ductwork that requires the use of special high torque fastening clamps. These clamps cannot be substituted. In order to prevent any type of air leak when servicing the ductwork, the tightening specifications and proper positioning of the clamps is critical and must be strictly adhered to.
    • Use a solution of dish soap and water in a spray bottle to pinpoint any suspected air leaks in the induction system and in the CAC assembly.
    • A steady or intermittent high resistance of 15Ω or greater on the ignition 1 voltage circuit will cause the MAF sensor signal to be increased by as much as 60 g/s.
    • Certain types of contaminants on the MAF sensor heating elements act as a heat insulator, which will impair the response of the sensor to airflow changes. This condition will affect the Long Term Fuel Trim adaptation value.
    • Depending on the current ambient temperature, and the vehicle operating conditions, a MAF sensor signal circuit that is shorted to the IAT signal circuit will increase or decrease the MAF sensor signal that is interpreted by the ECM. Additionally it may cause a rapid fluctuation in the IAT Sensor parameter.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

    •  Turbocharger System Description
    •  Boost Control System Description

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Special Tools

J 38522 Variable Signal Generator

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools.

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Verify that restrictions do not exist in the exhaust system. Refer to Restricted Exhaust.
  2. Verify that an exhaust leak does not exist, including the mating surface area between the turbocharger and the exhaust manifold.
  3. Ignition OFF for 90 seconds, determine the current vehicle testing altitude.
  4. Ignition ON, engine OFF, observe the scan tool BARO parameter, Boost Pressure Sensor parameter, and MAP Sensor parameter. Compare the parameters to the Altitude Versus Barometric Pressure table. The parameters should be within the specified range indicated in the table.
  5. Engine operating at idle, observe the scan tool MAF Sensor parameter. The reading should be between 1,700-3,200 Hz.
  6. 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 greater than 200 g/s at the time of the 1-2 shift.
  7. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC to verify the DTC does not reset. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Verify the integrity of the entire air induction system including all turbocharger components by inspecting for the following conditions:
  2. • Any damaged components
    • Loose or improper installation
    • An air flow restriction
    • Vacuum leaks
    • A turbocharged air leak
    • Improperly routed vacuum hoses
    • In cold climates, inspect for any snow or ice buildup
    • Inspect the MAF sensor elements for contamination
  3. Ignition OFF for 90 seconds, disconnect the harness connector at the B75B MAF/IAT sensor.
  4. Test for less than 5Ω between the ground circuit terminal B and ground.
  5. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  6. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the ignition circuit terminal C and ground.
  7. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ignition circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  8. Ignition ON, test for 4.8-5.2V between the signal circuit terminal A and ground.
  9. 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 K20 ECM.
    If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K20 ECM.
  10. Ignition OFF, connect the red lead of the J 38522 to the signal circuit terminal A at the B75B MAF/IAT sensor harness connector. Connect the battery voltage supply to B+. Connect the black lead to ground.
  11. Set the J 38522 Signal switch to 5V, the Frequency switch to 5K, and the Duty Cycle switch to Normal.
  12. Engine Idling, observe the scan tool MAF Sensor parameter. The scan tool MAF Sensor parameter should be between 4,950-5,025 Hz.
  13. If the MAF Sensor parameter is not within the specified range, replace the K20 ECM.
  14. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the B75B MAF/IAT sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Mass Airflow Sensor Replacement
    •  Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming