DTC P0102 Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Circuit Low Frequency. Chevrolet Chevy C Pickup

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1998 🢒 Chevy C Pickup - 2WD 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 4.3L 🢒 DTC P0102 Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Circuit Low Frequency

EVAP and EGR Controls
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Engine Controls Components
OBD II Symbol Description Notice

Circuit Description

The mass air flow (MAF) sensor is an air flow meter. The control module supplies the MAF sensor a signal circuit. An ignition positive voltage circuit and a ground circuit are supplied to the MAF sensor by independent circuits. The MAF sensor heats a wire element, or grid, within the MAF sensor in order to maintain a calculated temperature. As inlet air flows across and cools the grid, the MAF sensor increases current flow to the grid in order to maintain the constant grid temperature. The MAF sensor converts the grid current flow into a frequency signal. The control module converts the MAF signal frequency into a grams per second value. During low air flow rates, such as at engine idle, the MAF sensor produces a low frequency signal. During high air flow rates, such as at wide open throttle-road load, the MAF sensor increases the frequency signal. The control module monitors the MAF sensor signal frequency in order to calculate the flow and mass of the air entering the engine.

This DTC is designed to detect an unusually low MAF sensor signal frequency. If a MAF sensor frequency is detected by the VCM below the possible range of a normally operating MAF sensor, this DTC will set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

•	The engine run time is greater than 0.4 seconds

•	The engine speed is greater than 300 RPM

•	The system voltage is greater than 8 volts

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The MAF frequency is 10 Hz or less for more than 1 second

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

•	The VCM illuminates the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) the first time the fault is detected.

•	The VCM calculates an airflow value based on the Idle Air Control (IAC) valve position, throttle position, engine speed and barometric pressure.

•	The VCM stores the conditions which were present when the DTC set as Freeze Frame and the Fail Records data.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL or DTC

•	The control module turns OFF the MIL after 3 consecutive drive trips when the test has run and passed.

•

A history DTC will clear if no fault conditions have been detected for 40 warm-up cycles. A warm-up cycle occurs when the coolant temperature has risen 22°C (40°F) from the startup coolant temperature and the engine coolant reaches a temperature that is more than 70°C (158°F) during the same ignition cycle.

•	Use a scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.

Diagnostic Aids

Check for the following conditions:

•	A poor connection at the VCM. Inspect harness connectors for the following conditions:

•	A misrouted harness. Inspect the MAF sensor harness in order to ensure that it is not routed too close to high voltage wires such as spark plug leads.

•	A damaged harness. Inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the harness appears to be OK, observe the scan tool while moving the connectors and the wiring harnesses related to the MAF sensor. A change in the display indicates the location of the fault.

•	A plugged intake air duct or filter element. A wide open throttle acceleration from a stop should cause the Mass Air Flow displayed on a scan tool to increase from about 4-7 g/s at idle to 100 g/s or greater at the time of the 1-2 shift. If not, check for a restriction.

An intermittent may be caused by any of the following conditions:

•	A poor connection

•	Rubbed through wire insulation

•	A broken wire inside the insulation

Thoroughly check any circuitry that is suspected of causing the intermittent complaint. Refer to Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis in Wiring Systems.

If a repair is necessary, refer to Wiring Repairs or Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Test Description

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

This step verifies that the problem is present at idle.

A voltage reading of less than 4 or over 6 volts at the MAF sensor signal circuit indicates a fault in the wiring or a poor connection

This step verifies that the ignition positive voltage and a good ground are available at the MAF sensor.

This step determines if the fuse is open. If the fuse is open, locate and repair the short to ground in the Ignition Positive Voltage circuit. Refer to Engine Controls Component Views .

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

Important: Before clearing the DTCs, use the scan tool Capture Info to save the Freeze Frame and the Failure Records for reference. The control module's data is deleted once the Clear Info function is used.

Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check?

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

Start the engine.
With the engine idling, monitor the MAF reading on the scan tool.

Is the MAF reading below the specified value?

2 g/s

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

Turn ON the ignition leaving the engine OFF.
Review the scan tool Failure Records data.
Record the scan tool Failure Records data.
Operate vehicle within the Failure Records conditions as noted.
Monitor the Specific DTC information for DTC P0102 with a scan tool.

Does the scan tool indicate DTC P0102 Failed This Ignition?

Go to Step 4

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Inspect the MAF ignition positive voltage fuse.

Is the fuse open?

Go to Sep 11

Go to Step 5

Check for the following conditions:

•	Objects blocking the MAF sensor inlet screen

•	Vacuum leaks in the:

-	Intake manifold

-	Throttle body

-	EGR valve flange and pipes

-	MAP sensor seal

-	EVAP canister purge valve seal

-	Fuel meter body seal

•	The crankcase ventilation valve malfunction, missing or incorrectly installed.

If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Did you find a problem?

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 6

Turn OFF the ignition.
Disconnect the MAF sensor connector.
Turn ON the ignition leaving the engine OFF.
Measure the voltage between the MAF signal circuit and battery ground with a J 39200 DMM.

Is the voltage near the specified value?

5.0 V

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 10

Connect a test lamp between the MAF sensor ignition positive voltage and ground circuits at the MAF sensor harness connector.

Is the test lamp ON?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

Connect a test lamp between the MAF sensor ignition positive voltage circuit and the battery ground.

Is the test lamp ON?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 13

Check for a poor connection at the MAF sensor.
Repair as necessary. Refer to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find a problem?

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 14

Check the MAF signal circuit between the VCM and the MAF sensor for an open, short to ground, short to the MAF ground circuit, or short to voltage.
Repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find a problem?

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 15

Check for a short to ground in the MAF Ignition positive voltage circuit. Repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Replace the open fuse.

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 17

Check the MAF sensor ground circuit for an open.
Repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 17

Check the ignition positive voltage circuit to the MAF sensor for an open.
Repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 17

Replace the MAF sensor. Refer to Mass Airflow Sensor Replacement .

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 17

Check for a poor connection at the VCM connector.
Repair as necessary. Refer to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find a problem?

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 16

Replace the VCM.
Program the new VCM. Refer to VCM Replacement/Programming .
Perform the VTD Password Learn Procedure. Refer to Password Learn .
Perform the CKP System Variation Learning Procedure. Refer to Crankshaft Position System Variation Learn .

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 17

Using the scan tool, clear the DTCs.
Allow the engine to Idle until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
Select the DTC and the Specific DTC functions.
Enter the DTC number which was set.
Operate the vehicle within the conditions for setting this DTC, until the diagnostic Ran.

Does the scan tool indicate the diagnostic Passed?

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 2

Does the scan tool display any additional undiagnosed DTCs?

Go to the applicable DTC table

System OK