GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 357776  Size: MF
Engine Controls Components
Engine Controls Schematics
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

The Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor is an air flow meter. The MAF sensor is supplied ignition voltage and a ground. The MAF sensor heats a wire grid or a small wire within the sensor to a predetermined temperature. As inlet air flows across and cools the wire grid the MAF sensor must increase current flow to the wire grid in order to maintain a constant wire grid temperature. The MAF sensor converts the required wire grid current flow into a frequency signal. The gasoline control module and the AF ECU monitor the MAF signal circuit frequency and determine the flow and mass of the air entering the engine.

The gasoline control module and the AF ECU convert the MAF signal circuit frequency into a grams per second value. During low air flow rates (such as at engine idle) the MAF sensor will produce a low frequency signal (around 2000 Hz or 6 grams per second). During high air flow rates (such as at wide open throttle-road load) the MAF sensor will produce a high frequency signal (around 9000 Hz or 125 grams per second).

This DTC is used to indicate a MAF sensor frequency that is below the normal operating range of the sensor.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Cranking Test

    • The engine is cranking on alternative fuel, but has not yet started.
    • The battery voltage is more than 8 volts.

Running Test

    • The engine is operating on alternative fuel.
    • The engine has been operating for more than 10 seconds.
    • The battery voltage is more than 10 volts.
    • The engine speed is more than 500 RPM.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

Cranking Test

The AF ECU monitors a MAF sensor signal of less than 125 Hz (0 gms/sec) for at least 0.5 seconds continuously.

Running Test

The AF ECU monitors a MAF sensor signal of less than 1500 Hz (2.5 gms/sec) for at least 0.5 seconds continuously.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The AF ECU will switch-over to gasoline fuel operation. The AF ECU will not attempt alternative fuel operation until the next ignition key cycle.

    • The AF ECU will illuminate the MIL and store the DTC as History during ONE drive trip in which the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The AF ECU will record operating conditions at the time the DTC sets. This information will be stored as Freeze Frame data.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The Last Test Failed status will clear when the DTC runs and passes.
    • The AF ECU will turn OFF the MIL after 3 consecutive drive trips that the DTC runs and passes.
    • The History status will clear after 40 consecutive WARM-UP cycles with NO failures of ANY DTC.
    • All DTC Information can be cleared using a scan tool.
    • Interruption of Control Module (AF ECU / VCM / PCM or ECM) power or ground MAY clear DTC Information. Clearing DTC Information with this method is inconsistent and should not be performed.

Diagnostic Aids

Fault Not Present

Fault Not Present indicates the condition that caused the DTC to set is intermittent and not currently present. Refer to Intermittent Conditions for additional information. If any additional DTCs were stored proceed to the applicable DTC table in the order stated in the OBD System Check.

Test Description

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

  1. This step determines if the failure condition affects the gasoline control module.

  2. This step determines if the failure condition is present.

  3. This step determines if the proper MAF Signal circuit voltage is available from the gasoline control module.

  4. This step tests for proper MAF sensor ignition voltage and ground circuits.

  5. This step determines if the MAF sensor ignition voltage circuit or the MAF sensor ground circuit is the cause of the condition.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

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

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Alternative Fuels (AF) Powertrain On Board (OBD) System Check

2

  1. Start and idle the engine.
  2. Using the scan tool establish communication with the gasoline control module (VCM/PCM or ECM).
  3. Observe the MAF sensor data parameter.

Does the MAF sensor data parameter indicate airflow less than the specified value?

2.2 gms/sec

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Using the scan tool establish communication with the AF ECU.
  2. Observe the MAF sensor data parameter.

Does the MAF sensor data parameter indicate airflow less than the specified value?

2.2 gms/sec

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 4

4

The fault is not present. Refer to Diagnostic Aids.

Are any DTCs stored that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

Go to Intermittent Conditions

5

  1. Turn OFF the engine, with the ignition ON.
  2. Disconnect the MAF sensor connector.
  3. Connect a digital multimeter (DMM) between the MAF signal circuit terminal and ground.

Is the voltage near the specified value?

5.0 V

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Inspect the MAF sensor signal circuit for an open or high resistance between the sensor connector and the gasoline control module (VCM/PCM or ECM).
  2. Inspect the MAF sensor signal circuit for a short to voltage if the circuit voltage was more than 5.2 volts.
  3. Inspect for proper terminal contact at both the gasoline control module connector and the MAP sensor connector.
  4. Repair the wiring or terminal contact as necessary.

Was a wiring or terminal repair necessary?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 7

7

  1. Inspect the MAF sensor signal circuit for a short to engine ground or to the sensor ground circuit.
  2. Disconnect the AF ECU connector containing the MAF sensor signal circuit in order to determine if the AF ECU is the cause of the short.
  3. Repair wiring as necessary.

Was a repair or replacement necessary?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 15

8

  1. Inspect the MAF sensor signal circuit for an open or high resistance between the circuit splice and the AF ECU connector.
  2. Inspect for proper terminal contact at the AF ECU connector.
  3. Repair wiring or terminal contact as necessary.

Was a wiring or terminal repair necessary?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 16

9

Connect a test lamp between the ignition feed circuit terminal and the ground circuit terminal of the MAF sensor connector.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 10

10

Connect the J 35616-200 Un-powered Test Lamp between the ignition feed circuit terminal of the MAF sensor connector and a known good ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 11

11

Repair the cause of no MAF sensor voltage. Possible causes include the following:

    • An open ignition fuse
    • An open or shorted to ground (blown fuse) ignition feed circuit
    • A shorted to ground (open fuse) component that shares the MAF sensor ignition feed circuit
    • Repair the wiring or replace any components as necessary.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 17

--

12

Repair the open MAF sensor ground circuit.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 17

--

13

  1. Inspect the MAF sensor connector for proper terminal contact.
  2. Repair the terminal contact as necessary.

Was a connector terminal repair made?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 14

14

Replace the MAF Sensor. Refer to Mass Airflow Sensor Replacement in the Engine Controls section of the gasoline service manual.

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 17

--

15

Important: The following control module replacement procedures must all be completed before attempting to operate the vehicle.

  1. Replace the gasoline control module (VCM/PCM or ECM). Refer to VCM Replacement/Programming .
  2. Program (flash) the replacement control module with the correct vehicle software and calibration.
  3. Important: In order to perform the variation learn procedure a switch-over to gasoline operation is necessary. Remove the CNG 20 amp fuse in order to perform the switch-over.

  4. Perform the Crankshaft Position System Variation Learn in Engine Controls.
  5. All of the above procedures are located in the gasoline service manual.

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 17

--

16

  1. Replace the AF ECU. Refer to Engine Control Unit Replacement .
  2. Program (flash) the replacement control module with the correct vehicle software and calibration.

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 17

--

17

  1. Using a scan tool, clear the DTC information from BOTH control modules.
  2. Operate the vehicle under the Conditions for Running the DTC.
  3. Using the scan tool parameter DTC STATUS, ensure that this DTC runs.

Did this DTC RUN and PASS?

--

System OK

Go to Step 2