GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 GMC_Truck 🢒 1998 🢒 Savana 🢒 DTC 🢒 DTC P0103 Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Circuit High Frequency

Object Number: 190379 Size: MF
Engine Controls Components
Cell 23: EGR and EVAP Controls
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts 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 high MAF sensor signal frequency. If the VCM detects a MAF signal frequency above the possible range of normally operating MAF sensor, this DTC will be set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Power Up Test

    • The engine is OFF.
    • The ignition is ON for 2 seconds.

High Frequency Test

    • The engine speed is greater than 300 RPM.
    • The engine run time is greater than 2 second.
    • System voltage is greater than 10 volts.
    • The throttle position is less than 90 %.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

Power Up Test

The MAF frequency is greater than 12 kHz for more than 250 ms.

High Frequency Test

The MAF frequency is greater than 11 kHz for more than 250 ms.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
    • The VCM illuminates the MIL during the second consecutive drive cycle in which the diagnostic reports a fail.
    • The VCM will set the DTC and records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The VCM stores the failure information in the scan tools Freeze Frame and Failure Records.

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 misrouted harness -- Ensure that the MAF sensor harness 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 connectors and wiring harnesses related to the MAF sensor. A change in the display will indicate the location of the fault.

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 the step numbers on the diagnostic table:

  1. This step verifies that the problem is present at idle.

    2.

  2. A frequency reading with the MAF sensor connector disconnected indicates an Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) related fault or a poor connection.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Important: Before clearing DTCs, use the scan tool capture info function to store the Freeze Frame and the Failure records for reference. This data will be lost during the Clear DTC Information function.

Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

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

Is the MAF reading more than the specified value?

20 g/s

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3
  1. Turn ON the ignition leaving the engine OFF.
  2. Review the scan tool Failure Records data.
  3. Record the scan tool Failure Records data.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Failure Records conditions as noted.
  5. Using a scan tool, monitor the Specific DTC information for DTC P0103.

Does the scan tool indicate DTC P0103 Failed This Ignition?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Diagnostic Aids

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the MAF sensor connector.
  3. Turn ON the ignition allowing the engine to idle.
  4. Monitor the MAF on the scan tool.

Is the MAF reading at the specified value?

0.0 g/s

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 7

5
  1. Check for a poor connection at the MAF sensor harness terminals.
  2. If a poor connection is found, repair the circuit as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was a poor connection found?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 6

6

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

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 10

--

7
  1. Perform the following MAF sensor harness checks for the following:
    2. • Incorrect routing near the secondary ignition wires or coils.
    • Other high voltage components (solenoids, relays, motors).
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 8

8
  1. Check the MAF signal circuit terminal connections at the VCM.
  2. If a poor connection is found, repair as necessary. Refer to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

9
  1. Replace the VCM.
  2. Program the new VCM. Refer to VCM Replacement/Programming .
  3. Perform the VTD Password Learn Procedure. Refer to Password Learn .
  4. Perform the Crankshaft Variation Learn Procedure.

    5. Refer to Crankshaft Position System Variation Learn .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 10

--

10
  1. Use the scan tool in order to select DTC and the Clear DTC Information function.
  2. Start the Engine.
  3. Allow the engine to idle until the normal operating temperature is reached.
  4. Select DTC and the Specific DTC function.
  5. Enter the DTC number that was set.
  6. Operate the vehicle within the conditions for setting this DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the scan tool indicate that this diagnostic ran and passed?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 2

11

Does the scan tool display any additional, undiagnosed DTCs?

--

Go to Applicable DTC Table

System OK