GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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 provide an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

DTC P0102: Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Circuit Low

DTC P0103: Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Circuit High

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

High Resistance

Open

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Ignition 1 Voltage

P0102

P0101

P0102

U1041, P0504

P0101

MAF Sensor Signal

P0102

P0101

P0102

P0101, P0103, P0401

P0101

Ground

--

P0101

P0103

--

P0101

Typical Scan Tool Data

MAF Sensor

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open

Short to Voltage

Normal Range: Varies 30-40 g/s at hot idle

12-Volt Reference

0 Volts, 0 g/s

0 Volts, 0 g/s

--

MAF Sensor Signal

0 Volts, 0 g/s

0 Volts, 0 g/s

4.98 Volts, 555.90 g/s

Low Reference

--

4.98 Volts, 555.90 g/s

--

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. A small quantity of air entering the engine indicates a deceleration or idle condition. A large quantity of air entering the engine indicates an acceleration or high load condition.

The MAF sensor produces an output voltage based on the inlet air flow through the air induction system. This output voltage will display on the scan tool as a voltage parameter and as a grams per second (g/s) parameter. If the ECM detects that the actual MAF sensor voltage signal is greater than or less than the possible range of a normally operating sensor, it will set a DTC.

Conditions for Running the DTC

P0102

    • DTC P0103 is not set.
    • The battery voltage is more than 10 volts.
    • The engine is running for greater than 30 seconds.
    • The engine speed is more than 600 RPM.
    • The stable time is more than 3.5 seconds.

P0103

    • DTC P0102 is not set.
    • The engine is running for more than 30 seconds.
    • The key switch is ON.
    • The battery voltage is more than 10 volts.
    • The engine speed is between 500-2,550 RPM.
    • The IAT is less than -7°C (+19.4°F).

Conditions for Setting the DTC

P0102

The MAF sensor voltage is less than 0.08 volt.

P0103

The MAF sensor voltage is more than 4.7 volts.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTCs P0102 and P0103 are Type A DTCs.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTCs P0102 and P0103 are Type A DTCs.

Diagnostic Aids

    • 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 29-39 g/s at idle to greater than 380 g/s at the time of the 1-2 shift.
    • Verify that any electrical aftermarket devices are properly connected and grounded. Refer to Checking Aftermarket Accessories .

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Engine Controls Component Views
    •  Engine Control Module 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

    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Data Definitions

Circuit/System Verification

    • Verify the integrity of the entire air induction system by inspecting for the following conditions:
       - Damaged components
       - Loose or improper installation
       - Restrictions or leaks in the air induction system
       - Water intrusion
    • In cold climates, inspect for any snow or ice build-up.

Circuit/System Testing

Perform the Circuit/System Verification before proceeding with Circuit/System Testing.

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the MAF/IAT sensor.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 5 ohms of resistance between the low reference circuit terminal 4 and ground.
  3. If greater than 5 ohms, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  4. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the ignition circuit terminal 3 and ground.
  5. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ignition circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  6. Verify the scan tool MAF parameter is less than 1 g/s.
  7. If greater than 1 g/s, test the signal circuit terminal 3 for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  8. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 3 and the ignition circuit terminal 1. Verify the scan tool MAF parameter is greater than 500 g/s.
  9. If less than 500 g/s, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  10. Visually inspect the EGR valve and verify the valve is in the closed position.
  11. If the EGR valve is not in the closed position, replace the EGR valve.
    If the EGR valve inspection is normal, replace the MAF/IAT sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Mass Airflow Sensor/Intake Air Temperature Sensor Replacement for MAF/IAT sensor replacement
    •  Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Replacement
    •  Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming