DTC P0101 Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Performance. Cadillac Concours 1996

For 1990-2009 cars
Engine Controls Components
MAF Sensor/ EVAP Components/ Linear EGR Valve
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
ESD Notice

### Circuit Description

This diagnostic test is used to determine if the Mass Air Flow sensor is providing proper readings to the PCM. The MAF sensor is a high frequency device that measures the rate of air flow through the throttle body. The MAF sensor outputs a series of pulses that vary in frequency with air flow. This signal is used by the PCM for fuel control. MAF readings during acceleration will be much higher than those during deceleration or idle. The PCM calculates what MAF reading should be received from the sensor under certain conditions. When the test conditions are met, the PCM will compare its calculated MAF value to the actual value received from the sensor. The calculated MAF reading is done by comparing MAP, RPM and Intake Air Temperature. The allowable difference between calculated MAF and actual MAF varies depending upon flow. If this difference is too great DTC P0101 will set.

### Conditions for Setting the DTC

#### Test Conditions

• | DTCs P0102, P0103, P0106, P0107, P0108, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0560 and P1108 not set.

• | Ignition voltage between 11 volts and 16 volts

• | DTC P0101 has not previously failed this ignition cycle.

• | In closed loop fuel control.

• | Canister Purge Duty Cycle is less than or equal to 99.6%.

• | EGR rescaled pintle position is less than or equal to 240 counts.

• | DTC P0401 not testing EGR.

• | Traction control not active.

• | TPS is less than or equal to 50 degrees.

• | 100 msec delta MAP is less than or equal to 5 kPa.

#### Failure Condition

The difference between the actual and calculated MAF has been too great.

### Action Taken When the DTC Sets

• | PCM turns ON the SERVICE EMISSION SYSTEM message.

• | PCM disables the EVAP control solenoid.

• | PCM disables long term fuel trim.

• | PCM substitutes calculated MAF value, based on engine speed and throttle position, for actual MAF.

• | PCM disables torque management.

• | PCM maintains transaxle shift adapts at their current levels.

• | PCM disables TCC.

• | The PCM will illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) when the diagnostic runs and fails.

• | The PCM will record operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. This information will be stored in the Freeze Frame and Failure Records.

### Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

• | The PCM will turn the MIL OFF after three consecutive drive trips that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.

• | A Last Test Failed (current) DTC will clear when the diagnostic runs and does not fail.

• | A History DTC will clear after forty consecutive warm-up cycles with no failures of any emission related diagnostic test.

• | Use a scan tool to clear DTCs.

• | Interrupting PCM battery voltage may or may not clear DTCs. This practice is not recommended. Refer to Clearing Diagnostic Trouble Codes in PCM Description and Operation.

### Diagnostic Aids

For an intermittently setting DTC P0101, compare the Freeze Frame data to the Typical Data list for the conditions under which the DTC set, looking for faulty data from other sensors which may set this DTC.

Important: An improperly installed air cleaner or a distorted /missing Intake Air Duct may cause this DTC to set. Ensure air cleaner assembly / IA duct is installed correctly and that there are no kinks, folds or damage to the IA Duct or possible debris in the air cleaner assembly or the MAF sensor inlet screen that may distort the air flow.

### Test Description

Number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the Diagnostic Table.

1. Since calculated MAF is based on many inputs, these DTC's should be diagnosed first. If a miss or a rough running complaint is noted with or without DTC P0300, proceed to P0300 diagnosis first.

2. Leaks downstream of the MAF sensor affect engine performance and actual MAF but won't be reflected in the calculated MAF sensor reading and may cause DTC P0101 to set.

Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
1 | Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed? | -- | Go to Step 2 | Go to A Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check
2 | Connect the scan tool. Are DTCs P0106, P0107, P0108, P0112, P0113, P0300 , P0401, P0441, P1106, P1107, P01108, P1404, P1406, P1441, P1442, P01508, P01509 or P1645 also set? | -- | Diagnose those DTCs first | Go to Step 3

3

1. Check for vacuum leaks especially in the following areas:

• | MAF Sensor seal.

• | Throttle body spacer.

• | Intake manifold.

• | EGR valve, plate and tubes.

• | PCV system.

• | Brake booster and hoses.

2. Repair leaks if needed.

Was a vacuum leak repaired?

--

Go to Powertrain Control Module Diagnosis for Verify Repair

Go to Step 4

4

1. Check for the following:

• | A stuck or incorrect PCV valve.

• | Unmetered air entering the engine (loose or missing oil dipstick or filler cap, loose or missing Intake Air duct.

2. Repair or replace as needed.

Was a repair made?

--

Go to Powertrain Control Module Diagnosis for Verify Repair

Go to Step 5

5 | Using Freeze Frame and Failure Records data, duplicate conditions under which DTC P0101 set. Does DTC P0101 reset? | -- | Go to Step 6 | Fault not present. Refer to Diagnostic Aids
6 | Go to P0106 Diagnosis and perform the diagnostic table. Return to this Step. Was a repair made to the MAP sensor? | -- | Go to Powertrain Control Module Diagnosis for Verify Repair | Go to Step 7
7 | Replace MAF sensor. Refer to MAF Sensor Replacement . Is the replacement complete? | -- | Go to Powertrain Control Module Diagnosis for Verify Repair | --