GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 623098  Size: SF
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Engine Controls Components
MAF Sensor and IAC Valve
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
VCM Connector End Views
Ground Distribution Schematics
Power Distribution Schematics

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.

The vehicle control module (VCM) monitors the mass air flow (MAF) sensor air flow rate and compares this signal to an air flow rate that is calculated by the VCM. The calculated air flow is based on theengine speed and on the barometric pressure. The VCM uses the MAP sensor in order to determine the barometric pressure when the ignition key is turned ON but before the engine is cranking or running. This DTC will be set if the MAF sensor signal airflow rate does not match the air flow rate that is calculated by the VCM.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The engine is running
    • No throttle position (TP) sensor DTCs are active.
    • No MAP sensor DTCs are active.
    • No evaporative emissions (EVA)P DTCs are active.
    • No CKP sensor DTCs are active.
    • No IAT sensor DTCs are active.
    • DTC P0401 is not active
    • DTCs P0102 and P0103 not active
    • The system voltage is between 11-16 volts.
    • The Canister Purge Duty Cycle is less than 99  percent.
    • The TP sensor voltage is steady.
    • The EGR duty cycle is less than 90  percent.
    • The EGR pintle position is less than 90  percent
    • The throttle position is less than 90  percent
    • The above conditions met for more than 2 seconds

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The actual MAF value is not equal to the calculated MAF.
    • The above condition exists for more than 5 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) if a failure is detected during 2 consecutive key cycles.
    • The control module sets the DTC and records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic failed. The failure information is stored in the scan tool Freeze Frame/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-Inspect the MAF sensor harness in order to ensure that the 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 OK, observe the scan tool while you move the connectors and the wiring harnesses that are related to the MAF sensor. A change in the display indicates the location of the fault.
    • A plugged intake air duct or a dirty air filter element-A wide open throttle acceleration from a stop should cause the mass air flow that is displayed on a scan tool to increase from approximately 4-7 gm/s at idle to 100 gm/s or more 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 inspect any circuitry that is suspected of causing the intermittent complaint. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections 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. Correct any MAP sensor DTCs first. The value shown for the MAP sensor varies with altitude. The value decreases by approximately 3.0 kPa for every 1000 feet of altitude. 105 kPa is the approximate value that is displayed at or near sea level.

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

  3. A voltage reading of less than 4.0 volts or more than 6.0 volts at the MAF sensor signal circuit indicates a fault in the wiring or a faulty connection.

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

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

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

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

If any MAP or TP sensor DTCs are set, refer to the applicable DTC before proceeding.

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Use the scan tool in order to monitor the MAP sensor display.

Is the displayed value more than the value shown?

105 kPa

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Important: After removing the MAP sensor from the intake manifold, replace the MAP sensor to the intake manifold seal.

  3. Remove the MAP sensor from the intake manifold. Leaving the MAP sensor harness connected, and plug the MAP sensor port into the intake manifold. Refer to Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Replacement .
  4. Connect a J 23738-A hand vacuum pump to the MAP sensor.
  5. Important: The engine must remain operating during all steps that use the MAP sensor display. Slightly raise the idle during testing in order to prevent engine stalling.

  6. Start and idle the engine.
  7. Observe the MAP sensor kPa as you SLOWLY apply vacuum 1 in Hg at a time.
  8. Each one inch of vacuum should result in a 3 to 4 kPa drop in the MAP sensor display.
  9. Observe the MAP sensor display for a skip or a jump while you increase the vacuum up to 20 inches Hg.

Did you observe a skip or a jump?

--

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 4

4

With the engine running apply 20 inches Hg vacuum to the MAP sensor.

Is the MAP sensor scan tool reading equal to or less than the specified value?

34 kPa

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 20

5

With the engine running, disconnect the vacuum source from the MAP sensor.

Does the MAP sensor reading match the BARO reading?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 20

6

  1. Check for:
  2. • Objects blocking the MAF sensor inlet screen
    • Vacuum leaks in the following components:
       - The intake manifold
       - The throttle body
       - The EGR valve flange and pipes
       - The MAP sensor seal
       - The EVAP canister purge valve seal
       - The fuel meter body seal
    • A malfunctioning, missing, or incorrectly installed crankcase ventilation valve.
  3. Repair any problem as necessary.

Did you find a problem?

--

Go to Step 23

Go to Step 7

7

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Observe the TP angle on the scan tool.

Does the scan tool display the specified value?

0%

Go to Step 8

Go to DTC P0121 Throttle Position (TP) Sensor Performance

8

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with 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.
  5. Monitor the Specific DTC Information for DTC P0101 with the scan tool.

Does the scan tool indicate DTC P0101 Failed This Ignition?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Diagnostic Aids

9

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the MAF sensor connector.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Measure the voltage between the MAF signal circuit and chassis ground with a DMM.

Is the voltage near the specified value?

5.0 V

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 11

10

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

Is the test lamp ON?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 13

11

Is the voltage less than the specified value?

4.5 V

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 12

12

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the VCM C2 connector.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Measure the voltage between the MAF signal circuit and ground.

Is the voltage near the specified value?

0 V

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 18

13

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

Is the test lamp ON?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 17

14

  1. Check for a faulty connection at the MAF sensor.
  2. Repair the circuit as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs or Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find a problem?

--

Go to Step 23

Go to Step 19

15

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

Did you find a problem?

--

Go to Step 23

Go to Step 21

16

Repair the open in the ground circuit to the MAF sensor. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 23

--

17

Repair the open in the ignition positive voltage circuit to the MAF sensor. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 23

--

18

Repair the short to voltage in the MAF sensor signal circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 23

--

19

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

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 23

--

20

Replace the MAP sensor. Refer to Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Replacement .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 23

--

21

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

Did you find a problem?

--

Go to Step 23

Go to Step 22

22

Important: The replacement VCM must be programmed.

Replace the VCM.

Refer to VCM Replacement/Programming .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 23

--

23

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Allow the engine to idle until the engine reaches the normal operating temperature.
  4. Select DTC, then select the Specific DTC function.
  5. Enter the DTC number which was set.
  6. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Setting this DTC, until the scan tool indicates the diagnostic Ran.

Does the scan tool indicate the diagnostic Passed?

--

Go to Step 24

Go to Step 2

24

Does the scan tool display any additional undiagnosed DTCs?

--

Go to applicable DTC

System OK