DTC P0103

Circuit Description

The mass air flow (MAF) sensor is an air flow meter that measures the amount of air entering the engine. The powertrain control module (PCM) uses the MAF sensor frequency signal in order to provide the correct fuel delivery for a wide range of engine speeds and loads. A small quantity of air entering the engine indicates deceleration or idle. A large quantity of air entering the engine indicates an acceleration or high load situation. The MAF sensor has an ignition 1 voltage circuit, a ground circuit and a signal circuit. The PCM applies a voltage to the sensor on the signal circuit. The sensor uses the voltage in order to produce a frequency based on inlet air flow through the sensor bore. The frequency will vary within a range of around 2,000 Hertz at idle to about 10,000 Hertz at maximum engine load. DTC P0103 will set if the PCM detects a frequency signal higher than the possible range of a normally operating sensor.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The engine is cranking or running.
The ignition 1 signal is greater than 8 volts.
The throttle position (TP) indicated angle is greater than 1.5 percent.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The MAF sensor frequency signal is greater than 11,500 Hertz.
The above condition is present for greater than 0.5 second.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

Water entering the air intake system that reaches the MAF sensor could cause this DTC to set. The water rapidly cools the hot sensing elements in the sensor causing a false indication of excessive air flow. Inspect the following areas for evidence of water intrusion:
- The secondary air injection (AIR) system
- The air induction system
A poor connection in the ignition 1 voltage circuit of the MAF sensor may cause a DTC P0103 to set.

If you suspect the vehicle condition may be related to aftermarket accessories, refer to Checking Aftermarket Accessories in Wiring Systems.

If the problem is intermittent, refer to Intermittent Conditions .

Test Description

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

This step tests for electromagnetic interference (EMI) on the signal circuit of the MAF sensor. A frequency reading with the MAF sensor disconnected indicates an EMI related fault, or a poor connection. Disconnecting the MAF sensor may set additional related DTCs.
This step eliminates any conditions which can cause a DTC to set with a normally-operating MAF sensor.

Step	Action	Values	Yes	No
Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics
1	Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?	--	Go to Step 2	Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls
2	Observe the Freeze Frame/Failure Records for this DTC. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds. Start the engine. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC, or within the parameters observed in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records . Does the DTC fail this ignition?	--	Go to Step 3	Go to Diagnostic Aids
3	Turn OFF the ignition. Disconnect the harness connector of the MAF sensor . Start the engine. With a scan tool observe the frequency parameter of the MAF sensor . Does the scan tool indicate the specified value?	0 Hz	Go to Step 5	Go to Step 4
4	Inspect the harness of the MAF sensor for incorrect routing at the following components: Secondary ignition wires or coils Solenoids Relays Motors Did you find and correct the condition?	--	Go to Step 9	Go to Step 6
5	Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the MAF sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition?	--	Go to Step 9	Go to Step 7
6	Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the PCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition?	--	Go to Step 9	Go to Step 8
7	Replace the MAF sensor. Refer to Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Replacement . Did you complete the replacement?	--	Go to Step 9	--
8	Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Replacement . Did you complete the replacement?	--	Go to Step 9	--
9	Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds. Start the engine. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text. Does the DTC run and pass?	--	Go to Step 10	Go to Step 2
10	With a scan tool, observe the stored information in Capture Info. Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?	--	Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List	System OK