Trouble Code P0101: Mass Air Flow Sensor Circuit Range Performance

In the last article,we mentioned If the check engine light flashes on, that can be the early symptom of a bad airflow meter and you need to have your car analyzed so that you find the cause of the problem.

Have you ever experienced some trouble codes such as PO101 ? Do you know what does it mean and how to diagnose ? Today let us find out it.

What does P0101 mean ?

This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a generic powertrain code, which means that it applies to OBD-II equipped vehicles ( Nissan Altima,Chevy Silverado, Toyota Carmy, Mazda 6, BMW 328i, Honda Civic ).Although generic, the specific repair steps may vary depending on make/model. The MAF (mass air flow) sensor is a sensor mounted in a vehicle's engine air intake tract downstream from the air filter, and is used to measure the volume and density of air being drawn into the engine. The MAF sensor itself only measures a portion of the air entering and that value is used to calculate the total volume and density of air being ingested.The powertrain control module (PCM) uses that reading along with other sensor parameters to ensure proper fuel delivery at any given time for optimum power and fuel efficiency.The code P0101 means that the signal from the mass air flow sensor (MAF) is out of expected range.

Common and possible causes of the trouble code P0101

Here are the most common causes of the code P0101:

1.Dirty, obstructed or faulty mass air flow sensor (MAF)

2.Cracked, ripped or disconnected intake boot (snorkel)

3.Vacuum leaks (from stuck open PCV valve, leaking intake gaskets, etc.)

4.Clogged up or improperly installed air filter

5.The mass air flow sensor element contaminated by excess oil from an oil-soaked air filter

6.Clogged-up catalytic converter or restricted exhaust

Other possible causes include like dirty throttle body ,bad or dirty manifold absolute pressure sensor electrical problems with the MAF sensor connector or wiring,tuck open EGR valve,incorrect valve timing and faulty engine computer.

Examples of what can cause the code P0101

Often the code P0101 is caused by a vacuum leaks. A vacuum leak allows "unmetered air" to enter the engine by-passing the airflow sensor. In the first photo, you can see a cracked intake boot. The amount of air entering the boot through this crack is not measured by the sensor, therefore the airflow sensor reads a much lower amount of air flow than actually is. One of the symptoms of a vacuum leak is the hissing noise from under the hood when the engine is idling. In the second photo, you can see a chunk of a leaf that blocks the sensor wire. Because of that, the sensor cannot read the airflow properly and sets the code P0101.

How to diagnose ?

1.First the mass air flow sensor must be checked and cleaned if dirty. Sometimes a foreign object like a leaf or dust can clog-up the airflow sensor measuring element (hot wire) causing this code. If the problem started soon after the air filter was replaced, the air filter installation as well as the air flow sensor must be checked. In some cars (e.g. Volkswagen) a metal mesh intake screen installed before the air filter can be plugged up too. It must be checked and cleaned.

2.The intake boot must be inspected for cracks and rips. This problem is common in many European vehicles, e.g. BMW, Volvo.Other possible sources of vacuum leaks must be inspected.

3.The mass air flow can be tested with a scan tool that displays the live data. The airflow sensor readings at different rpms (e.g. 1000, 2000, 3000) must be compared to the specifications or to the readings of a known good sensor. A faulty airflow sensor is very common in many cars (e.g. BMW, VW, Mercedes-Benz, GM)

4.In some vehicles (e.g. Chevy Tahoe, Silverado) the code P0101 can be caused by a clogged catalytic converter. To diagnose this issue, exhaust back pressure or the engine vacuum must be checked. Read more about symptoms of a clogged catalytic converter further.

Any further related information and video about installing how to resolve your PO101 Trouble code MAF .You could click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wozwch4_M9U

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