P0101 “Mass Air Flow (MAF) Circuit Operating Range or Performance Problem”

 

What is code P0101?

Code P0101 stands for “Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Circuit Problem”. This diagnostic trouble code can happen for a number of reasons related to the mass air flow sensor in your engine compartment. Therefore, it is important to have a qualified technician diagnose the specific problem that caused the code to be stored in your vehicle’s computer.

Get this checked out soon by a CarAdvise shop, where the work will be guaranteed, and one of our expert techs will review any repair orders.

What does code P0101 mean?

When your check engine light comes on and a diagnostic scan of the vehicle reveals a code P0101, a technician will know that a problem with the mass air flow sensor has been communicated to the ECM (engine control module).

Your engine requires that a specific mixture or ratio of air and fuel enter the combustion chambers in order for combustion to happen as it should. When that ratio is out of balance, with too much air (too “lean”) or too much fuel (too “rich”), vehicle emissions increase and engine performance and fuel economy decrease.

One method that some vehicle manufacturers use to determine how much air is flowing into the engine is to mount a sensor in the air stream as it enters the intake manifold of the engine. Air passes through a filter (the engine air filter), through the mass air flow sensor housing, and finally into the engine.

When your engine is running, the mass air flow sensor constantly relays air flow data to the ECM. The ECM, in turn, uses the data to determine a number of conditions. For instance, how much fuel needs to be injected into the cylinders? When should the engine valves be opened and closed? When should each spark plug fire? These questions and more are informed, in part, by the mass air flow sensor.

If the ECM detects that the mass air flow sensor is operating outside of its normal range or is causing an engine performance issue, it will store a code P0101 and turn on the check engine light.

 

What causes code P0101?

A number of causes can trigger a code P0101. That is why an accurate diagnosis is essential. Causes of this code include:

Most likely

• Faulty or loose wiring that leads to the mass air flow sensor
• Failed mass air flow sensor (average cost $238)

Other possibilities

• Corrosion on the mass air flow sensor connector or ECM connector
• Improper routing of the wires too close to high voltage components
• Vacuum leak

 

What symptoms are associated with this code?

Common signs associated with a code P0101 include the following:

• The check engine light is on or is flashing
• The engine shakes, runs roughly, or lacks power
• Engine stalling
• Reduced fuel economy

 

How does a technician diagnose code P0101?

If a diagnostic scan of your vehicle indicates a code P0101, a technician will perform tests to pinpoint the problem. These tests include checking for any related trouble codes. The technician will also use the scan tool to read the live data of the mass air flow sensor across a variety of operating conditions. The wiring harness and plug to the sensor will be checked for signs of corrosion or poor connection. The technician might also perform tests on the sensor itself with a multimeter and verify that sufficient voltage is reaching the device while in operation. If necessary, the technician might perform further inspection of the ECM to verify proper operation.

 

How serious is this code?

In some cases, a code P0101 might not show up with immediate drivability issues. Driving in the short term might lead to reduced fuel economy or a failed emissions test, or maybe even a stalled vehicle. But driving long term with this code can cause the engine to run too rich, or, more importantly, too lean, which is a condition that can cause internal engine damage. For these reasons, a vehicle should not be driven for long with a check engine light on without scheduling an appointment for an accurate diagnosis.

Get this checked out soon by a CarAdvise shop, where the work will be guaranteed, and one of our expert techs will review any repair orders.

 

Related Diagnostic Trouble Codes

P0100 “Mass Air Flow Sensor A Circuit Problem”

P0102 “Mass Air Flow Sensor A Circuit Low”

P0104 “Mass Air Flow Sensor A Circuit Intermittent”