Buick Regal: DTC P0101

Diagnostic Instructions

• Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
• Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
• Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0101

Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Performance

Diagnostic Fault Information

Typical Scan Tool Data

MAF Sensor

Circuit Description

The intake flow rationality diagnostic provides the within-range rationality check for the mass air flow (MAF), manifold absolute pressure (MAP), and the throttle position sensors. This is an explicit modelbased diagnostic containing 4 separate models for the intake system.

The estimates of MAF and MAP obtained from this system of models and calculations are then compared to the actual measured values from the MAF, MAP, and the throttle position sensors and to each other to determine the appropriate DTC to fail.

Conditions for Running the DTCs

• DTC P0102, P0103, P0107, P0108, P0111, P0112, P0113, P0116, P0117, P0118, P0128, P0335, or P0336 is not set
• The engine speed is between 575 - 6, 600 RPM.
• The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is between -7 to +129ºC (+19 to +264ºF).
• The intake air temperature (IAT) is between -20 and +125ºC (-4 and +257ºF).
• The DTC runs continuously when the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The engine control module (ECM) detects that the actual measured airflow from the MAF, MAP, and throttle position sensors is not within range of the calculated airflow that is derived from the system of models for greater than 2 s.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P0101 is a Type B DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTC P0101 is a Type B DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

• Any type of contamination on the MAF sensor heating elements will degrade the proper operation of the sensor. Certain types of contaminants act as a heat insulator, which will impair the response of the sensor to airflow changes. Water or snow can create the opposite effect, and cause the signal to increase rapidly.
• Certain aftermarket air filters may cause this DTC to set.
• Certain aftermarket air induction systems may cause this DTC to set.
• Modifications to the air induction system may cause this DTC to set.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Wiring Schematics (LTG)

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End View Index

Electrical Information Reference

• Circuit Testing
• Connector Repairs
• Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
• Wiring Repairs

Powertrain Component Views

Powertrain Component Views

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Special Tools

EL-38522-A Variable Signal Generator

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools (diagnostic tools) and Special Tools (Mechanical Tools).

Circuit/System Verification

1. Ignition ON, verify that DTC P0641, P0651, P0697, or P06A3 is not set.

• If any of the DTCs are set

Refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle for further diagnosis.

• Go to next step: If none of the DTCs are set

2. If you were sent here from DTC P0068, P0106, P0121, P0236, or P1101; refer to Circuit/System Testing.

3. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool Throttle Body Idle Airflow Compensation parameter is less than 90 %.

• 90 % or greater

Refer to Throttle Body Cleaning.

• Go to next step: If less than 90 %

4. Verify the scan tool Throttle Position Sensors 1 and 2 Agree/Disagree parameter displays Agree while performing the Throttle Sweep Test with a scan tool.

• If Disagree

Refer to DTC P0121-P0123, P0222, P0223, P16A0-P16A2, or P2135 for further diagnosis.

• Go to next step: If Agree

5. Determine the current vehicle testing altitude.

6. Verify the scan tool MAP Sensor pressure parameter is within the range specified in the Altitude Versus Barometric Pressure table.

• If the MAP Sensor parameter is not in range

Refer to DTC P0106 for further diagnosis.

• Go to next step: If the MAP Sensor parameter is within range

7. Verify the engine is equipped with a turbocharger.

• If not equipped with a turbocharger

Refer to Step 10.

• Go to next step: If equipped with a turbocharger

8. Verify the scan tool Boost Pressure Sensor parameter is within the range specified in the Altitude Versus Barometric Pressure table.

• If the Boost Pressure Sensor parameter is not in range

Refer to DTC P0236 for further diagnosis.

• Go to next step: If the Boost Pressure Sensor parameter is within range

9. Engine idling.

10. Verify the scan tool Boost Pressure Sensor parameter increases with accelerator pedal input.

• If the Boost Pressure Sensor parameter does not increase

Refer to DTC P0236 for further diagnosis.

• Go to next step: If the Boost Pressure Sensor parameter does increase

11. Verify the scan tool MAP Sensor pressure parameter is between 26 - 52 kPa (3.8 - 7.5 PSI) and changes with accelerator pedal input.

• If not between 26 - 52 kPa (3.8 - 7.5 PSI) or does not change

Refer to DTC P0106 for further diagnosis.

• Go to next step: If between 26 - 52 kPa (3.8 - 7.5 PSI) and changes

12. Verify the scan tool MAF Sensor g/s parameter changes smoothly and gradually as the engine speed is increased and decreased while performing the actions listed below.

1. Engine idling
2. Perform the scan tool snapshot function.
3. Increase the engine speed slowly to 3, 000 RPM and then back to idle.
4. Exit from the scan tool snapshot and review the data.
5. Observe the MAF Sensor parameter frame by frame with a scan tool.

• If the MAF Sensor parameter does not change smoothly and gradually

Refer to Circuit/System Testing.

• Go to next step: If the MAF Sensor parameter changes smoothly and gradually

13. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

14. Verify the DTC does not set.

• If the DTC sets

Refer to Circuit/System Testing.

• Go to next step: If the DTC does not set

15. All OK

Circuit/System Testing

NOTE: You must perform the Circuit/System Verification before proceeding with Circuit/System Testing.

1. Verify the integrity of the entire air induction system by verifying that none of the following conditions exist:

• Any damaged components
• Improper operation of turbocharger wastegate actuator or bypass valve; where equipped
• Improperly installed components
• Collapsed, restricted, or damaged components
• Loose clamps, cracks, or other damage
• An air flow restriction
• Restricted air filter
• Splits, kinks, leaks, or improper connections at the vacuum hoses
• Vacuum leaks at the intake manifold, MAP sensor, and throttle body
• Water intrusion
• Any snow or ice buildup, in cold climates
• Contamination of the Mass Air Flow sensor element
• If a condition is found

Repair or replace component as appropriate.

• Go to next step: If no condition is found

2. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the B75C Multifunction Intake Air sensor.

3. Test for less than 2 Ω between the ground circuit terminal 7 and ground.

• If 2 Ω or greater

1. Ignition OFF.
2. Test for less than 2 Ω in the ground circuit end to end.
   • If 2 Ω or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.
   • If less than 2 Ω, repair the open/high resistance in the ground connection.

• Go to next step: If less than 2 Ω

4. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the ignition circuit terminal 5 and ground.

• If the test lamp does not illuminate and the circuit fuse is good

1. Ignition OFF, remove the test lamp and remove the fuse for the ignition voltage circuit.
2. Test for less than 2 Ω in the ignition voltage circuit end to end.
   • If 2 Ω or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.
   • If less than 2 Ω, verify the fuse is not open and there is voltage at the fuse.

• If the test lamp does not illuminate and the circuit fuse is open

1. Ignition OFF, remove the test lamp and remove the fuse for the ignition voltage circuit.
2. Test for infinite resistance between the ignition voltage circuit and ground.
   • If less than infinite resistance, repair the short to ground on the circuit.
   • If infinite resistance, test all components connected to the ignition circuit, replace as necessary.

• Go to next step: If a test lamp illuminates

5. Ignition ON, test for 4.8 - 5.2 volts between the signal circuit terminal 6 and ground.

• If less than 4.8 V

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the K20 Engine Control Module.
2. Test for infinite resistance between the signal circuit and ground.
   • If less than infinite resistance, repair the short to ground on the circuit.
   • Go to next step: If infinite resistance
3. Test for less than 2 Ω in the signal circuit end to end.
   • If 2 Ω or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.
   • If less than 2 Ω, replace the K20 Engine Control Module.

• If greater than 5.2 V

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the K20 Engine Control Module.
2. Ignition ON, test for less than 1 V between the signal circuit and ground.
   • If 1 V or greater, repair the short to voltage on the circuit.
   • If less than 1 V, replace the K20 Engine Control Module.

• Go to next step: If between 4.8 - 5.2 V

6. Determine if EL-38522-A Variable Signal Generator or equivalent is available.

• EL-38522-A, Variable Signal Generator; or equivalent is not available

1. Test or replace the B75C Multifunction Intake Air sensor.
2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the freeze frame/failure records data.
3. Verify the DTC does not set.

• If the DTC sets

Replace the K20 Engine Control Module.

• Go to next step: If no DTCs set

4. All OK.

• Go to next step: EL-38522-A, Variable Signal Generator; or equivalent is available

7. Ignition OFF, connect the leads of the EL-38522-A Variable Signal Generator as follows:

• Red lead to the signal circuit terminal 6 at the harness connector
• Black leads to ground
• Battery voltage supply lead to B+

8. Set the EL-38522-A Variable Signal Generator to the following specifications.

• Signal switch to 5 V
• Frequency switch to 5 kHz
• Duty Cycle switch to 50 % (Normal)

9. Engine idling, observe the scan tool MAF Sensor parameter. The scan tool MAF Sensor parameter should be between 4, 950 - 5, 050 Hz.

• If not between 4, 950 - 5, 050 Hz.

Replace the K20 Engine Control Module.

• Go to next step: If between 4, 950 - 5, 050 Hz.

10. Test or replace the B75C Multifunction Intake Air sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

• Mass Airflow Sensor with Intake Air Temperature Sensor Replacement for multifunction intake air sensor replacement
• Control Module References for engine control module replacement, programming, and setup

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