Error P0101 Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF) / (VAF)

Causes of error P0101

The mass air flow sensor sends a signal to the engine control module (ECM) that is out of range.
The mass air flow sensor is not functioning properly due to damage or malfunction.
Electrical wires or the MAF sensor itself are located too close to higher voltage components (such as the alternator, ignition wires, etc.) which can cause interference that affects the signal sent to the vehicle's ECM.
The problem could also be damaged vacuum hoses, which can lead to various problems and other error codes.
The MAF sensor must operate within a certain range to be able to send the correct signals to the vehicle's ECM, which is necessary for proper engine operation.

Tips to Avoid P0101 in the Future

Dirt and carbon deposits in the engine can cause many problems, including trouble code P0101. Check the air filter regularly and make sure it is installed correctly when replacing it. Regular maintenance of your engine fluids, especially oil, will also help keep your engine clean.

This code can also be caused by worn wire insulation. Make sure all wires are kept away from ignition coils and other potential sources of damage.

Source

How does a mechanic diagnose a P0101 code?

When diagnosing this error, the mechanic will do the following:

Connects the OBD-II scanner to the vehicle's diagnostic connector and reads all stored data and error codes
Visually inspect the engine, then clear the fault codes from the computer's memory and test drive the vehicle to see if P0101 appears again .

If the error code appears again:

Check the electrical connector of the mass air flow sensor for looseness.
Check the electrical wires related to the mass air flow sensor for damage
Find out if electrical wires or the MAF sensor itself are located too close to higher voltage components

How to view the error code using the odometer

In the interior of the VAZ 2114 dashboard, the speedometer scale is combined with the odometer scale in one instrument. The error code will appear on the display if you perform the following actions:

At the bottom of the speedometer there is an odometer button, which should be pressed and not released, and simultaneously turn the ignition key to the first position.
Return the button to its initial state, then briefly press it again, the firmware version will appear in the window.
If there is a malfunction, the error code numbers will be displayed on the display after pressing the device button for a short moment.

The error codes that the odometer shows differ from those displayed by the on-board computer; they have numbers ranging from 1 to 9, as well as two-digit numbers. The numbers do not say anything; to identify the problem, you need to look at the printout of the digital values in the verbal description.

Failures identified using the odometer

Error code	Decoding code numbers
1	The malfunction is related to the microprocessor, a failure or a serious malfunction that requires flashing
2	The float sensor that determines the fuel level inside the gas tank has stopped transmitting readings
4	The voltage in the electrical network is higher than normal, there is a possibility of a short circuit
8	The voltage in the power supply has dropped to a minimum value, one of the reasons is the battery, it needs to be recharged
12	The indicator lamp on the instrument panel does not work correctly, the wiring is faulty
13	There is no connection with the oxygen sensor, possibly a wire break or short circuit
14	Engine overheating, high signal level of the coolant temperature sensor
15	Antifreeze temperature controller is faulty, wiring problem
16	There is increased voltage in the car electrical network
17	Low voltage, battery may be low
19	Malfunction in the crankshaft position sensor circuit
21-22	There is a malfunction in the throttle position sensor circuit, the cause may be a break or short circuit in the wiring
23/25	High or low signal level of the temperature sensor of the air entering from outside, possibly a short circuit of the TPS
24	The speed sensor circuit is faulty, there is no speedometer reading
27-28	Exhaust gas sensor signal is incorrect
33-34	The air flow meter does not work, there is a fault in the circuit
35	The idle air control has a deviation
41	The signal from the phase control sensor does not work correctly
42	Malfunction in the electrical circuit of the ignition unit
43	The signal from the mixture knock sensor is questionable
44-45	Fuel mixture is too lean or rich
51	Malfunction of the starter-charger
52	Malfunction of the memory module of the electronic control unit - RAM
53	CO potentiometer failure
54	Indicates that there is no signal from the octane corrector regulator
55	Lean air-fuel mixture (sudden throttle opening) at low load
61	Malfunction in the electrical circuit of the oxygen sensor (lambda probe)

Common mistakes when diagnosing code P0101

The most common mistake when diagnosing a P0101 is to hastily replace the MAF sensor without first checking the associated electrical wires and connector for damage.
It is also a mistake to neglect to check the mass air flow sensor for excessive carbon buildup before replacing it. Sometimes the problem can be solved by cleaning the sensor using a special cleaner designed for mass air flow sensors.
Another mistake is neglecting to check the vacuum hoses for wear and damage.

On which cars is this problem most common?

The problem with code P0101 can occur on different machines, but there are always statistics on which brands this error occurs more often. Here is a list of some of them:

Alfa Romeo
Audi (Audi a8, Audi q7)
BMW (BMW X3, BMW X5)
Cadillac
Chery (Chery Tiggo, QQ)
Chevrolet (Chevrolet Aveo, Captiva, Lacetti, Tahoe, Epica)
Citroen (Citroen Jumper)
Daewoo (Daewoo Winstorm)
Dodge
Fiat (Fiat Albea, Doblo, Ducato, Panda, Stilo)
Ford (Ford Kuga, Mondeo, Ranger, Transit, Focus)
Honda
Hummer
Hyundai (Hyundai N1, Getz, Grand Starex, Porter, Santa Fe, Starex, Tucson, ix35)
Isuzu (Isuzu Rodeo)
Jaguar
Jeep (Jeep Grand Cherokee)
Kia (Kia Bongo, Carnival, Magentis, Sid, Sorento, Sportage)
Land Rover (Land Rover Range Rover)
Lexus
Mazda (Mazda 3, Mazda 5, Mazda 6, Mazda cx7)
Mercedes (Mercedes Viano, Vito, Sprinter, w203, w211)
Mitsubishi (Mitsubishi Fuso)
Nissan (Nissan Beetle, X-Trail)
Opel (Opel Antara, Astra, Insignia)
Peugeot (Peugeot Boxer)
Renault
Saab 9-5
Skoda (Skoda Octavia)
Suzuki
Toyota (Toyota Avensis, Camry, Corolla, Land Cruiser)
Volkswagen (Volkswagen Passat, Touareg, Touran, Tiguan)
Volvo (Volvo s60, xc70, xc90)
VAZ 2114, 2115
Lada Granta, Kalina, Niva, Priora
UAZ Patriot

How serious is P0101?

When the P0101 , there are usually no serious problems with the vehicle's drivability, however, if this code is detected, it is recommended that you contact a qualified technician as soon as possible to diagnose and repair the error.
Under certain circumstances, damage or failure of the mass air flow sensor can lead to increased fuel consumption, unstable engine operation, and problems starting the engine. In some cases, damage to internal engine components may occur.
Often, if the Check Engine Light comes on immediately after starting the engine, the OBD-II system can be reset and the vehicle will continue to operate normally.

Basic error codes for VAZ 2114 injector: decoding

Note!
The table is also relevant for version 2115.

Exhaust system – 0000

30 – open circuit of the oxygen sensor heater to the catalytic converter;
31 – also with a short circuit to the car body;
32 – similar with a short circuit to 12V;
36-38 – the same value as 30 only for the output sensor.

Air line defects – 0100

102/103 – Mass air flow sensor open circuit or signal violation;
112/113 – sensor lines t˚ overboard, impulse violation;
116 – engine overheating;
117/118 – damage to the DTOZH circuit;
122/123 – TPS line, short circuit or insulation failure;
130 – failure of the oxygen sensor in front of the catalyst;
131/132 – similar element, signal level violation;
133 – slow response of DK1 to commands;
134 – break in the power cable DK1;
136 – DK2 is broken;
137/138 – short circuit or violation of wiring DK2;
140 – fuse DK2 burned out;
141 – the heater of the same device is broken or damaged;
171/172 – excessively lean or enriched fuel mixture.

Error codes VAZ 2114 1.6 liters related to fuel supply - 0200

201/204 – break in the injector control line for all injectors in series;
217 – motor overheating;
230 – the fuel pump has failed or the corresponding relay has burned out;
261/264/267/270 – short circuit of the injector control circuit at +12 V, respectively, for each insert;
263/266/269/272 – failure or defect of the injector driver for each in series;
262/265/268/271 – Short circuit of highways to the car body.

Error codes on the VAZ 2114 on-board computer indicating a breakdown in the ignition system - 0300

300 – there are misfires;
301-304 – similarly for each cylinder, respectively;
326-328 – DDS is broken or there is no signal;
335-338 – failure, short circuit or interruption of the DPKV wiring;
342/343/346 – malfunction of the phase distribution sensor;
351-354 – open circuit for all pistons in series;
363 – the mixture in the cylinders does not ignite, emergency fuel supply cut-off.

Additional attachment that does not have a direct effect on the motor – 0400

422 – the catalyst may have clogged or the exhaust gas flow rate has dropped critically;
441 – failure of power supply to the adsorber purge valve;
444 – power failure above the specified element;
445 – short circuit of the gearbox to the car body;
480 – power wires to the main radiator cooler are damaged;
481 – failure of the coolant fan control circuit No. 2.

Failure, malfunctions in the SU speed control system – 0500

500 – speedometer sensor is broken;
506/507 – low or high speed of the vehicle;
511 – XX regulator – lines from the relay and ECU are interrupted;
560 – the battery is low or the power cable is broken.
562/563 – Short circuit on on-board wiring.

On-board network of auxiliary or main equipment – 0600

601 – ECM, ROM error;
615 – secondary starter relay, wiring damage;
616/617 – also with short circuit to ground or 12V;
627 – fuel pump control relay, possible line break;
628/629 – similar with a short circuit to the body or on-board system;
645-647 – compressor clutch, damage to the wiring with contact with the housing or other cables;
650 – the “Check Engine” lamp is broken, check the engine, there may be damage to the wiring;
654 – tachometer failed;
685-687 – malfunction of the main engine control relay, complete replacement of the part is required;
691/692 – problems with the main cooling fan relay.

Auxiliary systems – 1000

102 – breakdown of heater DK1;
115 – failure or malfunction of the above device;
123/124 – violation, too rich/lean mixture at idle;
127/128 – similar, only for partial load on the internal combustion engine;
135 – rupture of heating line DK1;
136/137 – incorrect fuel supply at low engine load, the throttle drive may be malfunctioning;
140 – discrepancy between measured and actual load;
141 – failure of heater DK2;
171/172 – incorrect information comes from the potentiometer;
301-304 – the ignition in the cylinder does not work correctly, consistently for all combustion chambers;
386 – incorrect sequence of testing the detonation channel;
410/425/426 – wiring of the canister purge flap, short circuit or line damage;
500 – the fuel pump relay line is damaged;
501/502 – similarly with a short circuit to the body or wiring;
509/513/514 – control center of the XX regulator, open or short circuit on board or 12V;
541 – damage to the wire of the BN relay, possible oxidation of the terminal;
570 – break in immobilizer control cables;
602 – no power to the ECM, oxidation of the pads is allowed;
606 – the bump sensor is broken, the part needs to be replaced;
616/617 – similarly with a change in signal level, there may be a short circuit inside the device;
2301/2303/2305/2307 - the ignition coils are shorted to 12 volts, in series for each piston.

Important!

Only the most popular error codes for the dashboard of the VAZ 2114 and similar models are listed here. There are other indices, but due to their low prevalence they are not mentioned.

What repairs can fix the P0101 code?

To resolve error P0101, you may need to:

Check for the presence of the error code using a scan tool, clear the code from the computer's memory, and test drive the vehicle to see if the P0101 again