Mass Air Flow Sensor Failure Due To Oil Contamination Of Sensor Membrane (02-T-48)

Publication date: 2003-04-17
Reference number: 02-T-48

MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR FAILURE DUE TO OIL CONTAMINATION OF SENSOR MEMBRANE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 02-T-48, Date of Issue: 04/17/2003

SATURN:	2000 - 2002 L Series vehicles
SECTION:	Engine

SUBJECT

Mass Air Flow Sensor Failure Due to Oil Contamination of Sensor Membrane (Install New Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor and Update ECM Calibration).

MODELS AFFECTED

2000 - 2002 Saturn L Series vehicles equipped with V6 (L81) engines.

CONDITION

Some customers may comment that the SERVICE ENGINE SOON (SES) telltale is illuminated. The vehicle may have DTC(s) P0171/P0174 and/or any MAF sensor or O2 Sensor DTC(s) stored in the ECM memory.

CAUSE

After the vehicle is shut off, the ECM stays active for a certain period of time before shutting down. During the period of time when the ECM is active, voltage is applied to the MAF sensor. As long as voltage is being applied, heat and air flow will be generated at the MAF sensor. This heat will cause oil particles in the air to adhere to the sensor membrane causing premature failure of the sensor.

CORRECTION

To correct this condition refer to the Engine/Emission Controls section of the appropriate model year L-Series L81 Engine Service Manual and follow diagnostic for the applicable DTCs. If it is determined that the MAF sensor is at fault, replace the MAF sensor and refer to the following procedure in this bulletin to determine if an updated calibration is required.

IMPORTANT: Before installing new ECM calibration, make sure the Service Stall System (SSS) version is 10.5 or greater.

PROCEDURE

Connect scan tool to the vehicle.
Navigate to the 3.0L (VIN R) Powertrain Menu.
Select ID INFORMATION.
Select ENGINE INFORMATION.
Read ECM CALIBRATION ID.

2000 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES

If ECM calibration ID number is 610601, 610602, 620101, 620102, 640104, 640301, 640704, or 640901, reprogram the ECM with the latest 2000 model year calibration. Refer to Service Programming System (SPS) in the Saturn Service Stall System (SSS)/TECH 2 User Guide for reprogramming procedures.
If ECM calibration ID number is not 610601, 610602, 620101, 620102, 640104, 640301, 640704, or 640901, do not reprogram the ECM. The correct calibration is already installed and reprogramming is not required.

2001 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES

If ECM calibration ID number is 630102, 740104, 740302, 740704, or 740901, reprogram the ECM with the latest 2001 model year calibration. Refer to Service Programming System (SPS) in the Saturn Service Stall System (SSS)/TECH 2 User Guide for reprogramming procedures.
If ECM calibration ID number is not 630102, 740104, 740302, 740704, or 740901, do not reprogram the ECM. The correct calibration is already installed and reprogramming is not required.

2002 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES

If ECM calibration ID number is 840601, 840704, or 840901, reprogram the ECM with the latest 2002 model year calibration. Refer to Service Programming System (SPS) in the Saturn Service Stall System (SSS)/TECH 2 User Guide for reprogramming procedures.
If ECM calibration ID number is not 840601, 840704, or 840901, do not reprogram the ECM. The correct calibration is already installed and reprogramming is not required.

CLAIM INFORMATION

To receive credit for this repair during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System for J6532 (Sensor, Mass Airflow - R & R or Replace) and if required, J6355 (EE PROM-Reprogramming), or if another procedure is performed, refer to the appropriate Electronic Labor Time Guide for the correct Labor Operation Code and Time. When another procedure is performed that requires EE Prom Reprogramming, J6355 must be claimed as a Related Line to that Repair.