Circuit Description
The MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor measures the amount of air flowing through the throttle valve. The ECM uses this information to determine the fuel injection time and provide a proper air-fuel ratio. Inside the MAF sensor, there is a heated platinum wire exposed to the flow of intake air.
By applying a specific current to the wire, the ECM heats this wire to a given temperature. The flow of incoming air cools the wire and an internal thermistor, changing their resistance. To maintain a constant current value, the ECM varies the voltage applied to these components in the MAF sensor. The voltage level is proportional to the airflow through the sensor and the ECM interprets this voltage as the intake air amount. The circuit is constructed so that the platinum hot wire and the temperature sensor provides a bridge circuit, with the power transistor controlled so that the potential of A and B remains equal to maintain the set temperature.
After confirming DTC P0100, P0102 or P0103, confirm the mass air flow ratio in the "DIAGNOSIS / ENHANCED OBD II / DATA LIST / ALL" using the hand-held tester or the OBD II scan tool.