GM OBD II

System
Student Manual

GM OBD II System
Activity 5
Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor
Performance Objectives:
The purpose of this activity is to describe the purpose and record the operation of the Mass Air
Flow (MAF) Sensor.
Upon completion of this activity you should be able to:
Describe the Mass Air Flow Sensor operation.
Demonstrate how to read the MAF Sensor using a scan tool.
Identify components and functions affected by the MAF Sensor.
Tools and Equipment:
Model 2651/60 GM OBD II System Trainer
OR
Model 2651/60S GM OBD II Suitcase Trainer
OR
Model 2651/60 GM OBD II System Trainer (Dry)
Scan Tool
References:
Service Manual Information

GM OBD II System Activity 5

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Service Manual Information:

Read about the Mass Air Flow Sensor on page 6E-474 of the Service Manual Information and
answer the following questions.
1. The Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor measures the amount of air which passes through
the
.
2. The PCM uses the information from the MAF to determine the operating condition of
the engine, to control
.
3. Technician A says a large quantity of air indicates deceleration.
Technician B says a large quantity of air indicates acceleration.
Who is correct?
a. A only
b. B only
c. Both A and B
d. Neither A nor B
4. The scan tool reads the MAF value and displays it in
5. Technician A says the MAF value should read between 4 and 7 gm/s on a fully
warmed up engine while operating at idle.
Technician B says the MAF value should read between 1 and 2 gm/s on a fully
warmed up engine while operating at idle.
Who is correct?
a. A only
b. B only
c. Both A and B
d. Neither A nor B

Read page 6E-411 in the Service Manual Information and answer the following question.
6. Where is the MAF Sensor located on a VIN K application?

Refer to the wiring schematic on page 6E-26 and answer the following questions.
7. Which terminal on the MAF Sensor is provided ignition positive voltage?
8. What is the purpose of terminal A on the MAF Sensor?

Complete the On-Trainer Worksheet at this time.

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GM OBD II System - Activity 5

ON-TRAINER WORKSHEET
Activity 5
Set-Up:
Set the following input signals on the trainer as shown:
Inputs:
Ignition Switch
Off
A/C Request Switch
Off (Down)
Trans Range Switch
P (Park)
Intake Air Temperature
20 C
Coolant Temperature
80 C
MAF
Auto
Fuel Trim
Auto
Throttle (Throttle Body)
Closed
Outputs:
A/C Pressure Switch
Oil Pressure Switch

Down
Down

Note: Be sure all Fault Switches on the rear panel are in the OFF position.
System Operation:
Turn System Power ON in the lower right-hand corner of the board.

Turn Ignition Switch to the ON position. (Engine OFF)

Initialize your Scan Tool to show Mass Air Flow.

1. What is the amount of MAF shown on the Scan Tool?

Start the Engine. Wait one minute for the RPM to stabilize.
2. What is the amount of MAF shown on the Scan Tool?
3. Open the Throttle several times. What happens to the MAF value as you open the
Throttle?

4. Hold the Throttle at 2000 RPM. What is the MAF value?

Return the Throttle to Closed.

The MAF Potentiometer on the trainer can increase the MAF signal sent to the PCM. In the
auto position, the trainer operates the same as the vehicle, but turning the pot clockwise will
increase the Mass Air Flow Sensor output.

GM OBD II System Activity 5

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5. Turn the MAF Pot completely clockwise and describe the effect on the Fuel Injectors.

Return the MAF pot to Auto. Set the Scan Tool to read both MAF and Spark Advance.
6. What is the value of Spark Advance?
7. Turn the MAF Pot completely clockwise. What is the value of MAF and Spark
Advance?

Return the MAF Pot to Auto. Set the Scan Tool to read MAF and Engine Load.
8. What is the Engine Load value at idle?
9. Turn the MAF Pot completely clockwise. What is the Engine Load value?

Note: If the MAF Pot remains turned for too long a period of time, the PCM will set a Fault Code
and ignore the MAF Sensor value. It will use an internal stored value until it determines
that the sensor is working again. If this happens, turn the MAF Pot back to auto for 60
seconds and then try again. Clear the Fault Code from the system if one has been set.

Return the MAF Pot to Auto. Place the Trans Range Switch in D4 and open the Throttle to obtain
a vehicle speed of 55 MPH.
10. What is the value of Engine Load?

Return the Throttle to Closed. Use the Brake Switch to slow the vehicle to 0 MPH. Set the Trans
Range Switch to Park.

Turn Ignition Switch OFF.

Conclusion:
The Mass Air Flow Sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine and sends a corresponding
signal to the PCM. This signal is a direct indication of Engine Load and the PCM varies the Injector
Pulse Width accordingly.

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GM OBD II System Activity 5