P0101, air mass and throttle body replaced

2003 SAAB 9-5
94,000 MILES • 2.3L • 4 CYL • TURBO • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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BVADUVA
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I have a problem with my 2003 Saab 9-5 linear. The check engine light came on about a month ago. Code P0101. Replaced the air mass flow at a local service. Next day, the CEL is back on. Went back to them and changed the part again. Next day, CEL back on. Took it back and they did an inspection and said that it is something with the throttle body (either is not good or not calibrated). The thing is I did change the throttle body in July 2014 at a Saab service and I went back to them today with this issue and they put a new one although they didn't think this was the problem (they did not know what the problem is). Even with a new throttle body the CEL comes back after I drive for about 15-20 miles.
Also, I did the VA emission inspection and the car passed it.
Any ideas?
Jan 27, 2015 at 2:16 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Is the car running properly? Has anyone checked for vacuum leaks that can cause this code? Has the wiring to the MAF been checked for corrosion or damage? A high ground resistance will cause this code to set too.

Okay, other than the things I mentioned, usually the sensor itself is bad. You have replaced it two times, so I have to question if that could be the issue. From experience only, I have found that MANY times, the new MAF sensors for these vehicles are faulty. Even the OEM sensors can be difficult.

With that said, I would first check for the issues I mentioned in paragraph one. If everything checks out okay, you are going to need a real time scanner that can see how the MAF is reacting. For example, at an idle, the g/s reading from the sensor should be between 6 to 12. Under a wide open throttle acceleration (WOT), the reading should quickly jump to nearly 240 g/s right before the vehicle shifts from first to second. If it doesn't, there could be a restriction either in the intake or exhaust or the sensor is nor properly working. Also, g/s readings are affected by any throttle changes. To make it even more confusing, the reading can be different based on altitude.

So, not to sound more confusing, check the simple things I suggested and let me know what you find. I will try to direct you further if needed.

Joe
Jan 27, 2015 at 7:17 PM
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BVADUVA
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The car runs ok. Nothing obvious.
The service that replaced the MAF checked for vacuum leaks. Nothing.
I left them the car this morning and they said they will take out and clean the whole intec system.
I told them to check for corrosion as well.
I hope it works
Jan 28, 2015 at 7:15 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Let me know what is found. If there are still issues, we'll figure it out.
Jan 28, 2015 at 8:49 AM
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BVADUVA
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After one week the CEL is back on. The car does one thing that is unusual: when I turn the engine on and it is cold, it goes by itself to 2000 rpm twice or three times and then stays at 1300 rpm for a while. After it warms up a little bit it goes to normal (around 800 rpm). Don't know if it has anything to do with the CEL.
Feb 6, 2015 at 2:58 PM
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BVADUVA
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By the way, they said they found some vacuum leaks and it should be ok now.
It isn't! :)
Feb 6, 2015 at 2:59 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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That idle issue sounds like an idle air control valve issue. Has it been checked to see if the same code came back on?
Feb 7, 2015 at 11:49 AM
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BVADUVA
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No, no one took a look at it, as far as I know.
Monday morning I'm taking it back to service and mention this possibility.
Thanks
Feb 7, 2015 at 1:31 PM