P2280 Air Flow Restriction/Air Leak Between Air Filter and MAF
OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description
Air Flow Restriction/Air Leak Between Air Filter and MAF
What does that mean?
This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a generic powertrain code and applies to many OBD-II vehicles (1996-newer). Although generic, the specific repair steps may vary depending on make/model. That may include but is not limited to vehicles from Dodge, Ram, Audi, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Jeep, etc. Although generic, the exact repair steps may vary depending on year, make, model and powertrain configuration.
If your vehicle has stored a code P2280, it means that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected insufficient airflow between the air filter element and the mass airflow (MAF) sensor.
In order for today’s engines to perform at peak efficiency, air and fuel must be regulated precisely. The fuel pump and fuel injectors provide fuel in adequate supply and the throttle body (or throttle bodies) allows metered air to enter the intake. The delicate air/fuel ratio must be carefully monitored and adjusted; constantly. This is accomplished using the PCM with inputs from engine sensors such as the MAF, the manifold air pressure (MAP) sensor, and the heated oxygen sensors (HO2S).
If the PCM detects that there is insufficient ambient air being drawn into the MAF sensor, while the engine is running, a code P2280 may be stored and a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated. Multiple drive cycles with a failure may be required for MIL illumination.
A typical MAF sensor:
What is the severity of this DTC?
A stored code P2280 will likely be accompanied by severe drivability symptoms. The conditions which contributed to code storage should be rectified as quickly as possible.
What are some of the symptoms of the code?
Symptoms of a P2280 trouble code may include:
Severely diminished engine performance The engine may shutoff upon acceleration Backfires can also occur upon acceleration Misfire codes could accompany the P2280What are some of the common causes of the code?
Causes for this code may include:
Clogged air filter element Torn or collapsed air inlet pipe PCV breather tube removed from air inlet pipe PCM or programming errorWhat are some P2280 troubleshooting steps?
In order to diagnose a code P2280, a diagnostic scanner, a digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM), and a source of vehicle specific diagnostic information will be required.
If you can use your source of vehicle information to locate a technical service bulletin (TSB) that matches the vehicle year, make, and model; as well as the engine size, code/s stored, and symptoms exhibited, it could yield helpful diagnostic information.
Begin with an inspection of the air filter element. If it is excessively dirty or clogged, replace the filter and test-drive the vehicle to see if the symptoms subside. If not, carefully check the air inlet pipe for kinks, cracks, or signs of collapse. If abnormalities are found, the air inlet pipe should be replaced with an OEM replacement part.
If MAF codes accompany the P2280, inspect the MAF Sensor hot wire for unwanted debris. If debris is present on the hot wire, follow manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning the MAF sensor. Never use chemicals or cleaning methods which are not specifically recommended by the automaker.
If the air filter is clean and the air inlet pipe is in good working order, use the scanner (connected to the vehicle diagnostic connector) to retrieve all stored codes and pertinent freeze frame data. It is a good idea to write this information down before clearing the codes then test-drive the vehicle until the PCM either enters readiness mode or the code is reset.
If the PCM enters readiness mode at this time, the code is intermittent and may be much more dif
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