P010C code meaning
Mass or Volume Air Flow Sensor B Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P01xx codes Check engine light
What P010C means
Sensor B is a second mass air flow sensor in a second intake path, found on engines with two air filter boxes – for example the Nissan VR30DDTT twin-turbo V6 (where sensor B belongs to bank 2) or GM's 3.0 litre twin-turbo V6. P010C means the signal of sensor B is below its electrical lower limit – the counterpart of P0102. GM's twin-turbo V6 sets it at 400 Hz or less (300 failed out of 375 samples, two trips); Ford's digital sensor B below 1.5 kHz for 5 s. The usual causes are an open or grounded signal wire, a corroded connector, missing supply or failed sensor electronics. The engine continues with a calculated substitute value.
P010C at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyEasy, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 1.5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P010C
- Check engine light on
- Lack of power, substitute value mode
- Rough idle, hesitation
Common causes of P010C
- Most likelySignal wire of sensor B open or grounded, connector corroded
- Most likelySensor B electronics failed
- PossibleSupply or ground of sensor B faulty
- Less likelyControl module input faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Mass air flow sensor bMass air flow sensor wiringSensor supply voltage
What each part of P010C means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 1 | Area: fuel and air metering. |
| 0C | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P010C and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P010C
What does P010C mean?
P010C means "Mass or Volume Air Flow Sensor B Circuit Low". Sensor B is a second mass air flow sensor in a second intake path, found on engines with two air filter boxes – for example the Nissan VR30DDTT twin-turbo V6 (where sensor B belongs to bank 2) or GM's 3.0 litre twin-turbo V6. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P010C?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P010C the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P010C fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P010C is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P010C to fix?
Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 1.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P010C clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.