P010F code meaning
Mass or Volume Air Flow Sensor A/B Correlation
Powertrain system Generic code P01xx codes Check engine light
What P010F means
Engines with two intake paths have two mass air flow sensors, A and B. On a symmetrical V engine both sides should draw about the same amount of air, so the readings can be compared with each other. P010F is set when both signals are electrically valid but differ by more than allowed; the code does not say which side is wrong. No manufacturer document using exactly this code or its threshold was found: GM's twin-turbo V6 and Nissan's VR30DDTT assess each sensor separately against a model (P0101/P010B). The description therefore rests on the CARB requirement for plausibility checks and on component sources for engines with two sensors. Typical causes are a leaking intake pipe or a soiled sensor on one side.
P010F at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P010F
- Check engine light on
- Lack of power, uneven running
- Mixture codes for one bank (P0171/P0174) possible
Common causes of P010F
- Most likelyAir leak or loose intake pipe on one side
- Most likelyOne of the two sensors contaminated or aged
- PossibleAir filter on one side clogged or wrongly fitted
- Less likelyTurbocharger or boost problem on one bank
- Less likelyContact resistance in connector or wiring
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Mass air flow sensorMass air flow sensor bIntake ductAir filter
What each part of P010F 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. |
| 0F | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P010F 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 P010F
What does P010F mean?
P010F means "Mass or Volume Air Flow Sensor A/B Correlation". Engines with two intake paths have two mass air flow sensors, A and B. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P010F?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P010F the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P010F fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P010F 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 P010F to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P010F 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.