P010C

What it means

P010C is the generic code for a low signal in the circuit of Mass or Volume Air Flow Sensor B. The engine control unit has seen the sensor's voltage or frequency fall below the expected minimum for the operating conditions. Sensor B is the second air flow sensor, found on engines with two intake paths or two sensors, and its location varies by model and engine.

Symptoms

• Check engine light on
• Hesitation or poor acceleration
• Rough idle or unstable idle
• Engine stalling or difficulty starting
• Poor fuel economy
• Engine running in limp mode with reduced power

Possible causes

• Contaminated or failing air flow sensor B elementlikely
• Damaged wiring, such as chafing, open circuit or short to earth in the signal or supply wireslikely
• Corroded, loose or damaged connector at the sensor or control unitlikely
• Air leak or intake restriction, such as a split intake hose or blocked air filter, affecting the readingpossible
• Poor power or earth supply to the sensor, including a fault in a related fuse or relaypossible
• Fault in the engine control unitrare

How to diagnose

1. Read all stored codes and freeze frame data to see engine load, speed and temperature when the fault set, and note any other air flow or intake codes.
2. Check the vehicle-specific documentation to confirm which sensor is B and where it is fitted on this engine.
3. Inspect the sensor, its connector and the wiring for damage, corrosion, water ingress, chafing and loose pins.
4. Inspect the air filter, intake pipework and clamps for blockage, splits or leaks, and check the sensor element for contamination.
5. With the engine running, view live air flow data for sensor B and compare it with sensor A, if fitted, at idle and under light throttle.
6. Check the sensor's supply voltage, earth and signal at the connector against the manufacturer's specification.
7. Test the wiring between the sensor and the control unit for continuity, short to earth and short to supply.
8. If the sensor, supply and wiring are all good, consider a control unit fault only after consulting the manufacturer's information.

How to fix

• Clean the sensor element only if the manufacturer permits it, or replace the sensor if it is faulty or contaminated.
• Repair or replace damaged wiring and restore any damaged insulation.
• Clean, repair or replace corroded or damaged connectors and terminals.
• Replace a blocked air filter and repair any split or loose intake hoses and clamps.
• Repair faulty supply, earth, fuse or relay circuits feeding the sensor.
• Repair or replace the control unit only when testing confirms it is faulty and it has been checked against manufacturer guidance.

Can I keep driving?

Nearby codes

• P010BGenericMass or Volume Air Flow Sensor B Circuit Range/Performance
• P010DGenericMass or Volume Air Flow Sensor B Circuit High