P2280 Airflow restriction / air leakage between air filter and MAF

P2280 Airflow restriction / air leakage between air filter and MAF

OBD-II DTC Datasheet

Airflow restriction / air leakage between air filter and MAF

What does this mean?

This Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is a generic transmission code and applies to many OBD-II vehicles (1996 and newer). Although general, specific repair steps may differ depending on the brand / model. This may include but is not limited to Dodge, Ram, Audi, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Jeep, etc. Despite the general nature, the exact repair steps may vary depending on the model year, make, model and transmission configuration. ...

If your vehicle has stored the code P2280, it means that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected insufficient air flow between the air filter element and the mass air flow (MAF) sensor.

For modern engines to operate at peak efficiency, air and fuel must be precisely controlled. The fuel pump and fuel injectors provide sufficient fuel supply, and the throttle body (or throttle bodies) allows metered air to enter the intake port. The delicate air / fuel ratio must be carefully monitored and regulated; constantly. This is accomplished using a PCM with inputs from engine sensors such as the MAF, Manifold Air Pressure (MAP) sensor, and Heated Oxygen Sensors (HO2S).

If the PCM detects that insufficient ambient air is being drawn into the MAF sensor while the engine is running, a P2280 code may persist and a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) may illuminate. It may take multiple driving cycles with failure to illuminate the MIL.

Typical MAF sensor:

What is the severity of this DTC?

A stored P2280 code is likely to be accompanied by severe handling symptoms. Conditions that contributed to the retention of the code should be corrected as soon as possible.

What are some of the symptoms of the code?

Symptoms of a P2280 trouble code may include:

• Severely reduced engine power
• Engine may shut off during acceleration
• Fire can also occur when accelerating.
• Misfire Codes May Accompany P2280

What are some of the common causes for the code?

Reasons for this code may include:

• Clogged air filter element
• Breakage or collapse of the air intake pipe
• PCV breather tube removed from air intake pipe
• PCM or programming error

What are some steps to troubleshoot the P2280?

To diagnose the P2280 code, you will need a diagnostic scanner, a digital volt / ohmmeter (DVOM), and a source of vehicle-specific diagnostic information.

If you can use your vehicle information source to find a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that matches the year of manufacture, make and model of the vehicle; as well as engine displacement, stored code / codes and symptoms detected, it can provide useful diagnostic information.

Start by inspecting the air filter element. If it is excessively dirty or clogged, replace the filter and test drive your car to see if symptoms go away. If not, carefully check the air intake pipe for kinks, cracks, or signs of deterioration. If faults are found, the air intake pipe should be replaced with an OEM replacement part.

If MAF codes come with P2280, check the MAF sensor live wire for unwanted debris. If there is debris on the hot wire, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning the MAF sensor. Never use chemicals or cleaning methods not recommended by the manufacturer.

If the air filter is clean and the air intake pipe is in good working order, use a scanner (connected to the vehicle's diagnostic connector) to retrieve all stored codes and associated freeze frame data. It is recommended that you write down this information before clearing the codes and then test drive the vehicle until the PCM enters ready mode or the code is cleared.

If the PCM enters ready mode at this time, the code is intermittent and can be much more difficult to diagnose. In this case, the conditions that contributed to the retention of the code may need to worsen before an accurate diagnosis can be made.

However, if the code is cleared immediately, the next diagnostic step will require searching the vehicle information source for diagnostic block diagrams, pinouts, connector bezels, and component test procedures / specifications.

Follow manufacturer specifications to test Mass Air Flow and Pressure (MAF) sensors with the DVOM. If both of these sensors are OK, check the system circuits. I like to use the voltage drop method.

• A stored code P2280 is usually fixed by repairing a clogged air filter element or cracked intake pipe.

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