OBD-II code · Powertrain (generic, extended)
P2281 Air Leak Between MAF and Throttle Body
The ECU detects unmetered air entering between the mass airflow sensor and the throttle body. The actual airflow into the engine is greater than what the MAF measures, leading to lean conditions.
Is it safe to drive with P2281?
Usually safe to drive in the short term. Get it diagnosed when convenient, sooner if the car drives differently.
Common causes
- Most likelyCracked or torn intake hose
- PossibleLoose hose clamp
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Power loss, hesitation under acceleration
- Rough or unstable idle
- Increased fuel consumption
- Possible difficulty starting
Repair at a glance
- Difficulty
- Easy
- DIY friendly
- Often, with basic tools
- Typical labour
- 0.3–1.5 h
- Emissions test
- Likely to fail
- After the fix
- A drive cycle is needed before the light stays off
- Parts involved
- Intake Duct, Throttle Body, Mass Air Flow Sensor, Intake Hose
Related codes
- P227EBarometric Pressure Sensor C Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
- P227FAir Flow Restriction/Air Leak Between Air Filter and MAF (Bank 2)
- P2280Air Flow Restriction / Air Filter Restriction
- P2282Air Leak Between Throttle Body and Intake Valves
- P2283Injector Control Pressure Sensor Circuit
- P2284Injector Control Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.