Cruze Sedan

Make
Chevrolet
Segment
Sedan

The P1101 error code is one of the most commonly stored faults in Chevy Cruze models and can appear on both generations of this compact car. It appears to be more prevalent on examples with the 1.4-liter turbocharged or 2.0-liter turbodiesel engines, but is not uncommon in non-turbo gas-powered Cruzes, either. Fortunately, this fault is usually relatively easy to diagnose and fairly inexpensive to repair, so it shouldn't scare off any potential Chevy Cruze buyers or cause panic among current owners. So, let's unpack what a P11011 code on a Chevy Cruze is.

Causes Of Check Engine Light And Error Code P1101 On Chevy Cruze

The engine control unit (ECU) in a Chevy Cruze tests all the sensors attached to the engine upon startup and switches on the Check Engine Light (CEL) if any of those sensors return a signal outside its normal operating range.

One of these sensors is the Mass Air Flow sensor (MAF), which monitors the quantity of air entering the engine, and the ECU will illuminate the CEL right away if it detects that the MAF sensor's output signal is out of range or absent. Connecting a scanner to the OBD-II (diagnostic) port while this error is present will then present the P1101 and/or P0171 error codes in its memory, likely accompanied by a description along the lines of "Intake Airflow System Performance".

Additionally, the ECU can also recognize a faulty MAF signal when the car is being driven and will alert the driver to any Chevy Cruze Mass Air Flow sensor problems which may occur while on the move. This applies to all model years and appears to be prevalent on the gas-only lineup from 2011, 2012, and 2013. It appears on the diesel models, which arrived with the 2014 facelift, and remained a common issue for the 2015 model as well. The second-generation car, which arrived in the US in 2016 and remained available for 2017 and 2018, has different electronic architecture and new engines, and reports of this problem in the second-generation model are not common.

Chevrolet Cruze P1101 Error Code Symptoms

Apart from an illuminated CEL, there are a few other symptoms of a problem related to the Chevy Cruze's Mass Air Flow sensor system:

  • Rough idle quality
  • Poor performance - especially so on turbocharged models, but noticeable on non-turbo engines as well
  • Hesitation or surging while accelerating
  • Excessive fuel consumption

What Should I Do if My Chevy Cruze Shows the P1101 Code?

There are several ways to address the various causes of a Chevy Cruze P1101 error code, and they involve checking the possible causes one by one. However, the P1101 code is not a serious enough issue to stop your Chevy Cruze by the side of the road, and driving home or to a workshop will be entirely possible.

Can I Drive With This Issue?

While your Chevy Cruze won't perform correctly with this issue, it will still be able to drive home or to a workshop for repairs. Attend to this issue as quickly as possible, though, and avoid heavy throttle applications and high engine speeds, because the effects of such driving conditions combined with an air mass meter error could result in unpredictable performance, failure of other emission-control systems, and eventually, expensive engine damage.

How To Fix or Reset the P1101 Error Code on a Chevy Cruze

When it comes to a fix for the P1101 error code on a Chevy Cruze, the issue can be fairly easy to address. There are a number of possible causes for a Chevy Cruze P11011 code, however - here is a guide on how to deal with it:

  • A dirty or clogged air filter can result in incorrect MAF readings, so first inspect the engine air filter and replace it if there's visible dirt on the filter element.
  • Engine wiring harness problems can also cause errors with the air mass meter's signals. Check the wiring around the throttle body (near the firewall at the back of the engine) and the air mass meter (located on the air filter housing) for damage, especially considering the enviro-friendly soy-based insulation used on the wires is very attractive to rodents. If the damage is minor, you could repair the wiring harness and its insulation yourself, but you should consult an auto electrician about the repair if the damage is extensive. Also, check the battery's charge rate with a multimeter because an inadequate power supply could also trigger emission-related errors.
  • Consider a vacuum leak somewhere around the intake manifold, most likely from a cracked or perished vacuum line, throttle body seal, or intake manifold gasket. If the leak originates from a vacuum hose, you should be able to replace it with a fresh hose from the auto spares shop, but if a gasket causes the problem, you may want to get professional help for the repair.
  • The MAF sensor itself could also be at fault, due to old age or contamination by dirt or oil. This is particularly likely on cars with aftermarket foam-and-oil air filter elements because these filters continuously release microscopic oil droplets into the airstream. These droplets then collect and bake onto the hot-film air mass meter's sensing plate, leading to incorrect output signals. As soon as the new MAF is fitted, the ECU will see appropriate signal values again and soon turn off the CEL by itself.
  • The P1101 error code on a Chevrolet Cruze could also be displayed alongside other diagnostic error codes, such as P0106, P0299, P0507, and P2096, in which case the MAF sensor or its wiring is most likely not the cause of the problem. If you encounter any of these additional error codes, you'll likely need to get a professional's help to repair the crankcase ventilation system's check valves, which may involve the replacement of the valve cover to solve the P11011 code on your Chevy Cruze. This is quite an intricate operation, and only experienced home mechanics or professionals should attempt this repair.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix?

The cost of P11011 issues on a Chevy Cruse depends on the cause. OEM air filters cost less than $30 for all engine types, so this is a budget-friendly place to start diagnosing the problem. An OEM replacement MAF sensor for a gas-powered Cruze costs around $70, and an OEM replacement sensor for a diesel-engined Cruze will set you back about $130. Fitting a MAF is easy, so there's no need for professional assistance in this case. However, other issues which could cause the same error codes may vary widely, depending on the nature of the problem and the labor rate of your local workshop. An OEM replacement valve cover for a Chevy Cruze with the 1.4-liter turbo engine costs around $70 plus about $24 for its gasket, but it costs almost $140 plus $50 for the gasket for the 1.8-liter engine, with a labor charge of around $150 for replacement in each case.