Powertrain, generic (extended)

P2280 Air Flow Restriction/Air Leak Between Air Filter and MAF (Bank 1)

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleRequired
Limp modeNo

P2280 is the bank 1 code for restricted airflow or an air leak between the air filter and the MAF sensor. A blocked filter lowers the pressure ahead of the sensor and limits the air the engine can take in. A leak in this section matters less for fuel metering, since the air still passes the MAF, but it lets unfiltered air and dust reach the engine. FCA's heavy-duty Ram trucks with the 6.7 L Cummins diesel are the documented users: with 2016 software, bulletin 18-027-16 made P2280 wait for two trips instead of one before the MIL, and FCA tech tip 9003821 (2017) notes MIL events where oil-soaked intake filters were being replaced. FCA's older wording names the code without a bank. P227F is the bank 2 counterpart, P2281 covers the stretch from the MAF to the throttle.

Likely causes

Air filter clogged or soaked with oil
Snow, ice or debris in the air inlet, or a collapsed intake duct
Cracked duct or loose clamp between filter box and MAF
Early software that flags the condition too readily

Symptoms

  • MIL on
  • Less power and slower boost build-up under load
  • More smoke from diesel engines when accelerating

Repair estimate

DifficultyEasyDIY possible
Parts and labour€20–250
Time0.2–1.5 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

air filterintake ductmass air flow sensor

Related codes

P227FP2281P2282P0101P0299

References: static.nhtsa.gov, static.nhtsa.gov.