P0102 Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit low Input

The mass air flow or MAF sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine. The engine computer (PCM) uses the mass air flow signal to calculate the amount of fuel to be injected. The code P0102 is set when the signal from the mass air flow sensor is lower than expected. Read more about mass air flow sensor >

• Symptoms
• Causes
• Common problems causing the code P0102
• What needs to be checked

Symptoms

Symptoms related to the code P0102 include no-start, stalling, lack of power, hesitation, rough idle.

Possible causes

- faulty or contaminated mass airflow sensor
- debris blocking the air flow sensor element
- vacuum leaks
- air filter box not closed properly
- wrong air filter installed
- PCV system leaks
- restricted or collapsed intake air snorkel (boot)
- dirty or restricted air filter
- restricted air screen before the air filter
- aftermarket components installed (e.g. cold intake, modified air filter)
- wrong air flow sensor installed
- electrical problem with the MAF sensor wiring or connector.
- clogged catalytic converter
- faulty manifold absolute pressure sensor (MAP). - faulty PCM

Common problems

In many GM vehicles, the code P0102 is caused by a faulty mass air flow sensor. The repair involves clearing the code and replacing the MAF sensor if no other problems are found.

In some Mazda vehicles with the Skyactiv engine, the code P0102 could be caused by a failed mass air flow sensor. Replacing the mass air flow sensor often resolves the issue.

A Nissan technical service bulletin (TSB) for the trouble code P0102 in 2002 Nissan Maxima recommends removing debris from inside the air filter housing, replacing the airflow meter assembly and reprogramming the ECM.

A Toyota TSB describes a problem with the 2006 Toyota Tacoma, where loose terminals in the MAF sensor connector could cause the code P0102; the connector must be checked and repaired if needed.

In many European cars, including Volkswagen, Audi, Volvo, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, the code P0102 is often caused by a faulty mass airflow sensor.

We have also seen cases where this code was caused by an aftermarket air filter or cold intake installed. In this case, the first step to diagnose this code is to install back the OEM components, clear the code and see if it comes back.

Can a dirty air filter cause the code P0102? If the air filter is very dirty to the point that it restricts the air flow, then yes. For example, see this photo of an aftermarket filter that caused the code P0102 because the filter screen is completely clogged up, restricting the air flow.

What needs to be checked:

The snorkel between the mass air flow sensor and the engine intake needs to be checked for cracks, tears, loose clamps or improper connection. See the photo.

The connector and the wiring at the mass air flow needs to be checked for loose terminals, corrosion or damage.

The air filter needs to be inspected and replaced if dirty, ripped or if it doesn't fit properly.

Some cars (e.g. Volkswagen, Audi) have a screen inside the air duct before the air filter (Snow Screen). This screen needs to be checked for leaves and other debris blocking the air flow.

The mass air flow sensor needs to be checked for contamination or blockage, see the photo. If the sensor element is dirty, cleaning it may help. However, the element is very delicate and should be cleaned carefully to avoid damage.

Check related service bulletins. For example, the GM service bulletin 18-NA-217 describes a problem with some 2017-2019 Silverado/Sierra trucks where a short in the wiring at the fuel composition sensor (Flexible Fuel Sensor) could cause the code P0102 along with other codes. Google 'Make Model P0102 service bulletin' if you don't have access to factory service bulletins.

A bad ground or even a blown fuse for the MAF sensor can also cause the code P0102. For this reason, the mass air flow sensor reference voltage and ground must be checked at the sensor connector. The air flow sensor readings must be checked with the scan tool at different RPMs and compared to the readings of the known good sensor or to the readings from another car of the same model. Read more: How the mass air flow sensor is tested. The long and short fuel trim readings also need to be checked.

Can a clogged catalytic converter cause the code P0102? Yes. One of the symptoms of a clogged catalytic converter is lack of power at higher RPMs. In worst cases, the car may start and run at idle but bog down as soon as the engine is revved. How can you check if the catalytic converter is clogged up? If a clogged catalytic converter is suspected, the exhaust back pressure must be checked.

Often, the solution for the code P0102 is to replace the mass air flow sensor if no other problems are found. A poor-quality part can also cause the code P0102. It's best to use an OEM sensor. The mass air flow sensor costs from $70 to $350. Replacing the sensor is easy. If the problem is fixed, the code P0102 will clear itself after driving.