P0102 Low MAF Circuit

Technical description of error P0102

The mass air flow sensor (whose initials stand for the words mass air flow) is designed to measure the volume and density of air entering the engine, and this sensor can be installed directly on the engine air intake pipe.

This mass air flow sensor is only responsible for measuring a fraction of the incoming air, its job is to take this value and calculate both the volume and density of the incoming air, and the job of the PCM is to use this reading along with other set parameters. using the sensor to ensure the correct fuel supply at all timesso that there is no energy loss in the car or engine.

If the mass air flow sensor is faulty, the OBDII code P0102 will flash.

What does P0102 mean?

This Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is a generic transmission code, which means it applies to OBD-II equipped vehicles that have an MAF sensor. Brands include, but are not limited to, Toyota, Infiniti, Nissan, Jaguar, Audi, Mercedes, Dodge, Hyundai, Chevy, Ford, etc. Despite the general nature, specific repair steps may vary depending on the brand / model.

The mass air flow (MAF) sensor is a sensor located in the vehicle's engine air intake tract after the air filter and is used to measure the volume and density of air drawn into the engine. The mass air flow sensor itself only measures a portion of the intake air, and this value is used to calculate the total intake air volume and density.

The powertrain control module (PCM) uses this reading in conjunction with other sensor parameters to ensure proper fuel delivery at all times for optimal power and fuel efficiency.

This Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0102 means a low signal is detected in the mass air flow (MAF) sensor or circuit. The PCM detects that the actual MAF sensor frequency signal is not within the normal expected range of the calculated MAF value.

Note. Some MAF sensors also include an air temperature sensor, which is another value used by the PCM for optimal engine performance.

Closely related MAF circuit trouble codes include P0100, P0101, P0103, and P0104.

Photo of the mass air flow sensor (mass air flow):

What are the possible symptoms of a P0102 code?

Symptoms of a P0102 code may include:

• Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated (also known as engine warning lamp)
• Roughly running engine
• Black smoke from the exhaust pipe
• Stalling
• Engine starts hard or stalls after starting
• Possible other symptoms of controllability or even no symptoms
• Feeling of roughness and low fluidity in the engine.
• Stuck when starting the engine, which can lead to automatic shutdown.
• Difficulty driving.

What are the possible reasons?

Possible causes of this DTC may include:

• Dirty or dirty MAF sensor
• Faulty MAF sensor
• Intake air leaks
• MAF sensor wiring harness or wiring problem (open circuit, short circuit, wear, poor connection, etc.)

Note that other codes may be present if you have a P0102. You may have misfire codes or O2 sensor codes, so it is important to get a “big picture” of how the systems work together and affect each other when diagnosing.

What can I do to diagnose and fix Engine Code P0102?

• Visually inspect all MAF wiring and connectors to ensure they are intact, not frayed, broken, routed too close to ignition wires / coils, relays, engines, etc.
• Visually check for obvious air leaks in the air intake system.
• Visually * carefully * inspect the MAF (MAF) sensor wires or tape to see contaminants such as dirt, dust, oil, etc.
• If the air filter is dirty, replace it with a new original filter from your dealer.
• Thoroughly clean the MAF with a MAF cleaning spray, usually a good DIY diagnostic / repair step.
• If there is a mesh in the air intake system, make sure it is clean (mostly VW).
• Loss of vacuum at the MAP sensor can trigger this DTC.
• Low minimum airflow through the sensor hole can cause this DTC to set at idle or during deceleration. Check for vacuum leaks after the MAF sensor.
• Use a scan tool to monitor real-time values ​​of MAF sensor, O2 sensors, etc.
• Check Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) for your specific make / model for known problems with your vehicle.
• Atmospheric Pressure (BARO), which is used to calculate the predicted MAF, is initially based on the MAP sensor when the key is on.
• A high resistance in the ground circuit of the MAP sensor can set this DTC.

If you really need to replace the MAF sensor, we recommend using the original OEM sensor from the manufacturer rather than buying replacement parts.

Note: Using a reusable oil air filter can cause this code if it is overly lubricated. Oil can get on the thin wire or film inside the MAF sensor and contaminate it. In these situations, use something like a MAF cleaning spray to cleanse the MAF. We do not recommend the use of oil air filters.

Fixing P0102 engine code

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NOTE. This information is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as a repair recommendation and we are not responsible for any action you take on any vehicle. All information on this site is protected by copyright.