P0104 Unstable MAF Circuit

P0104 Unstable MAF Circuit

Technical description

Intermittent / unstable mass or volumetric airflow circuit

What does this 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, Ford, Mercedes, Peugeot, Toyota, Honda, Citroen, Nissan, VW, Jeep, Chevrolet, Dodge, etc. Despite the general nature, specific repair steps may vary by brand / models.

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) P0104 means that an intermittent or intermittent fault has been 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, P0102, and P0103.

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

What are the possible symptoms?

Symptoms of a P0104 code may include:

• Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated (also known as engine warning lamp)
• Roughly running engine
• Black smoke from the exhaust pipe
• stolling
• Engine starts hard or stalls after starting
• Possible other symptoms of controllability or even no symptoms

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 P0104. 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 P0104?

• 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.

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