What does P0102 Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Low mean?
The P0102 OBD code refers to a Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Low.
This code indicates that there is a low condition detected in the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor or circuit.
The MAF sensor is responsible for measuring the volume and density of air being drawn into the engine.
The PCM uses this reading along with other sensor parameters to ensure proper fuel delivery for optimum power and fuel efficiency.
Possible symptoms of a P0102 code may include rough running engine, black smoke from the tailpipe, stalling, and hard start.
Some potential causes of this code include a dirty or contaminated MAF sensor, failed MAF sensor, intake air leaks, and MAF sensor wiring problems.
It is important to properly diagnose and repair the issue to prevent further damage to the engine.
P0102 Symptoms
- Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illumination (a.k.a. check engine light)
- Rough running engine
- Black smoke from tail pipe
- Stalling
- Engine hard start or stalling after it starts
- Possible other driveability symptoms or even no symptoms
Possible P0102 Causes
- Dirty or contaminated mass air flow sensor
- Failed MAF sensor
- Intake air leaks
- MAF sensor electrical harness or wiring problem (open, shorted, frayed, poor connection, etc.)
Troubleshooting P0102 error code
- Visually inspect all MAF sensor wiring and connectors to make sure they are intact, not frayed, broken, routed too close to ignition wires/coils, relays, motors, etc.
- Visually inspect for any obvious air leaks in the air intake system
- Visually *closely* inspect the MAF sensor wires or film to see if you can see contamination such as dirt, dust, oil, etc.
- If the air filter is dirty, replace it with a new original equipment filter from the dealer
- Carefully clean the MAF using MAF cleaner spray is generally a good DIY friendly diagnostic/repair step
- If the air intake system has a mesh in it, make sure that is also clean (VWs mainly)
- Loss of vacuum to the MAP sensor can trigger this DTC
- A low minimum air rate through the sensor bore may cause this DTC to set at idle or during deceleration. Inspect for any vacuum leaks downstream of the MAF sensor.
- Use a scan tool to monitor real-time sensor values from the MAF sensor, O2 sensors, etc.
- Check for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for your particular make/model in case of known issues on your vehicle
- The barometric pressure (BARO) that is used to calculate the predicted MAF value is initially based on the MAP sensor at key ON. A high resistance on the ground circuit of the MAP sensor can cause this DTC to set
- If you do need to replace the MAF sensor, we recommend using an original equipment OEM one from the manufacturer rather than buying an aftermarket part. Note: The use of a reusable oiled air filter could be a cause of this code, if it is over-oiled. Oil can transfer to the fine wire or film inside the MAF sensor and contaminate it. Use something such as MAF cleaner spray to clean the MAF in such situations. We do not recommend the use of oiled air filters.
