What Does The Engine Code P0102 Mean?

If your car is showing the engine code P0102, you may be dealing with an issue with your car’s mass airflow sensor.
Written by Kevin Martinez
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
If your car is displaying the engine code P0102, it may be that your engine’s mass airflow sensor is emitting a low voltage. Although this code doesn’t affect your car’s driveability, it’s essential to get it checked to avoid any complications down the road.
Your car emits diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), which serve as your car’s way of communicating whether or not it has an issue. The best way to read these codes is through an OD-II reader, which your mechanic should have on hand.
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What does the engine code P0102 mean?

Definition: Mass or volume airflow circuit low input
The
mass airflow (MAF) sensor
in your car is what measures the amount of air in your engine.
If your car is displaying the P0102 code, it might indicate a low voltage output to your car’s engine control module (ECM). 

How much will it cost to fix?

If you need to replace or fix the MAF sensor in your vehicle, expect to pay about $75 to $150 per hour for mechanic labor. The exact total will depend on what work needs to be done and the cost of parts.

What can cause the P0102 engine code?

If your car is showing the P0102 engine code, chances are your MAF sensor is emitting a low voltage to your car’s ECM. The most common causes of this include the following:
  • Faulty MAF sensor
  • Dirty air filter
  • Intake air leaks
  • Dirty MAF
  • MAF harness is opened or damaged
The mass airflow sensor consists of a hot film that is supplied by the electrical current from the ECM. The temperature, controlled by the ECM, is regulated by the amount of airflow intake the engine takes—in other words, the more air, the less heat. 
This means that the ECM must provide more electric current to maintain the temperature of the hot film as the air intake increases. 

Common symptoms of the P0102 engine code

Although you may only see the
engine warning light
on as the main symptom of a faulty MAF sensor, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other symptoms to look for. Here are some common signs that may indicate an issue:
  • Engine stalling/rough start
  • Excessive fuel consumption
  • Excessive smoke from the engine

How serious is the P0102 engine code? 

Although the P0102 code may not pose any immediate risks in terms of driveability, it’s essential to get it checked as soon as possible. Failure to get it checked could result in further damage to your engine’s health, which could ultimately affect your car’s driveability and safety.

Can I fix the P0102 engine code myself?

While it may be possible to fix or replace your MAF sensor at home, it’s essential to have the issue properly checked by a licensed mechanic
If you have some mechanical know-how, you’ll want to look for damaged connectors or wiring harnesses. After adequately assessing and diagnosing the issue, you could try replacing your cabin air filter and cleaning your car’s MAF sensor. Then, you can attempt to reset the code and drive your vehicle.
Be sure to have a reputable mechanic inspect your work to ensure that there are no further issues.

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