AutoCodes – Generic – P0103

P0103 Code - Mass Or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input

Quick Answer

The Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor is placed in the stream of the intake air. Common causes include Dirty Air Filter, Dirty Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor, Intake air leaks. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P0103 indicates Mass Or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input.
Common causes: Common causes include Dirty Air Filter, Dirty Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor, Intake air leaks.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 208,819

How popular is this code, among other codes? High

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on May 18, 2022

Description
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes ▶
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0103 Description

The Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor is placed in the stream of the intake air. It measures the intake flow rate by measuring a part of the entire intake flow. It consists of a hot film that is supplied with electric current from the Engine Control Module (ECM). The ECM controls the temperature of the hot film by a certain amount. The heat generated by the hot film is reduced as the intake air flows around it. The more air, the greater the heat loss. Therefore, the ECM must supply more electric current to maintain the temperature of the hot film as air flow increases. The ECM detects the air flow by means of this current change. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the ECM detects that the MAF Sensor Signal is more than the factory specifications.

*Sensor design may vary for your model and year

OBDII Code P0103 - Mass Or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input - AutoCodes.com — P0103 Code - Mass Or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0103?

Dirty Air Filter
Dirty Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor
Intake air leaks
Faulty Mass Air Flow Sensor
Mass Air Flow Sensor harness is open or shorted
Mass Air Flow Sensor circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P0103?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

Before replacing the Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor, try replacing the air filter and cleaning the Mass Air Flow Sensor with low compress air or Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner. Reset code and drive vehicle. If the code comes back, you must replace the Mass Air Flow Sensor to fix the problem.

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What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0103 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P0103 code?

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Information for Specific Makes

P0103 Acura — Mass Air Flow Sensor Circuit High Voltage
P0103 Audi — Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input
P0103 Buick — Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input
P0103 Cadillac — Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input
P0103 Chevrolet — Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input
P0103 Chrysler — Mass Air Flow Sensor Circuit Low
P0103 Dodge — Mass Air Flow Sensor Circuit Low
P0103 Ford — Mass Or Volume Air Flow Sensor 'A' Circuit High Input
P0103 GMC — Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input
P0103 Honda — Mass Air Flow Sensor Circuit High Voltage
P0103 Hummer — Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input
P0103 Hyundai — Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input
P0103 Infiniti — Mass Air Flow Sensor Circuit High Input
P0103 Isuzu — Mass Air Flow Sensor Circuit High Frequency
P0103 Jaguar — Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input
P0103 Jeep — Mass Air Flow Sensor Circuit Low
P0103 KIA — Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input
P0103 Land Rover — Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input
P0103 Lexus — Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input
P0103 Lincoln — Mass Or Volume Air Flow Sensor 'A' Circuit High Input
P0103 Mazda — Mass Air Flow Sensor High Input Signal
P0103 Mercedes-Benz — Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input
P0103 Mitsubishi — Mass Air Flow Sensor Circuit High Input
P0103 Nissan — Mass Air Flow Sensor Circuit High Input
P0103 Pontiac — Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input
P0103 Saturn — Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input
P0103 Scion — Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input
P0103 Subaru — Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input
P0103 Toyota — Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input
P0103 Volkswagen — Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0103 Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code P0103 (Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input)?

- Common symptoms include poor engine performance, rough idling, stalling, decreased fuel efficiency, and the illumination of the Check Engine Light.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0103?

- The code P0103 can be triggered by a faulty mass air flow (MAF) sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the MAF circuit, a clogged air filter, or a vacuum leak.

3. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P0103?

- Diagnosis typically involves inspecting the MAF sensor and its wiring for damage, checking the air filter for clogs, and using a scan tool to monitor MAF sensor data for inconsistencies.

4. Can a dirty air filter cause OBDII code P0103?

- Yes, a dirty or clogged air filter can disrupt the airflow to the MAF sensor, leading to incorrect readings and triggering code P0103.

5. Is it safe to drive with OBDII code P0103 active?

- It is generally safe to drive with code P0103, but it is advisable to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage to the engine and maintain optimal performance.

6. How can I repair OBDII code P0103?

- Repair options may include cleaning or replacing the air filter, inspecting and repairing damaged wiring or connectors, or replacing the MAF sensor if it is faulty.

7. Can a vacuum leak cause OBDII code P0103?

- Yes, a vacuum leak in the air intake system can disrupt the airflow readings, leading to code P0103 being triggered by the engine control module.

8. How much does it typically cost to fix OBDII code P0103?

- The cost of fixing code P0103 can vary depending on the root cause of the issue, but it may range from $50 for a simple air filter replacement to a few hundred dollars for a new MAF sensor.

9. How long does it take to repair OBDII code P0103?

- The repair time for code P0103 can vary based on the specific cause of the issue and the complexity of the repair, but it can generally be resolved within a few hours to a day.

10. Will resetting the Check Engine Light resolve OBDII code P0103?

- Resetting the Check Engine Light may temporarily turn off the light, but it will not fix the underlying issue causing code P0103. It is recommended to diagnose and repair the problem to prevent the code from reoccurring.