AutoCodes – Nissan – P0103 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan

P0103 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan Code - Mass Air Flow Sensor 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 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan indicates Mass Air Flow Sensor 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 3,900

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

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 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan 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.

OBDII Code P0103 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan - Mass Air Flow Sensor Circuit High Input - AutoCodes.com — P0103 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan Code - Mass Air Flow Sensor Circuit High Input

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0103 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan?

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 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan?

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 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan 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.

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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 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code P0103 in a 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- Common symptoms include rough idling, stalling, poor acceleration, decreased fuel efficiency, and the illumination of the Check Engine light.

2. What causes the Mass Air Flow Sensor Circuit High Input code (P0103) in a 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- The P0103 code is typically triggered by issues such as a faulty mass air flow sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the MAF sensor circuit, or a clogged air filter.

3. How can I diagnose the Mass Air Flow Sensor Circuit High Input issue in my 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- To diagnose the problem, you can perform a visual inspection of the MAF sensor and its connections, check for damaged wiring, test the MAF sensor's voltage, and use an OBDII scanner to retrieve trouble codes.

4. Can a dirty air filter cause the P0103 code in a 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- Yes, a clogged or dirty air filter can disrupt the airflow entering the engine, leading to incorrect readings by the mass air flow sensor and potentially triggering the P0103 code.

5. How can I repair the Mass Air Flow Sensor Circuit High Input issue in my 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- Repair options may include cleaning or replacing the mass air flow sensor, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, replacing the air filter, and clearing the trouble codes with an OBDII scanner.

6. Is it safe to drive my 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan with the P0103 code present?

- It is not recommended to drive with the P0103 code active, as it can cause drivability issues and potential damage to the engine over time. It is best to address the issue promptly.

7. Can the Mass Air Flow Sensor Circuit High Input code affect my 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan's performance?

- Yes, the P0103 code can impact your vehicle's performance by causing rough running, reduced power, and poor fuel economy due to incorrect readings from the mass air flow sensor.

8. How much does it typically cost to repair the P0103 code in a 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- The repair cost for the P0103 code can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue and whether you choose to perform the repairs yourself or take your vehicle to a mechanic. Costs may range from $50 for a DIY fix to a few hundred dollars at a repair shop.

9. Can I reset the P0103 code in my 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan without fixing the underlying issue?

- While you can clear the trouble code using an OBDII scanner, the Check Engine light may come back on if the root cause of the P0103 code is not addressed. It is recommended to fix the underlying issue to prevent further problems.

10. How often does the Mass Air Flow Sensor Circuit High Input code (P0103) occur in 2009 Nissan Altima Sedans?

- The P0103 code can occur in 2009 Nissan Altima Sedans due to various factors such as sensor failures, wiring issues, or dirty air filters. If left unresolved, it can lead to performance issues and potential damage to the vehicle's engine.