Fuel and air metering
P0103 — Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input
The MAF sensor signal voltage is higher than the expected range. The ECU believes too much air is entering and may inject too much fuel.
Common causes
- Faulty MAF sensor
- Short to voltage in the signal wire
- Poor sensor ground
- Contaminated sensor element
- Wiring or connector damage
Symptoms
- Rich mixture, black smoke or fuel smell
- Rough idle
- Poor fuel economy
- Check engine light
How to check
- Inspect the connector and wiring for a short or damaged insulation
- Check the sensor ground and power supply
- Compare live MAF reading with engine off (should be near zero) and at idle
- Replace the sensor if it reads high without airflow
Can you keep driving?
Drivable for a short time, but a rich mixture wastes fuel and can overheat the catalytic converter. Fix it soon.
Related codes
Frequently asked questions
- What does P0103 mean?
- The MAF sensor signal is above the normal range, so the ECU reads a false high airflow.
- Will P0103 make the car run rich?
- It can, because the ECU may add fuel for air that is not really there.
General reference information. It does not replace a diagnosis on your own vehicle. The same code can have different causes depending on make, model year and engine; check the manufacturer's documentation or ask a technician with a scan tool.