P0104 Mass air flow sensor A circuit intermittent
What P0104 means
The engine computer has seen the mass air flow sensor signal cut out or jump erratically for short moments. Each dropout gives the computer a wrong airflow figure, so the engine can stumble or hesitate without warning.
P0104 is a generic SAE J2012 code: it means the same on every make. The exact cause still depends on the car, so read the freeze-frame data before replacing parts.
At a glance
- Severity
- High
- Typical repair cost
- 40–350 €
- Workshop time
- 0.5–2 h
- Repair difficulty
- Medium
- DIY possible
- Yes
- Check engine light
- Yes
- Affects emissions test
- Yes
Parts and labour at an independent workshop in Europe. Main dealers charge more; the cause decides the bill, not the code.
Symptoms
- Check engine light on, sometimes coming and going
- Random stumbling, hesitation or surging
- Occasional stalling
- Rough idle
Common causes
- Loose or corroded MAF connector
- Chafed or broken wire that makes contact only intermittently
- Failing MAF sensor
- Poor ground connection
Can I keep driving with P0104?
Have it checked within a few days. Intermittent dropouts can cause sudden stumbles or stalling, for example when pulling out of a junction.
What to check first
- Check the MAF connector for loose terminals and corrosion; clean and reseat it.
- With the engine idling, watch the live MAF reading while gently moving the harness to find a break.
- Check the sensor ground and supply voltage for drops.
- If the wiring holds up, replace the MAF sensor.
Related codes
- P0103 Mass air flow sensor A circuit high
- P0105 Manifold absolute pressure / barometric pressure sensor circuit
- P0102 Mass air flow (MAF) sensor A circuit low
- P0106 Manifold absolute pressure / barometric pressure sensor range/performance
- P0101 Mass air flow sensor A range/performance
- P0107 Manifold absolute pressure / barometric pressure sensor circuit low
- P0100 Mass air flow sensor A circuit
- P0108 Manifold absolute pressure / barometric pressure sensor circuit high
Data: TORKO fault-code catalogue, built on OBDex (CC0-1.0) and reviewed against workshop practice. Informational only — it does not replace a diagnosis by a mechanic.
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