P0104 Code: Mass Air Flow Sensor Circuit Intermittent
🟠 Moderate severity · drivable
You can usually drive, but the engine may stall or hesitate without warning while the signal drops out.
What P0104 means
The mass air flow (MAF) sensor signal is dropping out or cutting in and out. The engine computer sees airflow readings that change suddenly or disappear. This can cause stalling, rough running, and hesitation that come and go.
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Engine stalls or hesitates intermittently
- Rough idle that comes and goes
- Sudden loss of power while driving
Common causes
- most common: Loose or corroded MAF connector
- common: Damaged wiring in the MAF harness
- common: Faulty MAF sensor
- less common: Dirty sensor element
How to fix it
| Fix | DIY? | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Clean and reseat the MAF connector | Yes | $0–20 |
| Repair damaged MAF wiring | Yes | $20–80 |
| Replace the MAF sensor | Yes | $80–250 |
| Clean the MAF sensor element | Yes | $10–20 |
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P0104?
Short trips are usually okay, but the engine may stall without warning. Check the connector first since intermittent faults are often just a loose plug.
Why does P0104 come and go?
Intermittent means the signal drops out now and then. Loose connections and broken wires cause problems that appear and disappear.
Where is the MAF sensor?
It sits in the air intake tube between the air filter box and the throttle body.
Related codes
P0101
P0101 Code: Mass or Volume Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
P0102P0102 Code: Mass Air Flow Sensor Circuit Low
P0103P0103 Code: Mass Air Flow Sensor Circuit High
Updated 2026-08. This page is informational and not a substitute for professional diagnosis.