Cause and Fixes P0102 Code Chevy Silverado

By | April 7, 2023

Cause and Fixes P0102 Chevy Silverado
If you have a Chevy Silverado with a P0102 OBDII error code, there is usually a problem with the MAF sensor.

A Chevy Silverado P0102 OBDII code is a “Mass Air Flow Circuit Signal Low.”

While a faulty MAF sensor is the usual problem other things can also cause the error.

What Is a P0102 Chevy Silverado OBDII Error Code?

A P0102 OBDII code “Mass Air Flow Circuit Signal Low” or “Mass or VAF A Ckt Low Input” error.

The MAF is located on the air filter box and measures airflow going into an engine.

A P0102 OBDII Code usually indicates there is an error with the MAF (Mass Air Flow sensor).

The onboard computer (ECM) uses the MAF sensor to know how much air has gone into the engine, and uses the information to adjust the Air/Fuel ratio.

What is the Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF) Sensor?

Cause and Fixes P0102 Chevy Silverado MAF Sensor
The MAF Sensor is what gives the onboard computer (ECM) information on air flow into the engine.

The ECM uses this information to adjust the air/fuel ratio.

If the data the EMC receives is bad, the engine will run poorly.

4 Cause and Fixes P0102 Chevy Silverado

  1. Dirty MAF Sensor
  2. Dirty MAF Sensor
    A dirty MAF Sensor is the most common cause of P0102 OBDII error code on a Chevy Silverado.

    They are easy to clean and are a fix that falls in the DIY category.

    Of course, if in doubt, be sure to take your vehicle to a professional.

    The cleaner can be bought at an auto parts store or online on Amazon or eBay.

  3. Faulty MAF Sensor
  4. Cause and Fixes P0102 Chevy Silverado MAF Sensor Replacement
    The sensor may have failed and need a replacement which is a straightforward task to replace.

    The MAF sensor is located at the air inlet box with wiring harnesses.
    Cause and Fixes P0102 Chevy Silverado MAF Sensor Replacement 2
    It is replaced by removing two big C-clamps and inserting a new MAF sensor.

    The MAF sensor can be bought with the housing or separately.

    Most buy with the housing since it is sealed good and there is not much difference in price.

  5. Vacuum Leak
  6. A vacuum leak can also cause a P0102 error code in some scenarios.

    Since the MAF sensor detects the air flow difference between the air intake and manifold, a vacuum leak in the manifold can cause an issue.

    There are different methods to test for a vacuum leak, with the most common to use a smoke machine to feed smoke into the intake, which will exit at any leak.

  7. Wiring Issue or Blown Fuse
  8. MAF Sensor Wiring
    The wiring can also be a source of failure if there is a shorted or open wire.

    The wiring harness can have a pin that is bad, which will cause a bad connection and failure.

    Check the wiring harness and use a multimeter to check the wiring for any possible shorts or open wires.

    A blown fuse can also cause a problem.

    The wiring can be examined to see if there is an issue, and the fuse boxes can be checked for any possible blown fuses.

Summary
If you have a Chevy Silverado with a check engine light, and after scanning for a trouble code, you get a P0102, there is an issue with the ECM reading the mass airflow.

This is usually a problem with the mass airflow MAF sensor low voltage output but can also be caused by other things.

The sensor monitors the air entering the engine and measures the amount which is reported to the EMC for air fuelr ratio mixture.

P0102 symptoms can vary from the vehicle running to fine to sputtering and misfiring.

How badly the Silverado runs will depend on how bad the information the onboard computer is receiving.

If the engine light comes on and a code reader gives a P0102, it should be fixed even if there are no symptoms, as the problem will likely become worse.

The issue is often fixed by backyard mechanics with basic automotive repair knowledge.

The first step is to clean the MAF sensor and see if the error clears.

Also, check the MAF sensor wires and electrical harness as bad connections will cause the same problems as a bad sensor.

The next step is usually to replace the sensor since they are low cost and rule it out as a possible cause.

If none of the above steps fix the error, a vacuum leak or wiring issue may be the cause.

Have you had problems with a Chevy Silverado and a P0102 code? Let us know your thoughts below.

Bob Thomas
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