Nissan Check Engine Code
P0102 on Nissan
Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Circuit Low Input
Also covers: Infiniti
P0102 on Nissan: what makes it different
P0102 (MAF circuit low input) shows up frequently on Nissan's four-cylinder engines because the mass airflow sensor sits in a spot prone to oil vapor contamination from the crankcase breather system, skewing the signal low.
Most-affected engines
- QR25DE 2.5L (Altima, Sentra, Rogue)
- MR20DE 2.0L (Sentra, Nissan Serena)
- VQ35DE 3.5L V6 (Maxima, Murano, Altima)
Common model years: 2003–2013
Most likely cause on Nissan
A contaminated or dirty MAF sensor element sending a lower-than-expected voltage signal, often worsened by aftermarket oiled air filters.
Known Nissan engine-family issues
Nissan's intake design on several four-cylinder engines routes crankcase vapor close to the intake tract, and over time this can leave a light oil film on the MAF sensor, gradually lowering its output signal even without a full sensor failure.
Nissan-specific causes (most common first)
- Oil or dust contamination on the MAF sensor's hot-wire element
- Cracked or loose intake boot/tubing allowing unmetered air past the sensor
- Aftermarket oiled air filters depositing residue on the sensor over time
- Corroded or loose MAF sensor electrical connector
- Failing MAF sensor itself (internal sensor drift with age)
- PCV system issues pushing oil vapor back through the intake tract
Nissan-specific diagnostic tip
Check live MAF sensor readings at idle and 2,500 RPM before replacing anything — if the grams/sec value seems low but the sensor cleans up and reads normally afterward, cleaning may resolve it without needing a new part.
Symptoms drivers report
- Check engine light
- Rough idle, hesitation
- Stalling
- Drop in fuel economy
- Sometimes paired with P0171
Typical repair cost on Nissan
Most Nissan owners fix P0102 for between $40 and $220, depending on which underlying cause turns out to be at fault. Start with the most-likely cause for your vehicle — A contaminated or dirty MAF sensor element sending a lower-than-expected voltage signal, often worsened by aftermarket oiled air filters. — before throwing parts at it.
Nissan P0102 FAQ
Will cleaning the MAF sensor fix P0102 on my Nissan?
Often yes, especially if contamination rather than sensor failure is the cause — use a MAF-specific cleaner and let it fully dry before reinstalling.
Does an aftermarket air filter cause this code on Nissan?
Oiled or improperly sealed aftermarket filters are a known contributor since Nissan's MAF placement is sensitive to airborne oil residue.
Can a cracked intake hose cause P0102 instead of a bad sensor?
Yes — unmetered air entering after the MAF sensor can create a similar low-input signal, so inspect all intake boots and clamps before condemning the sensor.
Related codes
Drive a different make? See the general P0102 guide for cross-vehicle causes and symptoms.
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Most common fix for P0102:
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