98 Olds Intigue.Code P0102 MAF/VAF What does it mean?

[kurtverb65]

My 1998 Olds Intigue's check engine light is on and reads P0102 in which translates to (according to codes book) "MAF / VAF a curcuit low input". Is this saying that my Mass air Flow sensor is "Bad" or experiencing a "Poor Ground"? If so what is the desciption of a MAF sensor and where is it located?
What is my remedy?

The cars symptoms are unexpected,occasional engine stalls.

Sincerely

Kurt

[dtownfb]

The first thing to do is make sure the air filter is clean. Then give the mass air flow sensor a good cleaning. I used the spray carbeurator cleaner on mine. Pat the sensor dry. Be very careful with the wires when you are drying the sensor.

If this does not work, then you need to replace the mass air flow sensor. I bought a used one on EBay about 6 months ago that is working fine. You may go that route once you see the prices for a new one.

[BNaylor]

I don't know about that but using carb cleaner is probably the worst thing you can do to clean the MAF wire element. Use MAF spray cleaner only which does not damage the wire element or thermistors and leaves no residue. You don't even have to touch the wire elements. Other alternative cleaning methods are denatured alcohol and carefully using Q-Tips or spray electrical contact cleaner.

On way to test for a bad MAF is disconnect the MAF sensor with ignition to off and then start. See if driveability returns and stalling disappears. Idle will be a little erratic until the engine warms up.

To remove the MAF you will need a Torx T20 tamper proof bit with a 1/4" driver to remove the two screws securing it to the top of the throttle body. For location see pic below.


SII 3800 Throttle Body with MAF, IAC and TPS Sensors. Also, IAT shown.

[dtownfb]

Never heard of MAF cleaner until I jsut read it in your post. I've used the Carb Cleaner at the recommnedation of another poster. It worked until the MAF finally pooped out last fall (over 3 years of cleaning).

Now I know and will recommend the MAF cleaner.

[kurtverb65]

I broke down and purchased a MAF sensor for $135.00 reman and that solved the problem. they want old one as a core for the new.

[harmankardon35]

just out of curiosity from this and another post I decided to unplug my MAF and see how it affected the driveability....and it did nothing. The car still ran almost as good as before with the ocasional dip in rpm's coming to a stop. Im wondering if mine isnt working right...

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by harmankardon35

just out of curiosity from this and another post I decided to unplug my MAF and see how it affected the driveability....and it did nothing. The car still ran almost as good as before with the ocasional dip in rpm's coming to a stop. Im wondering if mine isnt working right...

If it ain't broke then don't fix it. The proper way to test your MAF sensor and the other sensors is to run a full function odb-ii scanner. The read out with this type scan tool is in grams/sec. The reason why driveability with it disconnected is not affected with the exception of the flaky idle is the PCM module sees the lack of MAF input and uses pre-programmed parameters and other sensors like TPS and MAP, etc. However, if your MAF is flaky disconnecting it a good idea for troubleshooting purposes.