P0102 on Chevrolet vehicles
MAF Sensor Low Input — what it means on a Chevrolet, whether it's safe to drive, and the fixes by model and year.
P0102 on a Chevrolet means maf sensor low input. Most vehicles stay drivable short-term, but diagnose it promptly. The most common cause is disconnected maf sensor connector (typically $0–$50). Pick your Chevrolet model below for its known failure patterns, recalls, and TSBs.
What does P0102 mean on a Chevrolet?
P0102 is set when the ECM sees the mass air flow sensor signal at a voltage or frequency below the calibrated minimum for the engine's operating conditions. Where P0101 means "MAF reading is implausible", P0102 means "MAF signal is too low or missing entirely." The cause is usually a disconnected sensor, broken signal wire, or a sensor that has failed in a way that produces no output.
P0102 is a standardized OBD-II code, so its definition is the same on every Chevrolet. What differs by model and engine is which cause is most likely — pick your Chevrolet model below for a diagnosis tuned to its known failure patterns, recalls, and TSBs.
Is it safe to drive a Chevrolet with P0102?
In most cases a Chevrolet stays drivable for short trips with P0102 active, but diagnose and repair it promptly. This is a moderate-severity code — ignoring it can lead to further damage or a failed emissions test. Exact tolerance depends on the model and engine.
What causes P0102 on a Chevrolet?
| Cause | Likelihood | Estimated repair (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Disconnected MAF sensor connector — Check this first — the simplest cause is the most common after recent work. | Most common | $0–$50 |
| Broken or shorted MAF signal wire | Common | $80–$350 |
| Corroded MAF sensor connector pins | Common | $30–$200 |
| Internal MAF sensor failure (sensor produces no output) | Common | $80–$450 |
| Open in MAF sensor 5 V reference or ground supply | Occasional | $100–$400 |
| Failed PCM input circuit for the MAF (rare) | Rare | $400–$1,500 |
Repair costs are typical US ranges and vary by Chevrolet model, model year, and labor rate. A diagnostic trouble code is a symptom, not a guaranteed failed part — confirm the root cause before replacing anything.
P0102 by Chevrolet model
Select your Chevrolet model and year for a P0102 diagnosis tuned to that vehicle's failure patterns, recalls, and TSBs.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
1,648 NHTSA owner complaints · 14 recalls on record across the years covered below.
Chevrolet Equinox
1,100 NHTSA owner complaints · 8 recalls on record across the years covered below.
Chevrolet Tahoe
518 NHTSA owner complaints · 11 recalls on record across the years covered below.
Chevrolet Malibu
1,697 NHTSA owner complaints · 8 recalls on record across the years covered below.
Chevrolet Traverse
795 NHTSA owner complaints · 9 recalls on record across the years covered below.
Chevrolet Trax
117 NHTSA owner complaints · 3 recalls on record across the years covered below.
Complaint and recall counts are NHTSA totals for the model years covered on this site, not counts specific to P0102.
P0102 on other makes
Other codes on Chevrolet vehicles
P0102 on a Chevrolet: frequently asked questions
What does diagnostic trouble code P0102 mean on a Chevrolet?
P0102 is set when the ECM sees the mass air flow sensor signal at a voltage or frequency below the calibrated minimum for the engine's operating conditions. Where P0101 means "MAF reading is implausible", P0102 means "MAF signal is too low or missing entirely." The cause is usually a disconnected sensor, broken signal wire, or a sensor that has failed in a way that produces no output. P0102 is a standardized OBD-II code, so the definition is the same on every Chevrolet — which cause is most likely varies by model and engine.
What are the symptoms of P0102 on a Chevrolet?
Check Engine Light is illuminated. Hesitation, stumble, or stall on acceleration. Hard starting or extended crank time. Reduced power and throttle response. Black smoke or rich smell from exhaust (ECM defaults to a rich limp map). Reduced fuel economy
What causes P0102 on a Chevrolet?
Disconnected MAF sensor connector (most-common). Broken or shorted MAF signal wire (common). Corroded MAF sensor connector pins (common). Internal MAF sensor failure (sensor produces no output) (common). Open in MAF sensor 5 V reference or ground supply (occasional). Failed PCM input circuit for the MAF (rare) (rare)
Is it safe to drive a Chevrolet with P0102?
In most cases a Chevrolet stays drivable for short trips with P0102 active, but it should be diagnosed and repaired promptly — this is a moderate-severity code. Ignoring it can lead to further damage or a failed emissions test. Exact tolerance depends on the model and engine.