P0100 — Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Malfunction
Drive with caution — fix soon.
What P0100 means
This code means the engine computer detected a problem in the electrical circuit of the mass air flow (MAF) sensor, which measures how much air enters the engine. It's often caused by a dirty or failed MAF sensor, but can also come from wiring issues or vacuum leaks. It's a common code and is usually fixable by cleaning or replacing the sensor.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light is on
- Rough idle or engine shaking
- Hesitation or stumbling when accelerating
- Poor fuel economy
- Engine stalling or hard starting
Common causes
- Dirty or contaminated mass air flow sensor
- Failed MAF sensor
- Damaged or corroded wiring or connector
- Vacuum or intake air leak
- Dirty or clogged air filter
Typical repair cost
$100 – $400
Varies by vehicle and root cause.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with a P0100 code?
For short trips, usually yes, but you shouldn't rely on it. The car may run rough, hesitate, or stall, and you'll likely burn extra fuel. Get it diagnosed soon to avoid being stranded.
How much does it cost to fix a P0100?
Most repairs run between $100 and $400. If the sensor just needs cleaning the cost is low, but a full MAF sensor replacement with labor pushes toward the higher end.
Is a P0100 code serious?
It's moderate. It won't usually damage your engine right away, but it affects fuel mixing and emissions, so it can lead to stalling and poor performance if ignored.
Can a dirty air filter cause a P0100 code?
Yes, indirectly. A clogged filter or unmetered air leak can throw off the MAF sensor readings. Often a simple cleaning of the sensor and a fresh air filter clears the code.