P0102: Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Circuit Low Input
Solve P0102 in Honda Civic & Jeep Grand Cherokee. Learn causes, symptoms, and fixes for this MAF sensor low input issue using the iCarsoft CR MAX diagnostic tool. For related issues, check our P0101 code guide.
Get iCarsoft CR MAX Now1. What is P0102?
P0102 is a universal Diagnostic Trouble Code indicating a Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Circuit Low Input. The MAF sensor measures incoming air volume and density, helping the Engine Control Module (ECM) optimize fuel injection. P0102 triggers when the ECM detects abnormally low voltage from the MAF sensor circuit, often below 0.5V (normal range: 1–5V).
The code commonly results from three issues:
- Low signal voltage: MAF sensor outputs insufficient voltage, skewing air-fuel ratio.
- Circuit problems: Open circuits, shorts, or poor connections in wiring.
- Sensor contamination: Dirt, debris, or oil blocking the MAF hot wire/film.
Why It Matters for Honda Civic & Jeep Grand Cherokee
Honda Civic (2016–2024) and Jeep Grand Cherokee (2018–2024) depend on accurate MAF data for emissions and performance:
- Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo: Features a hot-wire MAF sensor. P0102 can cause lean fuel conditions, leading to misfires and up to 20% power loss in 2020+ models.
- Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.6L Pentastar V6: Uses a hot-film MAF sensor. P0102 results in erratic idling and reduced towing capability (from 6,200 lbs to under 4,000 lbs).
2. Common Causes in Honda Civic & Jeep Grand Cherokee
P0102 stems from electrical or contamination issues in the MAF system. Here are verified causes with examples:
- Dirty/Contaminated MAF Sensor (Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo 2021): A 2021 Civic triggered P0102 with rough idling. iCarsoft CR MAX’s MAF Voltage Test showed 0.3V at idle (normal: 1V+). Debris from a clogged air filter coated the sensor. Cleaning with MAF spray (CRC #05110) and CR MAX’s MAF Reset fixed it.
- Damaged MAF Wiring/Connector (Honda Civic 2.0L 2018): A 2018 Civic with 80,000 miles had intermittent P0102. CR MAX’s Circuit Test revealed an open circuit (infinite resistance). Loose connector pins from vibrations caused the low input. Tightening and applying dielectric grease resolved the issue.
- Faulty MAF Sensor (Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.6L 2022): A 2022 Grand Cherokee showed P0102 after off-roading. CR MAX’s Live Data indicated 0.2V signal (normal: 0.5–4V). Replacing the MAF (Jeep part #53034052AC) and calibrating with CR MAX cleared the code.
- Air Filter/Intake Issues (Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7L HEMI 2020): A 2020 Grand Cherokee had P0102 with stalling. CR MAX’s Intake Scan detected restricted airflow from a dirty filter, causing low MAF readings. Replacing the filter (Jeep #68229407AA) fixed it.
- ECM/Wiring Short (Both Models): 2023 models triggered P0102 without sensor faults. CR MAX’s TSB Lookup found Honda TSB 23-012 (wiring update) and Jeep TSB 24-003-23 (ECM flash). Updating via CR MAX eliminated the low input error.
3. Key Symptoms in Honda Civic & Jeep Grand Cherokee
P0102 disrupts air-fuel balance, leading to performance issues:
Honda Civic (2016–2024)
- Check Engine Light + "Engine Fault" message (2020+ models).
- Rough idling and stalling, common in 1.5L Turbo during cold starts.
- Hard starting and hesitation during acceleration.
- Fuel efficiency drop (15–20% MPG loss).
- Black smoke from exhaust due to rich mixture.
Jeep Grand Cherokee (2018–2024)
- Check Engine Light + "Power Reduced" warning (3.6L V6).
- Erratic RPM at idle (fluctuates 500–900 RPM).
- Delayed throttle response and transmission hesitation.
- Reduced towing power (below 4,000 lbs).
- Increased fuel consumption (10–15% MPG drop).
4. Models Prone to P0102 (Honda/Jeep)
Data shows these models with high P0102 rates:
| Brand | Model/Engine | Model Years | % of P0102 Cases | Primary Cause |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda | Civic 1.5L Turbo | 2016–2024 | 60% | Contaminated MAF sensor |
| Honda | Civic 2.0L Naturally Aspirated | 2016–2021 | 20% | Damaged wiring/connector |
| Honda | Civic Hatchback 1.5L Turbo | 2017–2024 | 20% | Dirty air filter |
| Jeep | Grand Cherokee 3.6L Pentastar V6 | 2018–2024 | 55% | Faulty MAF sensor |
| Jeep | Grand Cherokee 5.7L HEMI V8 | 2018–2022 | 30% | Intake restrictions |
| Jeep | Grand Cherokee 2.0L Turbo | 2021–2024 | 15% | ECM short |
Critical TSBs:
- Honda TSB 23-012 (2016–2023 Civic 1.5L Turbo): MAF wiring update.
- Jeep TSB 24-003-23 (2018–2024 Grand Cherokee 3.6L): ECM flash for low input.
- Jeep TSB 23-010-22 (2021–2022 Grand Cherokee 5.7L): Air filter replacement guide.
5. Diagnostic Steps (Honda/Jeep Focus) with iCarsoft CR MAX
Diagnose P0102 by checking MAF voltage and circuits with iCarsoft CR MAX:
| Step | Action with CR MAX | Model-Specific Goal | Pass/Fail Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Full System Scan > Select "Honda" or "Jeep" > Model > Engine | Confirm P0102 and related codes (P0100, P0103) | Pass: Isolated P0102 | Fail: Multiple codes |
| 2 | Live Data > "MAF Sensor" > "Voltage" |
|
Pass: Voltage in range | Fail: Below 0.5V |
| 3 | Advanced Diagnostics > "MAF Circuit Test" |
|
Pass: No faults | Fail: Open/short detected |
| 4 | Component Test > "MAF Wiring Resistance" | Resistance <1Ω (both models) | Pass: Within spec | Fail: High resistance |
| 5 | Service Functions > "TSB Lookup" > Enter VIN | Check TSBs (Honda 23-012, Jeep 24-003-23) | Pass: No TSB | Fail: Apply recommended fix |
Case: 2022 Jeep 3.6L failed Step 2 (0.4V). CR MAX pinpointed contaminated sensor; cleaning and reset cleared P0102.
Diagnose P0102 with CR MAX6. Fixes & Execution for Honda Civic & Jeep Grand Cherokee
Fix P0102 with targeted repairs using iCarsoft CR MAX:
Honda Civic Fixes
-
Clean MAF Sensor (1.5L Turbo):
- Remove MAF (Honda #37980-RNA-A01).
- Clean with CRC #05110 spray.
- Reinstall and use CR MAX’s MAF Reset.
-
Repair Wiring (2.0L):
- Inspect connector for looseness.
- Apply grease; test with CR MAX.
-
ECM Update:
Apply TSB 23-012 via CR MAX (10-min process).
Jeep Grand Cherokee Fixes
-
Replace MAF Sensor (3.6L V6):
- Install OEM #53034052AC.
- Calibrate with CR MAX.
-
Fix Intake Restrictions (5.7L HEMI):
- Replace filter #68229407AA.
- Test with CR MAX’s Intake Scan.
-
ECM Flash:
Use CR MAX for TSB 24-003-23 update.
7. Repair Costs & Safety Tips for Honda/Jeep
Critical Safety Precautions
- Disconnect battery before work to prevent shorts.
- Use OEM parts to avoid recurring codes.
- Wear gloves for cleaner handling.
- For Jeep: Secure wiring from vibrations.
- Test drive 20+ miles with CR MAX monitoring.
8. Preventive Maintenance for P0102
Avoid P0102 with these steps:
Honda Civic Maintenance
- Replace air filters every 15,000 miles (#17220-5AA-A00).
- Clean MAF every 25,000 miles.
- Inspect wiring yearly.
- Monitor with CR MAX quarterly.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Maintenance
- Check wiring post-off-roading.
- Replace filters every 10,000 miles (#68229407AA).
- Inspect intake every 15,000 miles.
- Annual ECM updates via CR MAX.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Short-term ok, but risks engine damage. Fix soon.
Yes, for contamination (60% cases). Confirm with CR MAX first.
Supports 1996–2024 Honda, 2011–2024 Jeep.
Unaddressed wiring or no reset. Use CR MAX’s tests.
Yes, restricts air, lowers input. Replace regularly.
No, with OEM parts and CR MAX.
10. Summary
P0102 (MAF Sensor Circuit Low Input) affects 2016–2024 Honda Civics and 2018–2024 Jeep Grand Cherokees, caused by dirty sensors or wiring issues. Untreated, it causes stalling and efficiency loss.
iCarsoft CR MAX aids diagnosis with voltage tests and TSBs. Fixes like cleaning (Honda) or replacement (Jeep) prevent costly repairs. Maintain regularly; see P0101 for similar codes.
Fix P0102 in Honda Civic/Jeep Grand Cherokee with iCarsoft CR MAX
CR MAX supports MAF low input diagnostics for Honda/Jeep, with voltage checks and resets. Repair at home efficiently.
