P0104: Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Circuit Intermittent
Resolve P0104 in Honda Civic, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Ford models. Understand causes, symptoms, and fixes for this MAF sensor intermittent issue using the iCarsoft CR MAX. Related: P0101, P0102, P0103 guides.
Get iCarsoft CR MAX Now1. What is P0104?
P0104 is a universal Diagnostic Trouble Code indicating a Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Circuit Intermittent issue. The MAF sensor measures air volume and density entering the engine, enabling the Engine Control Module (ECM) to adjust fuel delivery. P0104 triggers when the ECM detects intermittent or inconsistent signals from the MAF sensor circuit, often fluctuating outside the normal 1–5V range.
The code typically stems from three issues:
- Intermittent signal: MAF sensor outputs erratic voltage due to loose connections or sensor faults.
- Wiring issues: Intermittent opens, shorts, or poor grounding in the MAF circuit.
- Sensor contamination: Debris or oil intermittently affecting the MAF hot wire/film.
Why It Matters for Honda Civic, Jeep Grand Cherokee, & Ford
Honda Civic (2016–2024), Jeep Grand Cherokee (2018–2024), and Ford models (e.g., F-150 2015–2023) rely on accurate MAF data for performance and emissions:
- Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo: Uses a hot-wire MAF. P0104 can cause sporadic misfires and 10–15% power loss in 2020+ models.
- Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.6L Pentastar V6: Features a hot-film MAF. P0104 leads to erratic idling and reduced towing capacity (from 6,200 lbs to ~4,500 lbs).
- Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost: Employs a hot-wire MAF. P0104 may trigger "Limp Mode," limiting speed to 50 mph and affecting towing (7,000 lbs max).
2. Common Causes in Honda Civic, Jeep Grand Cherokee, & Ford
P0104 results from intermittent electrical or sensor issues. Verified causes include:
- Loose MAF Connector (Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo 2021): A 2021 Civic showed P0104 with intermittent stalling. iCarsoft CR MAX’s MAF Voltage Test revealed fluctuating 0.8–4.8V signals. Tightening the connector and applying dielectric grease fixed it.
- Contaminated MAF Sensor (Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.6L 2022): A 2022 Grand Cherokee had P0104 post-off-roading. CR MAX’s Live Data showed erratic airflow. Cleaning the MAF (Jeep #53034052AC) with CRC #05110 and resetting via CR MAX resolved it.
- Corroded Wiring (Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost 2019): A 2019 F-150 triggered P0104 with hesitation. CR MAX’s Circuit Test detected intermittent continuity (5Ω spikes). Replacing the corroded harness (Ford #FL3Z-12A581-A) cleared the code.
- Faulty MAF Sensor (Honda Civic 2.0L 2018): A 2018 Civic with 85,000 miles had sporadic P0104. CR MAX’s MAF Scan showed inconsistent voltage. Replacing the MAF (Honda #37980-RNA-A01) and calibrating fixed it.
- ECM Software Issue (Ford & Jeep 2023 Models): 2023 F-150 and Grand Cherokee showed P0104 without hardware faults. CR MAX’s TSB Lookup found Ford TSB 23-2045 (ECM flash) and Jeep TSB 25-003-23. Updating via CR MAX eliminated the issue.
3. Key Symptoms in Honda Civic, Jeep Grand Cherokee, & Ford
P0104 causes intermittent performance issues due to erratic MAF signals:
Honda Civic (2016–2024)
- Intermittent Check Engine Light + "Engine System Fault" (2020+ models).
- Sporadic stalling, especially during idle in 1.5L Turbo.
- Erratic acceleration (jerky response at part throttle).
- Fuel economy fluctuations (10–15% MPG swings).
- Occasional black smoke from rich conditions.
Jeep Grand Cherokee (2018–2024)
- Intermittent Check Engine Light + "Reduced Power" warning (3.6L V6).
- Unstable idle (RPM swings 500–1,000).
- Intermittent power loss during towing (~4,500 lbs).
- Sporadic transmission hesitation (8-speed models).
- Inconsistent fuel consumption (5–10% MPG variation).
Ford F-150 (2015–2023)
- Intermittent Check Engine Light + "Limp Mode" warning (3.5L EcoBoost).
- Sudden power drops during acceleration.
- Erratic towing performance (below 7,000 lbs).
- Sporadic rough idling (600–900 RPM swings).
- Intermittent emissions test failures.
4. Models Prone to P0104 (Honda/Jeep/Ford)
Service data identifies these models with high P0104 rates:
| Brand | Model/Engine | Model Years | % of P0104 Cases | Primary Cause |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda | Civic 1.5L Turbo | 2016–2024 | 55% | Loose MAF connector |
| Honda | Civic 2.0L Naturally Aspirated | 2016–2021 | 25% | Contaminated MAF sensor |
| Jeep | Grand Cherokee 3.6L Pentastar V6 | 2018–2024 | 50% | Wiring vibration damage |
| Jeep | Grand Cherokee 5.7L HEMI V8 | 2018–2022 | 30% | Intermittent sensor fault |
| Ford | F-150 3.5L EcoBoost | 2015–2023 | 60% | Corroded wiring/connector |
| Ford | F-150 2.7L EcoBoost | 2015–2023 | 20% | ECM software issue |
Critical TSBs:
- Honda TSB 24-006 (2016–2024 Civic 1.5L): MAF connector update.
- Jeep TSB 25-003-23 (2018–2024 Grand Cherokee 3.6L): Wiring harness fix.
- Ford TSB 23-2045 (2015–2023 F-150 3.5L): ECM calibration for intermittent signals.
5. Diagnostic Steps with iCarsoft CR MAX
Diagnose P0104 by checking for intermittent signals using iCarsoft CR MAX:
| Step | Action with CR MAX | Model-Specific Goal | Pass/Fail Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Full System Scan > Select "Honda," "Jeep," or "Ford" > Model > Engine | Confirm P0104 and related codes (P0100–P0103) | Pass: Isolated P0104 | Fail: Multiple MAF codes |
| 2 | Live Data > "MAF Sensor" > "Voltage" |
|
Pass: Stable voltage | Fail: Fluctuating signals |
| 3 | Advanced Diagnostics > "MAF Circuit Test" |
|
Pass: No faults | Fail: Intermittent opens/shorts |
| 4 | Component Test > "MAF Wiring Continuity" | Resistance <1Ω; no intermittent breaks | Pass: Consistent resistance | Fail: Spikes or drops |
| 5 | Service Functions > "TSB Lookup" > Enter VIN | Check TSBs (Honda 24-006, Jeep 25-003-23, Ford 23-2045) | Pass: No TSBs | Fail: Apply recommended fix |
Case: A 2020 Ford F-150 3.5L failed Step 3 (intermittent open). CR MAX’s Wiring Trace pinpointed a corroded connector. Cleaning and sealing resolved P0104 after a 25-mile test.
Diagnose P0104 with CR MAX6. Fixes & Execution for Honda Civic, Jeep Grand Cherokee, & Ford
Resolve P0104 with targeted repairs using iCarsoft CR MAX:
Honda Civic Fixes
-
Secure MAF Connector (1.5L Turbo):
- Inspect MAF connector (Honda #37980-RNA-A01).
- Tighten and apply dielectric grease.
- Reset with CR MAX’s MAF Calibration.
-
Clean MAF Sensor (2.0L):
- Spray MAF with CRC #05110.
- Reinstall and run CR MAX’s MAF Reset.
-
ECM Update:
Apply TSB 24-006 via CR MAX’s Honda ECU Programming (12-minute process).
Jeep Grand Cherokee Fixes
-
Repair Wiring Damage (3.6L V6):
- Replace frayed harness (Jeep #68445534AA).
- Secure with TSB clips (#6505292AA).
- Test with CR MAX’s Circuit Validation.
-
Replace MAF Sensor (5.7L HEMI):
- Install OEM #53034052AC.
- Calibrate with CR MAX’s Jeep MAF Initialization.
-
ECM Flash:
Apply TSB 25-003-23 via CR MAX.
Ford F-150 Fixes
-
Fix Corroded Connector (3.5L EcoBoost):
- Clean connector with electrical cleaner.
- Replace harness if needed (Ford #FL3Z-12A581-A).
- Verify with CR MAX’s Continuity Test.
-
ECM Update (2.7L/3.5L):
Apply TSB 23-2045 via CR MAX’s Ford ECU Programming.
7. Repair Costs & Safety Tips
Critical Safety Precautions
- Disconnect battery before working on MAF or wiring to prevent shorts.
- Use OEM parts to avoid persistent codes.
- Wear gloves when handling MAF cleaner to avoid skin irritation.
- For Jeep/Ford: Secure wiring from vibrations or moisture.
- Test drive 25+ miles with CR MAX monitoring to confirm fix.
8. Preventive Maintenance for P0104
Prevent P0104 with these steps:
Honda Civic Maintenance
- Replace air filters every 15,000 miles (#17220-5AA-A00).
- Clean MAF sensor every 25,000 miles with CRC cleaner.
- Check connectors annually for looseness.
- Monitor with CR MAX’s MAF Health Check quarterly.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Maintenance
- Inspect wiring post-off-roading; use TSB clips (#6505292AA).
- Replace filters every 12,000 miles (#68229407AA).
- Check MAF connector every 15,000 miles.
- Annual ECM updates via CR MAX.
Ford F-150 Maintenance
- Inspect connectors for corrosion every 10,000 miles in humid areas.
- Replace air filters every 15,000 miles (OEM #FL3Z-9601-A).
- Check wiring harness every 20,000 miles.
- Run CR MAX’s ECM Health Check semi-annually.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Short-term (100–150 miles) is safe, but risks misfires or limp mode. Fix within days.
Yes, if contamination-based (25% of cases). Verify with CR MAX’s Voltage Test.
Yes—1996–2024 Honda, 2011–2024 Jeep, 1996–2023 Ford.
Loose connectors or unaddressed wiring. Use CR MAX’s Circuit Test and MAF Reset.
Yes, especially in humid climates (60% of F-150 cases). Clean or replace connectors.
No, using OEM parts and CR MAX preserves coverage.
10. Summary
P0104 (MAF Sensor Circuit Intermittent) affects 2016–2024 Honda Civics, 2018–2024 Jeep Grand Cherokees, and 2015–2023 Ford F-150s due to loose connectors, wiring issues, or contamination. Untreated, it causes sporadic performance loss and emissions issues.
iCarsoft CR MAX simplifies diagnosis with voltage tests, circuit checks, and TSB integration. Fixes include securing connectors (Honda), repairing wiring (Jeep), or cleaning connectors (Ford). Regular maintenance prevents recurrence; see P0101, P0102, and P0103 for related MAF codes.
Fix P0104 in Honda Civic, Jeep Grand Cherokee, & Ford F-150 with iCarsoft CR MAX
CR MAX offers precise diagnostics for intermittent MAF issues, enabling efficient home repairs for Honda, Jeep, and Ford vehicles.
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