P0104: Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Intermittent

What does P0104 mean?

The MAF signal becomes erratic or drops out, disrupting the airflow measurement used to calculate fuel delivery. A connection that loses contact with vibration can set this code even when a stationary reading looks normal.

Generic OBD-II definition: Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Intermittent. Confirm applicability in your vehicle service information.

Common causes

• Loose MAF terminals or chafed wiring
• Contaminated or failing MAF sensor
• Leaks in the intake duct

Symptoms

• Intermittent stalling
• Rough running or hard starting
• Sometimes no obvious symptom

Diagnostic focus

An intermittent code needs a recording, not just one snapshot at idle. Check wiring routing near ignition components and correlate airflow glitches with the hesitation.

Can I keep driving with P0104?

Severity: Medium Drive gently and get it diagnosed soon.

If the check engine light is flashing or the car runs badly, stop driving and have it checked.

Typical fixes

• Inspect the air duct and MAF plug
• Graph airflow while checking the harness for dropouts
• Clean only with approved MAF cleaner if appropriate; replace a sensor only after testing

Sources & review

• OBD-Codes.com: P0104
• TroubleCodes.net: generic code definitions

Definitions and diagnostic background checked 2026-11-06. Generic guidance, not a substitute for the service procedure for your exact year, engine, and transmission.