P0103

Mass or Volume Air Flow Sensor A Circuit High

Car Fault Codes Fuel & air

Can you still drive? With care, short trips only

Who can fix it? DIY with some experience

Typical repair time 15 minutes – 2 hours

Typical cost SAR 100 to 1,200

What it means

The engine computer has seen a mass airflow (MAF) signal above the highest acceptable level, meaning it reports more air than the engine can take in. The cause is usually electrical, such as the signal wire shorted to a voltage source or a poor ground, and the mixture may run rich.

Symptoms4

Check engine light on.
Higher fuel consumption.
Black smoke or fuel smell from the exhaust.
Rough idle or reduced performance.

Possible causes6

Signal wire shorted to a power wire or other voltage source.
Poor or open sensor ground.
Internal failure of the MAF sensor.
Electrical interference from ignition wiring or add-on devices mounted near the harness.
Moisture or corrosion inside the connector.
Engine computer fault (rare).

How to diagnose5

Watch the MAF reading on a scan tool with the key on and engine off; a high reading with no airflow means an electrical fault.
Inspect the connector for moisture or corrosion.
Measure the ground at the sensor connector and confirm it is sound.
Check the signal wire for a short to nearby voltage wires.
Make sure no add-on devices or ignition wires sit against the sensor harness.

How to fix6

Clean, dry and reconnect the connector.
Repair the poor ground.
Repair the short in the harness and re-insulate the wires.
Route the harness away from sources of electrical interference.
Replace the MAF sensor if the circuit is good and the signal is still high.
Clear the codes and confirm the sensor reading is logical at idle and under acceleration.

Repair cost

0–500

500–2,000

2,000–5,000

5,000+

In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.

The cost is low when a connector, ground or shorted wire is to blame, and rises when the MAF sensor is replaced.

Prices are rough estimates for common cars at independent workshops and vary with the car and the source of the part.
Prices last updated: September 2026

Frequently asked questions

Why does fuel consumption rise with this code?

Because the computer sees more air than is really entering, so it injects extra fuel and the mixture runs rich.

Can a dirty sensor cause this code?

Rarely. Dirt usually lowers the reading; a very high reading more often means an electrical fault or a failed sensor.

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This guide is for information only and does not replace an inspection by a qualified technician. If the fault involves brakes, steering, engine temperature, electrics or refrigerant, do not attempt the repair yourself.

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