Q: Car is stalling heavily, check engine light on, scanner shows P0101 MAF

asked by on November 28, 2016

Car is stalling heavily , check engine light on, scanner shows P0101 MAF or VAF A Ckt Rng Perform. What to do next. I've watched several videos. some say to remove the MAF and clean it, while others show if the sensor is working with a multimeter reading.What do I do next? BTW, Transmission is a hybrid. Also, I have always kept the car in good running condition.

My car has 112000 miles.
My car's transmission is unknown to me.

Mass Airflow Sensor Replacement $188.36 - $786.53 Get a Quote

Generally, the mass air flow sensor code will register either when it is dirty or when it is failing for other reasons such as lack of proper voltage or connection. The mass air flow sensor is a unit in the intake system that monitors air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the motor. When this is dirty or faulty, this causes an imbalanced air/fuel load to be supplied to the motor which results in an over fueling or under fueling situation depending on the conditions. This type of inconsistent fuel supply to the motor may cause a hesitation, loss of power, a jerking reaction, potentially a bit of black exhaust smoke and typically a strong smell of fuel when this sensor is malfunctioning. When this is not working properly, you may also notice a strong smell of fuel. I would suggest having a professional from Your Mechanic come to your home to diagnose your mass air flow sensor.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Car randomly feels like it loses power and jumps
Hello there. Many different items can cause a lack of power intermittently such as this. The most common would be the spark plugs (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/spark-plugs-replacement), wires (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ignition-cable-spark-plug-wires-replacement), fuel pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-pump-replacement), fuel filter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-filter-replacement), vacuum leak, exhaust leak or oxygen sensors (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/oxygen-sensor-replacement)....
Truck won't start after battery replacement
Hello there, thank you for asking about your 1995 Isuzu Pickup. You said you hear it trying to start, which means to me that it is cranking but not starting. If the engine cranks normally but doesn't start, the cause...
Steering wheel turns easily and belt is misaligned
The power steering pump has a pressure control valve screwed into the pressure side of the pump. This valve will limit how much pressure the pump puts out to the steering gear. If the pressure goes too high above specifications...
Should I flush previous antifreeze fluid before adding new fluid?
The antifreeze in the car now is most likely the original coolant. When changing your coolant you need to make sure that you are using coolant that meets or exceeds the vehicle specifications. Your cars antifreeze is a special long...
joe what the fuck is wrong with my car
Hi there: Overheating problems can be caused by a water pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-water-pump-auxiliary) that is faulty, coolant lines with obstructions or air bubbles trapped or leaking coolant levels. The best way to determine the precise source of your overheating issue on...
Exhaust manifold leak
It sounds like what you are describing is an exhaust manifold leak. Your exhaust manifold is bolted to the cylinder head and is sealed with an exhaust manifold gasket that sits in between the manifold and the cylinder head. When...
Power Stroke
Hello, As you know, there are 4 parts to the combustion cycle; the intake, combustion, compression and exhaust. The intake stroke takes place as the piston begins at top dead center (T.D.C.) and ends at bottom dead center (B.D.C.). In...
Check Engine Light on and off, reader gives P0446 error 1999 Toyota Corolla
Hello - the P0446 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0446-obd-ii-trouble-code-evaporative-emission-control-system-vent-control-circuit-malfunction-by-spencer-clayton) code is an indication that the evaporative emissions purge valve electrical circuit has had a loss of electrical power to the vent valve that allows fresh air to enter the evap cannister. This could be...
I have a front end squeak on my 2012 Sportage. It is a "rubber" sounding squeak. It was suggested this may be a bushing. It squeak
Suspension bushings are designed to do a few things. They help mount and isolate components like control arms, sway bars, and engine/suspension cradles. They serve a double function to isolate the body and interior from road noises. Having suspension components...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're On a Budget
If If you’re on a budget and need to purchase a car it can feel as though it’s slim pickings. Thankfully, there are plenty of great options available even to those on a tight budget. Let’s take a look. The...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're an Uber or Lyft Driver
Are Are you thinking of becoming a driver for Uber or Lyft? That could be an exciting career change – you’ll get to meet a lot of interesting people, and if you love to drive, what better way to spend...
How Long Does an EGR Pressure Feedback Sensor Last?
In In today's world people are more aware of exhaust gases than ever before. With that said measures have been built into modern vehicles that are meant to cut down on the emissions released into the air. Built into your...