P0102 on 2015 Dodge Charger: MAF Sensor Circuit Low Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2015-2015 Dodge CHARGER

While many engines use MAF sensors, there was confusion in the past about their use on Dodge Charger engines. Some earlier or different V8 HEMI models relied solely on a Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor. However, for the 2015 model year, both the 3.6L V6 Pentastar and the V8 HEMI engines (5.7L, 6.2L, 6.4L) are equipped with a MAF sensor, making this code relevant across the entire 2015 Charger lineup. The presence of multiple TSBs from Dodge mentioning this specific code for the 2015 model year confirms its relevance and the manufacturer's awareness of potential circuit issues linked to stalling events.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Engine stalling, sometimes without warning
• Rough or uneven idle
• Hesitation or lack of power during acceleration
• Poor fuel economy
• Black smoke from the exhaust
• Engine may enter 'limp mode,' limiting power to prevent damage.

Most Likely Causes

1. Dirty or Contaminated MAF Sensor 🔴 High Probability → Shop Fuel Injection Air Flow Meter Over time, dirt, oil, and other debris from the air intake system can coat the sensor's delicate wire, insulating it and causing it to read airflow incorrectly. This is the most common cause for P0102.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the sensor element. If it appears dirty, cleaning it is the first and most important diagnostic step.
   Typical fix: Remove the sensor and clean it carefully using only dedicated Mass Airflow Sensor cleaner. Spray the cleaner in 10-15 short bursts on the sensor wires and let it air dry completely for at least 15 minutes. 🎬 Watch: A detailed guide on cleaning your MAF sensor properly. Do not touch the sensor wires or use compressed air.
   Est. part cost: $8-$15 for a can of MAF cleaner.
2. Faulty MAF Sensor 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Fuel Injection Air Flow Meter The internal electronics of the sensor can fail from heat and age, causing it to send a persistently low or no signal to the PCM.
   How to confirm: After cleaning, if the code returns, test the sensor's output signal with a scan tool to see if it changes with engine RPM. If the signal is stuck low (near 0 g/s) or doesn't increase when you rev the engine, the sensor is likely bad. Another trick is to unplug the sensor while the engine is running rough; if the idle smooths out, the sensor was likely providing bad data.
   Typical fix: Replace the MAF sensor.
   Est. part cost: $85-$265
3. Wiring or Connector Issue 🟡 Medium Probability The TSB definition "circuit shorted to ground" points directly to an electrical fault. Wires in the engine bay can become frayed, corroded, or pinched from heat and vibration. The connector pins can also become loose or contaminated, interrupting the signal.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness leading to the MAF sensor. Check for a secure connection at the plug. With the engine running and live data on a scanner, perform a 'wiggle test' on the harness; if the reading fluctuates wildly or drops out, you have found a wiring fault. 🎬 See how to perform electrical testing for MAF circuit issues.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of wire or replace the pigtail connector.
   Est. part cost: $15-$40 for a new connector pigtail.
4. Aftermarket Oiled Air Filter ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Air Cleaner Assembly Many owners install aftermarket cold air intakes with oiled filters. If the filter is over-oiled, the excess oil can get sucked into the intake and coat the MAF sensor element, causing it to fail and trigger a P0102 code.
   How to confirm: Check if the vehicle has an aftermarket oiled air filter. Remove the MAF sensor and check for an oily residue on the sensing wire.
   Typical fix: Clean the MAF sensor thoroughly with dedicated cleaner. Clean and properly re-oil the air filter according to the manufacturer's instructions, or replace it with a non-oiled (dry) filter.
   Est. part cost: $8-$15 for cleaner, or $40-$80 for a new dry filter.
5. Clogged Air Filter ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Air Cleaner Assembly A severely restricted air filter can starve the engine of air, causing the MAF sensor to report an abnormally low airflow reading that is plausible but incorrect for the engine's demand.
   How to confirm: Inspect the engine air filter. If it is visibly dirty, clogged with debris, or has not been changed in a long time, it needs to be replaced. 🎬 Watch: How to test and replace a faulty MAF sensor.
   Typical fix: Replace the engine air filter.
   Est. part cost: $20-$40
6. Vacuum Leak ⚪ Low Probability A leak in the air intake system *after* the MAF sensor allows unmetered air into the engine. While this typically causes lean codes (P0171/P0174), it can sometimes confuse the PCM and contribute to a P0102 code because the MAF reading is lower than what the engine is actually consuming.
   How to confirm: Inspect all intake hoses, the intake boot, and vacuum lines for cracks or loose connections. A smoke test is the most effective way to find hidden leaks.
   Typical fix: Repair the source of the leak, which is often a cracked hose or a bad gasket.
   Est. part cost: $5-$50 depending on the leaking component.

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM): This is very rare. The PCM is the last component to suspect after all other possibilities, including wiring, have been thoroughly ruled out.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read the code with an OBD-II scanner and check for any other accompanying codes. Note the freeze-frame data.
2. Inspect the engine air filter and replace it if it is dirty or clogged.
3. Visually inspect the MAF sensor wiring and connector for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose pins. Perform a 'wiggle test' on the harness while monitoring live data.
4. Carefully remove the MAF sensor and clean it with a dedicated MAF sensor cleaner spray. Let it air dry completely before reinstalling.
5. Clear the codes with the scanner and perform a test drive to see if the P0102 code returns.
6. If the code returns, use a scan tool to monitor the MAF sensor's live data (usually in grams/second). The reading should be near zero with the engine off and increase smoothly as you increase engine RPM.
7. If the reading is stuck at or near zero, use a multimeter to check for the correct power (often 12V or 5V reference) and a good ground at the sensor's connector.
8. If power and ground are good but the signal is absent or stuck low, the MAF sensor has likely failed and needs to be replaced.
9. If power or ground is missing, trace the wiring back to the PCM to find the break or short in the circuit.
10. If all else fails, check for vacuum leaks in the intake system after the MAF sensor using a smoke machine.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor (OEM #68144197AB, 68144197AA) — This is the most common part to fail if cleaning the original sensor and checking the wiring does not resolve the issue. The part is shared across several Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram vehicles.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Delphi, Hitachi, Walker Products, Standard Motor Products (SMP)
  OEM price range: $135-$202
  Aftermarket price range: $75-$160

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0103 — This code for 'MAF Sensor Circuit High' can appear intermittently with P0102 if there is a loose connection or failing sensor causing erratic readings.
• P0171 / P0174 — These 'System Too Lean' codes are a strong indicator of a vacuum leak. Unmetered air enters after the MAF, so the MAF reports low air (P0102) while the O2 sensors detect too much oxygen from the extra air (P0171/P0174).
• P0607 / P060E — These codes, related to ECU performance, are mentioned in the same TSBs as P0102 for the 2015 Charger, suggesting they can be triggered as part of a related software or stalling issue.
• P0113 — This code for 'Intake Air Temperature Sensor Circuit High' can sometimes appear because the IAT sensor is often integrated into the same housing as the MAF sensor. A bad connection or faulty unit can affect both circuits.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 18-061-17: Notes a PCM software update to address engine stalls and improve diagnostic data storage for P0102.
• 18-047-16: An earlier version of the PCM flash for the same stalling and P0102 data logging issue.
• 18-035-15 REV-B: The earliest TSB in the series related to stalling, which also mentions improving the failure records for P0102.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A series of Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs #18-061-17, #18-047-16, #18-035-15 REV-B) were issued for the 2015 Dodge Charger concerning potential engine stalls. While the primary fix was a PCM software update, the bulletins explicitly note that the new software improves the storage of freeze-frame data for code P0102, indicating a known link between this code and stalling events on this platform. This suggests that even if the code is present, ensuring the PCM has the latest software from a dealer is a critical step, especially if stalling is the main symptom.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• MAF Sensor Live Data (g/s) at Idle — expected: Should be approximately equal to the engine's displacement in liters. (e.g., ~3.6 g/s for 3.6L V6, ~5.7 g/s for 5.7L V8). General range is 2-7 g/s.. Failure: A reading near zero, or one that does not change with RPM, indicates a failed sensor or circuit fault.
• MAF Sensor Live Data (g/s) at 2500 RPM — expected: Should rise to between 15-25 g/s. The reading must increase smoothly and proportionally with RPM.. Failure: A reading that is flat-lined, rises too slowly, or does not increase with RPM.
• MAF Sensor Power Supply Voltage — expected: 12V (Battery Voltage) at the power supply pin with key on, engine off.. Failure: No voltage indicates a blown fuse or an open in the power wire from the PCM/fuse box.
• MAF Sensor Ground Circuit — expected: Near 0V when testing between the ground pin and a known good chassis ground. Should have continuity to ground.. Failure: Voltage present on the ground wire or a lack of continuity (high resistance) indicates a bad ground connection.
• MAF Sensor Signal (Frequency Type) — expected: The sensor for this vehicle is a frequency-based device. Expected output is a square-wave signal that changes with airflow, roughly 30 Hz at idle and rising to 150 Hz at wide-open throttle. This requires an oscilloscope to measure.. Failure: A flat line, or a frequency that does not change with engine RPM, indicates a sensor or circuit failure.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• G901a — Located in the left front of the engine compartment. A common ground point for front-end sensors and components.. The TSBs define P0102 as 'circuit shorted to ground.' A corroded or loose primary engine bay ground can cause intermittent and strange behavior in sensor circuits, including the MAF sensor.
• Chassis Ground under Airbox — Underneath the engine air filter housing, there is a primary chassis ground point where multiple wires connect.. Given its proximity to the MAF sensor, this is a critical ground to inspect for corrosion or looseness, as it could be the direct grounding point for the MAF sensor's return circuit.
• Engine Block to Chassis Strap — A braided ground strap connecting the engine block itself to the vehicle's chassis/frame.. This main ground ensures the entire engine block has a solid ground reference. If this strap is broken or corroded, the PCM and its sensors may not have a stable ground, leading to erroneous codes like P0102.

When the Usual Fixes Don't Work

• A common diagnostic step is to replace the MAF sensor if cleaning it doesn't work. However, a more precise test is to unplug the sensor while the engine is idling poorly. If the engine's idle smooths out and stabilizes, it's a very strong indication that the MAF sensor was indeed faulty and providing incorrect data, forcing the PCM into a bad fuel trim strategy. If unplugging the sensor causes no change in engine behavior, the problem is more likely in the wiring or the PCM's ability to read the signal, and replacing the sensor may not fix the issue.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 68144197AA → 68144197AB — Standard part revision by the manufacturer. The 'AB' version is the most current and widely specified replacement part.
  Heads up: No known incompatibilities; 68144197AB is the correct part for this application.