Intermittent P0102 MAF Code on 1998 Buick Park Avenue Ultra - Ground or Sensor Issue?

This is somewhat confusing — have you checked the ground connection? Unplug the MAF sensor and use a digital volt-ohm meter (DVOM) to test continuity. Then gently tug or shake the harness while monitoring for an open ground. My experience shows this is often a chassis ground issue, not necessarily a failing MAF. Also check all wiring connections — especially signal wires. A short to ground on the signal wire could cause P0102. If there's a ground fault, it typically results in a P0103 (high signal) code; however, if the signal wire is grounded, it may produce a low reading like this one. Test for voltage drop: connect the DVOM battery negative to chassis ground and positive to the MAF sensor ground. With the engine off, measure voltage at the sensor ground — should read close to 5V on the signal wire from the ECU. A drop above 0.10 volts indicates a poor ground. Use an oscilloscope or a high-precision Fluke meter with glitch capture capability for accurate MAF frequency analysis. Most basic scan tools are ineffective at detecting intermittent MAF glitches. For reliable diagnosis, test MAF signal output at idle and wide-open throttle to rule out sensor contamination or failure. If the readings are stable, consider vacuum leaks or intake restrictions. Note: Code P0102 indicates the MAF frequency is below 1.2 kHz (1135 Hz) under engine conditions where charging voltage >8.0V and throttle angle <50%. At idle, MAF frequency should exceed 2,000 Hz (2 kHz). At wide-open throttle near red line, it should reach ~10,000 Hz (10 kHz). Expected GPS readings: 4–7 GPS at idle, up to ~100 GPS at WOT. In rare cases, incorrect TPS, barometric pressure, or intake air temperature signals can also trigger this code.

if you can move plastic collar where connector is attached and stress connector and you see a fault then chances are the maf is bad......could there be other issues.....wiring yes?drop out in the voltage feed.I would think a bad ground would cause a p0103 high signal code then if there was a signal wire short to ground would cause this......would have to do signal wire integrity wire tests.then if the maf connector terminals were spread apart and not tight.I see you replaced the connector.could test feed wire for drop outs and do a ground to ground voltage drop test meter ground on battery neg and pos to the sensor ground less than .10 key on engine off.see if you have 5 volts on signal wire from computer.a dc meter or graphing scan tool are useless in detecting maf glitches.I think expensive fluke meter has a glitch capture in milliseconds.......most time I use a labscope to graph maf frequency.if moving the connector didn't cause a error then wiring checks would be done and checks on the maf sensor signal output at idle and at wide open throttle to rule out dirty maf or a bad maf.....if that checks out then possible vacuum leaks or restricted airflow intake.I listed below items from a manual below. Code P0102-Mass air flow sensor signal is below 1135 HZ (1.135 kHz). Enabling conditions: Engine running with charging system voltage over 8.0 volts., throttle angle is below 50%. MAF frequency is below 1200 HZ (1.2 kHz) for at least 153 engine revolutions. Testing: MAF frequency at idle should be over 2,000 HZ (2 kHz). If the frequency is low, check for a vacuum leak that allows air to enter the intake without being measured by the sensor. Also check for a restriction such as intake manifold choking, very dirty air filter or other restrictions in the intake. The frequency should be near 10,000 HZ (10 kHz) at wide open throttle with the engine near red line. Scan tools display grams per second (GPS). Air flow should read 4-7 grams per second at idle and at red line it should be near 100 GPS. In rare cases TPS, Baro or inlet air temperature signals that are wrong can set this code.