The Quick Answer above is the generic definition. What follows is the model-specific detail for the Volkswagen models that log P0100.
DTC/P0100·Volkswagen
P0100 on Volkswagen: Causes, Symptoms and Fix Cost
Quick Answer
Moderate SeveritySafe to drive (short-term)Volkswagen
P0100 on a Volkswagen means the engine computer has lost a usable signal from the mass air flow (MAF) sensor circuit, the sensor in the intake that measures how much air the engine draws in. Unlike P0101, where the sensor works but reads implausibly, P0100 points at the circuit itself: missing power or ground, a broken or shorted signal wire, a corroded plug or a dead sensor. The engine switches to a backup airflow estimate, so it runs less smoothly, uses more fuel and, on many diesels, loses power. VW, Audi, Skoda and SEAT apps often show this code as P010000; the last two digits are a failure-type byte.
Connect any standard Bluetooth OBD2 adapter to your Volkswagen and Skanyx tells you what P0100 means on that engine, whether it is safe to keep driving, and what the fix should cost. Free on iPhone and Android.
Get Skanyx freeWhat does P0100 mean on a Volkswagen?
Volkswagen Golf
1997-2024On VW group cars VCDS shows P0100 as 16484, 'Mass Air Flow Sensor (G70): Supply Voltage', so start with the feed and ground at the G70 plug and its wiring before buying a sensor. On European VW diesels of roughly the 1995-2002 model years the G70 tended to lose output gradually through dirt rather than fail outright, which shows as a loss of power.
What causes P0100 on a Volkswagen?
Beyond the generic causes listed on the main P0100 page, these are the patterns noted for Volkswagen models:
Volkswagen GolfLoss of supply voltage or ground at the G70 air mass meter plug
Volkswagen GolfGradual dirt build-up on the G70 element on older VW diesels
How to diagnose P0100 on a Volkswagen with OBD2
Follow these steps to pinpoint the root cause of P0100:
- Read every stored code. P0100 together with other sensor or supply-voltage codes points to a shared power feed, relay or ground rather than the MAF sensor itself
- Read the live MAF value (the standard OBD2 airflow reading, in grams per second) with the engine idling. A warm four-cylinder petrol typically shows roughly 2 to 7 g/s. A value stuck at zero, or pinned at an impossible maximum, while the engine runs points to the circuit fault. On some cars the reading shows the engine computer's substitute value while the code is active, so a plausible number does not clear the circuit on its own
- Inspect the MAF connector: look for a broken locking tab, green corrosion, water in the plug or pushed-back pins. Wiggle the harness while watching the live value; a reading that jumps as you move it is a wiring fault
- Backprobe the connector with the key on. Check for supply voltage (battery voltage on many hot-film sensors, a 5 V reference on some), a good ground (within about 0.1 V of battery negative), and a signal that changes when the engine runs
- If the supply is missing, check the fuse and relay that feed the sensor, then the wire between them and the plug
- If supply and ground are good but there is no signal, check the signal wire for continuity to the engine computer. If the wire is intact, replace the MAF sensor
- Clear the code and test drive with some firm acceleration. On a diesel, confirm that full power has returned and the code does not come back
How much does P0100 cost to fix on a Volkswagen? (EUR)
Estimated repair costs for P0100 in EUR, compiled across makes. Expect Volkswagen parts and labour towards the upper end of each range.
Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
Codes related to P0100
These codes are often seen alongside P0100 or point to related issues, on any make:
Looking for the full P0100 reference (all makes, full diagnosis flow, complete repair cost matrix)?
See the main P0100 guideSkanyx · Volkswagen
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