Code P1145 AUDI: Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Problem
What does code P1145 mean on an Audi?
Code P1145 is related to a problem with the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor. This sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine to allow the ECU to adjust the air/fuel mixture.
This code indicates that the MAF sensor signal is shorted to positive, which can lead to engine malfunction.
Possible symptoms of code P1145
🔸 Check Engine light on
🔸 Unstable idle or engine stalling
🔸 Lack of power, difficult acceleration
🔸 Excessive fuel consumption
🔸 High pollutant emissions
Possible causes of code P1145
✅ Faulty or dirty MAF sensor
✅ Damaged MAF sensor wiring (cut, melted, or short-circuited)
✅ Corroded or poorly connected connectors
✅ Clogged air filter restricting airflow
✅ Air leak in the intake circuit (cracked or poorly secured hoses)
How to diagnose and repair code P1145 on an Audi?
1. Visually inspect the MAF sensor and its wiring
🔎 Inspect the Mass Air Flow sensor and its connector
✅ Look for bent pins, cut wires, or corrosion.
✅ If wires are damaged, repair or replace them.
2. Clean the MAF sensor
💨 Remove the MAF sensor and clean it with a dedicated MAF cleaner.
⚠️ Never use brake cleaner or gasoline, as this could damage it!
✅ Let it dry completely before reinstalling.
3. Check the electrical connections
📌 Unplug the MAF connector and check the pins using a multimeter.
🔧 Measure the sensor’s supply voltage (~5V typically).
✅ If no voltage is present, check the wiring harness back to the ECU.
4. Check for air leaks in the intake
🔎 Check that the intake hoses are not cracked or poorly secured.
✅ If a leak is detected, replace or tighten the hoses.
5. Replace the MAF sensor if necessary
🛠️ If the sensor is too dirty or damaged, replace it with an OEM or equivalent quality MAF sensor.
⚠️ Avoid low-quality sensors that can cause other problems.
Common repairs for code P1145
🔧 Cleaning the MAF sensor
🔧 Repairing or replacing the sensor wiring harness
🔧 Replacing the MAF sensor (if necessary)
🔧 Checking and replacing the air filter (if dirty)
🔧 Repairing air leaks in the intake circuit
Common mistakes when diagnosing code P1145
❌ Replacing the MAF sensor directly without testing its wiring and connections
❌ Ignoring air leaks in the intake that distort the MAF measurement
❌ Using an unsuitable cleaner that damages the sensor
❌ Neglecting the condition of the air filter which can restrict airflow
Conclusion
Code P1145 indicates a problem with the MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor, often caused by an electrical short circuit, a dirty sensor, or an air leak in the intake.
➡️ Start by inspecting and cleaning the sensor.
➡️ Check the electrical connections and the sensor wiring harness.
➡️ Look for possible air leaks or a dirty air filter.
➡️ If the sensor is faulty, replace it.
🚗 Need an accurate diagnosis? An OBD-II scanner and a multimeter will help you identify the cause of the problem quickly.