P1142 — Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Circuit Low Input
CAUTIONIs it safe to drive? Drive gently and get it looked at soon — it can worsen or fail inspection.
What P1142 means
This is a manufacturer-specific code — its meaning depends on the vehicle’s make (see below).
What P1142 means on specific makes
Subaru CAUTION
The MAF sensor signal is reading low, so the ECM under-estimates incoming air and mis-fuels. A common Subaru driveability code; often a dirty/failing MAF or an intake leak.
- Dirty or failed MAF sensor (clean first; $100-300 replace)
- Intake/boot air leak after the MAF
- Connector/wiring fault
Check first: Clean the MAF with MAF cleaner and check the intake boot for cracks/leaks; compare MAF g/s live data to spec. P1143/P1144 are the high-input siblings.
Source: obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/subaru, troublecodes.net