Fuel and air

P0106 — Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Range/Performance

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P0106 means

The engine computer compares the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor signal with engine speed, throttle position and other data. If the reading doesn't fit what the engine is doing, even when the voltage is within the normal span, it sets P0106. The computer uses this signal to calculate engine load, fuel delivery and ignition timing.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine light on
  • Rough idle
  • Poor acceleration and hesitation
  • Reduced fuel economy
  • Stalling or surging when you lift off the throttle
  • Hard starting
  • Lean-condition codes may appear as well

Possible causes

  1. Faulty MAP sensor (or integrated barometric sensor)
  2. Vacuum leaks: cracked hoses, leaking intake manifold or gasket
  3. Damaged wiring or corroded, loose connector at the sensor
  4. Clogged air filter or restriction in the intake
  5. Plugged or kinked vacuum line feeding the sensor
  6. Intake or exhaust leaks that distort load readings
  7. Rarely, a PCM software or internal fault

How to diagnose

  1. Scan for codes and freeze-frame data; note any lean, misfire or throttle codes
  2. Inspect vacuum hoses, intake ducts and the manifold gasket for cracks and leaks
  3. Check the air filter and intake path for restrictions
  4. Inspect the MAP sensor connector and wiring for corrosion, damage or poor fit
  5. Test the 5 V reference, ground and signal wire with a multimeter
  6. With key on and engine off, compare the MAP reading to barometric pressure on a scan tool
  7. Check idle vacuum with a gauge and compare it to the MAP reading
  8. Compare against a known-good sensor or replace the sensor and retest

Common fixes

  • Repair vacuum leaks: replace hoses and gaskets
  • Clean or replace the connector terminals and repair damaged wiring
  • Replace the air filter and clean the intake path
  • Replace the MAP sensor
  • Update or replace the PCM (very rare)

Questions and answers

Can I drive with a P0106 code?

Only for a short distance, such as getting to a shop. The engine may stall or run rough, so don't put the repair off.

What most often causes P0106?

Most often it's a vacuum leak, a poor connection at the sensor plug, or a failed MAP sensor. Start by inspecting the hoses and connector.

Can I just clear the code?

Clearing it only turns the light off for a while. If the cause remains, the code will return and the engine will keep running with a wrong mixture.

This is general information about the code. The meaning can differ between makes and models: a scan tool and the repair manual for your car will show the exact cause.