OBD codes / P0106
P0106
ModerateManifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor Range/Performance
P0106 is generally safe to drive with in the short term. The engine may idle rough or hesitate, and fuel economy suffers, but it's rarely a breakdown risk. Given how inexpensive the usual fixes are, it makes sense to sort it out soon — and definitely before an emissions test.
What this code means
The MAP sensor measures pressure inside the intake manifold, which tells the engine computer how much load the engine is under so it can set fuel and ignition timing. P0106 sets when the MAP reading doesn't make sense for the current conditions — for example, reporting pressure that disagrees with throttle position, RPM, or the barometric reading at key-on. Common causes are a cracked, split, or clogged vacuum hose to the sensor, a carbon-plugged sensor port, a vacuum leak changing manifold pressure itself, or a lazy, drifted sensor. On many engines the sensor is a small, cheap, easily reached part, but it's worth confirming the hose and port first — replacing a MAP sensor doesn't fix a split vacuum line. A big vacuum leak can set this code alongside lean codes like P0171.
Symptoms you might notice
- Rough or unstable idle
- Hesitation or stumble on acceleration
- Worse fuel economy
- Occasional stalling
- Sometimes just the check-engine light with no obvious symptoms
What it costs to fix
Typical range: $20–$250 · about ~0.2–0.5 hrs of labor
| If the cause is… | Part | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| MAP sensor (replace) | $40–$150 | ~0.2–0.5 hrs |
| Vacuum hose / port cleaning | $5–$30 | ~0.2–0.5 hrs |
This is one of the cheaper sensor codes to resolve — the part is inexpensive and usually mounted in plain sight on the manifold or firewall. Costs climb only if the true cause is a vacuum leak that takes diagnostic time to locate.
The price swings on which cause it turns out to be — so confirm the cause before paying. Diagnose P0106 for my exact vehicle →
How to fix P0106
Easy — basic tools, most owners can do this
- Inspect the hose or port feeding the MAP sensor
Find the MAP sensor (usually on or near the intake manifold) and check its vacuum hose for cracks, splits, softness, or an oil-soaked interior; if it mounts directly to the manifold, make sure it's seated and its seal is intact. A leaky or blocked vacuum feed is the classic cause of an implausible MAP reading.
- Compare the key-on reading to barometric pressure
With the key on and engine off, the MAP sensor should read close to atmospheric pressure (around 100 kPa near sea level, less at altitude). A KOEO reading far from your local barometric pressure condemns the sensor or its circuit without further guesswork.
- Clean the sensor port of carbon
Pull the MAP sensor and look into its sensing port — carbon or oil buildup dampens the pressure signal. Clean it gently with electronics-safe cleaner; don't poke anything into the sensing element itself.
- Check for intake vacuum leaks
At idle, the MAP should show strong vacuum (roughly 30–40 kPa on most engines) that responds instantly to throttle blips. A high, lazy idle reading alongside rough running suggests a manifold vacuum leak rather than a bad sensor — spray-test the intake gaskets and hoses.
- Replace the MAP sensor
If the hose is sound, the port is clean, and the readings still don't track throttle and RPM sensibly, replace the sensor. It's typically held by one or two screws and a connector, making it one of the easier sensors on the engine to swap.
DIY or shop? Nearly all of this is DIY: the MAP sensor is usually accessible on top of the manifold, the hose inspection is free, and the sensor swap is a few minutes with a screwdriver. The one place a shop helps is when the real problem is a manifold vacuum leak masquerading as a sensor fault — a professional smoke test pinpoints leaks that are hard to find by ear or spray can.
Tools for the DIY steps: OBD2 scanner with live data · Screwdriver or small socket set · Replacement vacuum hose · Electronics-safe cleaner · Carb cleaner for leak testing
Not sure which step applies to your car? Get the likely cause for your exact vehicle before buying anything for P0106.
Frequently asked
What does the MAP sensor do and why did P0106 set?
It measures intake manifold pressure so the computer knows engine load. P0106 means that reading stopped making sense compared to throttle position and RPM — the sensor is answering, but implausibly. The cause is usually a cracked vacuum hose, a clogged sensor port, or a drifted sensor.
Can I just replace the MAP sensor for P0106?
You can, and often that fixes it, but check the cheap stuff first: the vacuum hose to the sensor and the sensor's port. A split hose or carbon-plugged port produces the same implausible readings, and no new sensor will cure those.
Is P0106 related to a vacuum leak?
It can be. A significant vacuum leak genuinely changes manifold pressure, which can make the MAP reading disagree with what the computer expects — and it often sets lean codes like P0171 at the same time. If P0106 shows up with lean codes, hunt for the leak before blaming the sensor.
How much does fixing P0106 usually run?
It's typically one of the cheaper check-engine repairs: a vacuum hose costs a few dollars, and the sensor itself is an inexpensive part with minimal labor since it's usually easy to reach. Budget the low hundreds at worst for the common fixes.
Seeing P0106 on your car? Get a diagnosis specific to your exact year, make and model.
Diagnose P0106 for my vehicleRelated trouble codes
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Generic OBD-II reference. Manufacturer-specific behavior varies — confirm with a scan tool and, for safety-related codes, a professional inspection.