P0106 Manifold pressure (MAP) sensor reading doesn't match what the engine computer expects

MAP sensor range/performance

P0106 in short

P0106 means the manifold pressure (MAP) sensor reading doesn't match what the engine computer expects for the throttle opening and engine speed. Common causes are an intake vacuum leak, a failed sensor or damaged wiring. Many cars limit power with this code, so get it checked soon.

The MAP sensor measures pressure inside the intake manifold, which tells the engine computer how hard the engine is working. The computer uses it to set fuel and, on turbocharged engines, boost. It also predicts what the pressure should be from the throttle opening and engine speed.

P0106 sets when the measured and expected pressures disagree under the test conditions. On the 2008 Saab 9-3, for example, it checks that pressure drops properly when you lift off the accelerator, and only runs the test when there are no MAP circuit codes. A leak after the throttle, a faulty sensor or its wiring, or camshaft timing that is off can all cause it.

Because the computer can no longer trust its load reading, many engines switch to a safe mode: less power, no cruise control and slower idle return when you lift off. Other faults that change how the engine breathes, such as misfires or a stuck EGR valve, can also set it, so look at other codes first.

Most likely causes

These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.

  1. Air leak between the throttle and the intake valves: vacuum hose, intake gasket or MAP sensor seal

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    Extra air after the throttle raises manifold pressure above what the computer expects for the throttle opening. Saab's service information names this leak as one of the things the code points to.
    What would change this
    A hiss at idle, a cracked hose or a leak found by smoke testing confirms it; a sealed intake moves the sensor up.
    How to test the vacuum hoses and intake leaks

  2. Failed or contaminated manifold pressure (MAP) sensor

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    A sensor that reads wrong or drifts makes its reading disagree with the engine's own calculation. Saab treats an electrical fault in the component as a main cause.
    What would change this
    A reading far from outside air pressure with the engine off, or one that stays wrong on a sealed intake, confirms it.

  3. Damaged MAP sensor wiring or connector

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    A chafed wire or a corroded connector can make the signal noisy or offset, especially if circuit codes P0107 or P0108 come and go too.
    What would change this
    A reading that jumps when the harness is moved, or corrosion in the connector, raises this.

  4. Water or ice in the intake or the sensor port

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    On some vehicles, moisture that freezes in the intake during short trips in cold weather can upset the reading; Ford published guidance for this on some Escape hybrids.
    What would change this
    Codes that appear only below freezing after short drives, or water found at the sensor, raise this.

  5. Camshaft timing out of adjustment

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Valve timing changes how much air the engine draws at a given throttle opening. Saab notes the code can set when the camshafts or the intake cam are set incorrectly.
    What would change this
    Cam timing that doesn't match the marks or the computer's expected values, raises this.

  6. Another engine fault upsetting manifold pressure: misfire, restricted exhaust or a stuck EGR valve

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Problems elsewhere change how the engine breathes, so the pressure reading no longer matches the computer's model even with a good sensor.
    What would change this
    Misfire, EGR or catalyst codes stored alongside P0106 raise this; with none, look at the intake and sensor first.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read all codes and freeze-frame data; note any MAP circuit (P0107, P0108), misfire, EGR or catalyst codes

    Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool

  2. Inspect the vacuum hoses, the MAP sensor's seal or hose and the intake joints after the throttle; a shop can smoke-test the intake

    Use cautionTool: visual inspection; smoke machine (shop)

    Warning:Keep hands, hair and loose clothing clear of the belts and fan while the engine runs, and never run the engine in a closed garage.

  3. Key on, engine off: compare the MAP reading with outside air pressure (barometric). Then watch it at idle and while gently moving the harness and connector

    Low riskTool: scan tool with live data

  4. Have the camshaft timing checked against the marks or the maker's live-data values

    Best left to a shopTool: scan tool; maker's timing procedure (shop)

    Warning:Checking camshaft timing means removing engine covers and turning the engine by hand. Errors can damage the engine, so leave it to a shop with the procedure for your engine.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light, sometimes with no other symptom
  • Reduced power or limp mode, cruise control not working Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Engine speed drops slowly when you lift off the accelerator
  • Rough idle, poor acceleration or worse fuel economy
  • Check engine light flashing, or the engine shakes and stumbles under load Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

Compare with: Check engine light with loss of power, Rough idle with the check engine light on

How to fix

  1. With the engine off, check the MAP sensor's connector is fully latched and look for cracked or disconnected vacuum hoses near the intake manifold.

  2. If the sensor has its own vacuum hose, check it for splits, kinks or a loose fit at both ends.

Parts and cost context

  • Vacuum hoses and intake leaks:Vacuum hoses and seals are usually inexpensive; rule out a leak before buying a sensor.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Chevrolet

  • 2021 · Silverado 1500

    Supported by vehicle data

    On some 2021 GM full-size trucks and vans, an erratic MAP sensor signal with P0106 is fixed by replacing the MAP sensor.

  • N212330660Status unverified

    Erratic MAP sensor signal

    2021silverado-1500, silverado-2500-hd, silverado-3500-hd, express, suburban, tahoe · issued · NHTSA 10197321

    Some 2021 trucks and vans can have an erratic manifold pressure (MAP) sensor signal with P0106 and/or P0108; dealers replace the MAP sensor.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Ford

  • 2020–2021 · Escape

    Supported by vehicle data

    On 2020-2021 Escape hybrids driven short distances in freezing weather, water or ice in the intake can set P0106.

    NHTSA owner complaints mentioning P0106: 6. That shows what owners reported, not how often a cause sets the code.

  • SSM 49654Status unverified

    P0106/P2282 in freezing weather on Escape hybrid

    2020–2021escape · issued · NHTSA 10189558

    On some Escape hybrids driven short daily distances below freezing, water or ice in the intake can set P0106; the technician removes the throttle body, clears water/ice and cleans the MAP/temperature sensor as an interim fix.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • P0171Engine computer has reached its limit adding fuel on bank 1: the mixture is lean

    Shares causes Possible — needs testing

    An air leak after the throttle can upset the manifold pressure reading and also make the engine run lean, so the two codes can share one leak.

  • P0101Airflow sensor reading doesn't match what the engine computer expects for the throttle opening

    Shares causes Possible — needs testing

    On engines with both an airflow and a manifold pressure sensor, the computer compares them; an intake leak or a faulty airflow sensor can set both codes.

  • P0300Random or multiple-cylinder misfire detected

    Primary / secondary Possible — needs testing

    Likely primary: P0300. Severe or prolonged misfiring can upset manifold pressure enough to set P0106. Fix the misfire first, then recheck.

All Air metering (MAF, MAP and intake air temperature) codes

P0106 questions

Can I drive with P0106?

Usually for a short distance, but many cars cut power and disable cruise control with this code, which makes merging and passing harder. Get it checked soon. If the check engine light flashes, stop driving.

Why does my car feel slow with P0106?

When the computer can't trust its manifold pressure reading, many engines limit torque and acceleration to protect themselves. On the 2008 Saab 9-3, for example, the computer caps engine torque and blocks cruise control until the fault clears.

Will a new MAP sensor fix P0106?

Only if the sensor is the fault. Vacuum leaks, wiring problems, camshaft timing and other engine faults set the same code, so check those before buying a sensor.

Will my car pass an emissions inspection with this code?

Not while the check engine light is on; under the federal OBD inspection procedure a lit light with stored codes is a failure. After the repair the light normally goes out after three good drives, and readiness monitors must complete before a retest.

Sources and review

  1. Saab 9-3 (2008) WIS DTC P0106 00 (T8): Manifold absolute pressure sensor circuit performance — Saab Automobile (Saab WIS service information, hosted by Saab Club of North America)
  2. p0106 Code - Manifold Absolute Pressure/Barometric Pressure Circuit — Kelley Blue Book (KBB Service Advisor)
  3. Final Regulation Order: 13 CCR §1968.2, Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II) for 2004 and later passenger cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty vehicles — California Air Resources Board
  4. 2026 Honda Pilot Owner's Manual: Indicator Coming On/Blinking (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) — American Honda Motor Co.
  5. Ford Motor Company bulletin SSM 49654: P0106/P2282 in freezing weather on Escape hybrid — Ford Motor Company (filed with NHTSA) ,
  6. P0171 Code: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Fix It — Identifix ,
  7. Saab 9-3 (2008) WIS DTC P0101 00 (ME9): Mass air flow sensor performance (deviation from calculated mass air) — Saab Automobile (Saab WIS service information, hosted by Saab Club of North America)
  8. General Motors bulletin N212330660: Erratic MAP sensor signal — General Motors (filed with NHTSA) ,
  9. NHTSA ODI consumer complaints flat files — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Office of Defects Investigation
  10. 40 CFR §85.2222 Onboard diagnostic test procedures — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Electronic Code of Federal Regulations)
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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