Bad MAP sensor symptoms
As we mentioned before, the MAP sensor, or the abbreviation of Manifold Absolute Pressure sensor, is a sensor that generates data about the absolute air vacuum conditions in the intake manifold.
With the data generated by this MAP sensor, the ECU (Engine Control Unit) can correct the air and fuel mixture that occurs in the engine combustion chamber.
Just like other engine components, the MAP sensor is also not spared from damage. Many things can be the cause of this bad MAP sensor. It could be due to service life, errors when using the vehicle (flooded, for example), to errors during an inspection.
This article will give you information about a bad MAP sensor symptoms that we can pay attention to on vehicles. Check out the bad MAP sensor symptoms below.
1. Check engine warning light is ON
The first signs of a bad MAP sensor symptms is when the check engine warning light is on. As a sensor, this MAP sensor is connected directly to the Engine Control Unit (ECU). The ECU will inform you of the faulty when the MAP sensor is damaged by turning on the check engine warning light. However, to ensure that the MAP sensor is faulty, we need to check it with a proper scanner.
The common DTC code that will appear if there is a bad MAP sensor is DTC P0105 or flashing code (MIL) 31 (Manifold Absolute Pressure / Barometric Pressure Circuit). As for some of the latest car models, the DTC for the MAP sensor consists of several variants, including
- P0106: Manifold Absolute Pressure/Baro Pressure out of range
- P0107: Manifold Absolute Pressure/Baro Pressure Low Input
- P0108: Manifold Absolute Pressure/Baro Pressure High Input
- P0109: Manifold Absolute Pressure/Baro Pressure Circuit Intermittent
- P1106: MAP/BARO Pressure Circuit Range/Performance Problem
- P1107: Barometric Pressure Sensor Circuit Low Voltage
Note: Sometimes, different sensors or other faulty parts can cause these codes to be set. Even if your engine is experiencing the symptoms listed above and firing one or more of the OBD-II codes listed. It is recommended to test the MAP sensor first to confirm the sensor is faulty.
2. Fuel consumption and exhaust emissions increase
In addition to the check engine warning light ON, the next a bad MAP sensor symptoms are increased fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. Yes, this is in line with the function of the MAP sensor, which is one of the sensors to make corrections to the fuel mixture that occurs in the engine. This correction is done by adjusting the amount of fuel injected into the combustion chamber.
When the MAP sensor is damaged, the data to be processed by the ECU becomes inaccurate. The injector settings when injecting fuel change and do not match the engine's needs. As a result, there will be an increase in fuel consumption.
Due to increased fuel consumption, this also increases the amount of exhaust gas emissions produced by the engine, namely increasing levels of Hydrocarbon (HC), Carbon monoxide (CO), to Nitrogen Oxides (NOx).
3. The engine is difficult to run even though it is easy to start
The next bad MAP sensor symptoms is the engine difficult to run even though it is easy to start. In some cases, a bad MAP sensor can damage the Engine Control Unit (ECU) directly. Damage to the ECU due to a bad MAP sensor (MAP sensor short to ground) will cause engine problems, even though we can start the engine.
Therefore, before replacing the ECU with a new one, we need to make sure the MAP sensor is in good condition and not short to ground.
Read also:4. Rough and vibrating engine idling rotation
The other bad MAP sensor symptoms is when the engine idling rotation feels rough and vibrates more. The engine looks more vibrating and shaking during idling rotation. It happens because the ECU gets the wrong data from a bad MAP sensor.
This rough and more vibrating engine idling rotation can occur due to an unbalanced fuel mixture. As in point no. 2, which has already been explained, a damaged MAP sensor can affect fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
When the fuel mixture in the combustion chamber is not suitable, this can also result in incomplete combustion. Incomplete combustion affects engine power and rpm rotation stability, especially when idling. As a result, the engine vibrates more during idling.