What Does Code P0106 Mean?
- P0106 definition: Manifold Air Pressure (MAP) Barometric Pressure Sensor Electric Circuit Output Range and Performance Problem
- Issue Severity: SEVERE – Stop driving immediately
- Repair Urgency: Fix this code immediately (same day if possible) to avoid damage to your emission system and internal engine damage.
- Diagnosis: When Code P0106 is triggered, it is important that you address the problem as soon as possible. An issue with your MAP sensor can lead to noticeable engine problems, increased blowback smoke, and a lack of fuel efficiency. This is because your MAP isn’t communicating properly with your Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) or your PCM.
Your car has a Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor that communicates with your Power Control Module (PCM) in order to measure and control your engine’s load. Your PCM needs the data from your MAP sensor in order to control several important components of your vehicle, including parts of your ECM and your fuel ratio. Typically, the MAP sensor should be sending a signal to your PCM that is between 1 to 4.5 volts depending on whether your car is at idle, full throttle, or somewhere in between. Code P0106 is triggered when your PCM sees that voltage moving up and down in an erratic way, or that there is no corresponding change in engine load.
P0106 Causes
There are many potential causes of code P0106.
- Faulty MAP sensor
- Faulty MAP sensor wiring
- Leaks in air intake system
- MAP sensor affected by water or dirt
P0106 Symptoms
- Check engine light
- Rough running engine
- Excessive smoke from exhaust
- Lower fuel economy
- Erratic acceleration
- Poor idle
How Do I Fix Code P0106?
With a MAP sensor fault, the first step is to get it diagnosed to figure out what is causing the problem.
If your vehicle has this fault and you’re not comfortable diagnosing this issue at home, we recommend finding a RepairPal certified shop nearby to pinpoint the problem and give an accurate estimate for repairs.
These shops can not only help you figure out what’s going wrong before you waste time and money on the wrong parts, but they also offer a minimum 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty and stand behind all their estimates with guaranteed fair pricing.
> Find a RepairPal Certified Shop Near You
How Much Does It Cost to Fix Code P0106?
P0106 can be caused by anything from a bad sensor to faulty wiring to water or dirt in the sensor. It’s impossible to give an accurate estimate without properly diagnosing the issue first.
If you take your car to a shop for diagnosis, most shops will start with an hour of “diag time” (the time spent in labor diagnosing your specific issue). Depending on the shop’s labor rate, this typically costs somewhere between $75-$150. Many, if not most, shops will apply this diagnosis fee to any required repairs if you have them perform the repairs for you. From there, a shop will be able to give you an accurate estimate for repairs to fix your P0106 code.
Possible Repair Costs for P0106
For error code P0106, one or more of the below repairs may be needed to solve the underlying issue. For each possible repair, the estimated cost of repair includes the cost of the relevant parts and the cost of labor required to make the repair.
- MAP sensor: $132 to $160
- Air intake hoses: $10 to $120
DIY Steps to Diagnose Code P0106
Engine code P0106 could be caused by a number of things, including a bad sensor, faulty wiring, or water or dirt in the sensor. If you’d like to try to fix code P0106 at home without throwing money at parts, you’ll want to follow the steps below for proper diagnosis. Keep in mind this is an advanced-level diagnosis and repair and not recommended for beginners. Diagnosis requires more specialized equipment beyond what the FIXD Sensor can provide and it can be a time and labor-intensive process for inexperienced DIYers.
DIY difficulty level: Advanced
This repair requires mechanical knowledge and is not recommended for beginners.
Tools/parts needed (our top picks from Amazon):
- FIXD
- Basic Hand Tools
- Vehicle Specific Service Manual
- Multimeter
STEP 1: USE FIXD TO ENSURE NO OTHER ENGINE CODES ARE PRESENT.
Use FIXD to scan your vehicle to verify P0106 is the only code present. If not, make a note of the additional codes, as they help diagnose the problem.
STEP 2: CHECK TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS FOR YOUR VEHICLE.
Check to see if your vehicle has any Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for this code. If there are any, follow them before further diagnosis.
STEP 3: CHECK INPUT/TURBINE SPEED SENSOR WIRING.
Locate the input/turbine speed sensor and inspect the wiring and connector of the sensor. Repair any faults found.
STEP 4: CHECK INPUT/TURBINE SPEED SENSOR AND RELUCTOR RING.
Remove the input/turbine speed sensor and inspect for any metal fragments or build upon the sensing side of the sensor. Also, check the reluctor ring inside the transmission for any damage or debris. If there is any debris on the sensor, clean off the debris, reinstall, clear the code, and test drive to see if the concern is resolved. (If excessive debris is found, there may be internal damage to the transmission.)
STEP 5: CHECK INPUT/TURBINE SPEED SENSOR RESISTANCE.
If the code comes back, remove the sensor and check its resistance using the Ohms setting of your multimeter and compare it to the vehicle specification. This test is performed with the sensor disconnected from the circuit. If it’s out of spec, replace the sensor.
If at this point the code persists, consider taking it to a shop with a diagnostic scan tool capable of reading the waveforms coming from ths sensor for further diagnostics.
Common P0106 Diagnosis Mistakes
Replacing the input/turbine speed sensor without checking for debris or a failed reluctor ring.
Still Need Help Fixing Code P0106?
If you’ve followed the steps above and are still experiencing check engine code P0106, please contact the FIXD Mechanic Hotline if you’re a FIXD Premium subscriber or find a RepairPal certified shop near you to get the right repairs at a fair price.
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