P0106 Code (Symptoms, Causes, and Fixes)

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Did you get the P0106 code on your troubleshooting device? It’s not something to throw you off balance.

P0106 error code signifies that your car’s MAP sensor is failing or failed already. There are many reasons why this sensor could go bad, regardless, there are ways to get around the situation.

This article explains the P0106 code, the causes, and how you can fix things up. The MAP sensor can get faulty after you’ve driven several miles, let’s say 100k+ miles. When this sensor is no longer functioning as designed, you’d experience different unusual symptoms; we explained those symptoms too, read on.

What Does P0106 Code Mean?

The P0106 code is a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for the “Manifold Air Pressure” (MAP) Sensor. This code signifies that your car’s MAP sensor is bad, or failing.

Technically, this is the definition of the p0106 code: Manifold Air Pressure (MAP) Barometric Pressure Sensor Electric Circuit Output Range and Performance Problem.

Actually, the MAP sensor helps to ensure good fuel economy and communicates with the Power Control Module (PCM) to measure and control the engine’s load, as well as control the performance of various important components of your car.

The MAP sensor relays voltage signals to the Engine Control Unit (ECU), which helps to ensure the smooth performance of the engine. If the MAP sensor is bad, there are several symptoms it could trigger, and your car won’t run properly.

Symptoms of a Bad MAP Sensor | Signs Your Car Would Throw a P0106 Error Code

Hereunder are the possible symptoms you may experience while driving with a faulty or failing MAP sensor.

When you notice any of the signs above, there is the possibility that your car would throw a P0106 code when you try to troubleshoot it using an OBD-II scanner.

Causes of P0106 Error Code

There are pretty many reasons why the MAP sensor can go bad; thus, causing the P0106 code to appear on your troubleshooting device.

1. Loose Intake Hose

When the air intake system vacuum or hose is loose, physically damaged, cracked, or out of place, it could cause the MAP sensor not to function as designed, causing you to experience any of the symptoms listed above.

2. Electrical Issues

Bad wiring can cause any sensor in a vehicle to go bad, and the MAP sensor is not excluded. If the MAP sensor wire is not grounded, it could cause the failure of the sensor.

Similarly, bad wiring or setting the sensor too close to higher voltage consumption components (alternator, ignition wire, etc.) can lead to its failure.

3. Incorrect Range

When installing MAP sensors, the electrician must be careful of the ranges. MAP sensors are designed to operate within specific ranges in order to send accurate signals to the connected systems and components for the smooth performance of the engine.

4. Weak or Damaged MAP Sensor

If your car has put out 150,000+ miles, chances are that the MAP sensor may be weak, worn out, or physically damaged, which could possibly be the issue that triggered the P0106 code. There are other scenarios that can cause the sensor to go bad – this includes accidents and collisions.

5. Another Faulty Component Cause It

As surprising as it may sound, yes, another faulty component may have affected the performance of the MAP sensor – causing the sensor to send wrong/inaccurate signals to the connected systems, which can trigger the P0106 code.

For example, if the ECU is faulty, it would affect the MAP sensors’ performance and trigger the P0106 code.

How to Fix the P0106 Error Code

To fix this issue might simply mean to replace the faulty or damaged MAP sensor; this would work if the sensor has worn out, or it’s physically damaged.

But, if the sensor is still looking good in shape, then you need to inspect the intake hose, ECU, and other connected components that could have led to the malfunctioning of the MAP sensor.

Below is a clearer guide on how to fix the P0106 code; you’d need certain tools for this DIY.

Tools Needed:

  • OBD2 scan tool
  • Voltmeter
  • Vacuum Pump

Procedure:

  • Plug in the OBDII scanner and troubleshoot the car to find all other trouble codes you may need to fix.  
  • If the only code you need to fix is the p0106 code, proceed to physically check the air intake hose and duct for physical damage and leaks, and also check if the hose is still tight.
  • Turn on the ignition but don’t start the car
  • Using the OBDII scanner, check the MAP sensor data; if the voltage reading doesn’t fall from 4.5V to about 1V, the wiring is faulty or the sensor itself is bad.
  • Using a digital multi-meter, test the MAP sensor wiring. Also check if the wires are physically damaged, and check if the host and clamps are still tight.
  • Replace any faulty wires detected
  • Remove the MAP sensor and clean with an electronic parts cleaner. Also, clean  any corrosion on the ground, if any (using an automotive corrosion cleaner).

These actions should fix the code, but if they didn’t work for you, then you need to replace the sensor itself.

What More?

Generally, if your car is facing any issue that could result in showing the p0106 code, you’d notice a significant drop in your car engine’s performance.

Getting the p0106 code isn’t a “too serious” situation, you could easily fix it yourself or get an auto technician to help out. This error code simply indicates that there’s an issue with your car’s MAP sensor, which needs to be checked as soon as possible.

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