So, you have a Check Engine light. You’ve connected your OBD II code reader to your car, and it’s showing a P0106 code.
The P0106 code means a “Manifold Air Pressure (MAP) Barometric Pressure Sensor Electrical Circuit Output Range and Performance Problem” exists.
Wow, what a substantial utterance.
Although all these words might look overwhelming, it’s referring to a simple (but serious) problem. You’ll need to fix it immediately, as with anything that causes the Check Engine light to come on.
In this guide, I will walk you through the P0106 code and why it’s showing up on your OBD II code reader. I will then tell you how to fix it.
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What Does The Trouble Code P0106 Mean?
As mentioned, the P0106 diagnostic code is entitled: “Manifold Air Pressure (MAP) Barometric Pressure Sensor Electric Circuit Output Range and Performance Problem.”
That’s a multitude of words, so let’s walk through it step by step.
The Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor monitors the atmospheric pressure in the intake manifold. This air pressure is known as ‘engine load.’
The engine is constantly sucking in air through the intake manifold when you’re driving along. Pressing the accelerator pedal opens the throttle butterfly plate, allowing more air in. In turn, releasing it chokes (or ‘throttles’ – see?) the oxygen flow.
The air is sent from the manifold to each individual cylinder. The more air there is (the more you’re pressing the gas pedal), the more fuel the injectors need to introduce. It’ll also affect the ignition timing of the spark plug.
The MAP sensor’s job is to tell the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) exactly how much air is going into the engine at any given moment. The PCM takes these readings and, from them, calculates the fuel injection and timing.
Note: a PCM controls the powertrain – the engine and transmission. The ECU is broader for the module controlling the engine and, from it, the overall car. A modern car’s ‘ECU’ might contain will over 100 different modules.
The MAP sensor is a type of Barometric (that is, ‘atmospheric’) Pressure Sensor.
So, this sensor has an ‘electric circuit output range and performance problem.’ In simpler terms, that means the sensor is producing strange readings that don’t match up with any change in the amount of air in the manifold.
What’s The Problem With The MAP Sensor?
Getting the P0106 code usually means you have an issue with the MAP sensor itself.
The MAP sensor could have developed a flaw or been affected by debris or moisture. There’s plenty of that in the air the car is breathing in.
The connection to the MAP sensor may also have been affected.
Finally, a significant leak in the intake manifold (such as a big crack) might lead to bizarre air pressure variation. The PCM would register this as a sensor fault, even though the sensor’s fine and the issue lies with the manifold.
What Are The Symptoms Of A P0106 Code?
The first thing you’ll notice is a Check Engine light, of course.
After that, the most evident thing will be a lack of power caused by misfires and inefficient burns. For example, accelerating will take longer than usual, making the car feel sluggish.
This occurs because the PCM doesn’t know how much oxygen enters the chamber. It can’t send the right amount of fuel for an optimal burn. Instead, it’ll send a generic amount, often resulting in a rich fuel mixture.
Because of this, you end up with the following P0106 indicators:
- Low power and poor or erratic acceleration
- General rough running
- Possible stalling at idle – certainly a rough idle
- Low fuel economy
- More smoke than usual from the exhaust
How Do I Fix Code P0106?
In most cases, you’ll need a new MAP sensor.
It’s as simple as disconnecting the old one and installing the new one.
Alternatively, you could figure out what’s wrong with your old one. Most of the time, this takes too much time and is too advanced for most people to fix.
Of course, the other possibility is that the P0106 code refers to a fissure in the intake manifold.
If you find something like this, you’ll need a new part. It could be an individual pipe or the entire manifold.
Fixing the old one is pretty much impossible, although strong duct tape might work temporarily.
Simply take the old component off and replace it with the new one.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix P0106 Engine Code?
A fresh MAP sensor costs somewhere in the range of $50 to $100. It won’t take a mechanic too long to install, so expect another $50 in labor rate charges.
All in, then, anticipate a MAP sensor replacement to cost around $100 to $150.
You’ll pay a similar amount for a new air intake pipe – perhaps less. You can expect to fork over $50 to $125.
Finally, the air intake manifold. That’s a broad range of potential costs.
It really depends on what the manifold is made of. Plastic manifolds could be $50 to $100 for most common cars. In contrast, cast iron or aluminum models might be $500 or more.
Expect about two or three hours of work, coming to about $200 to $300.
As you can see, you might pay anything from $250 to $800. The primary factor is what your car’s intake manifold is constructed from.
P0106 Code Fixed But Check Engine Light Still On?
Once the sensor or intake component is replaced, a technician needs to clear the stored codes.
You can do this yourself if you have your own OBD II diagnosis tool.
Note: don’t buy the cheapest code reader you can find. If there’s a problem, a subpar code reader could short out and erase your PCM, effectively damaging your car. Get a high-quality one, or don’t get one at all. It’s best to leave it to a mechanic.
- Attach the OBD II code reader to the car.
- Check the codes to ensure there aren’t any others you’ve missed.
- Clear the codes.
The Check Engine light should now turn off.
If it comes back on, reattach the OBD II device and see what codes the PCM displays.
If the P0106 code persists, you may need to examine the other potential source (either the MAP sensor or the air intake system).
If the issue persists, it’s time to surrender and take your car to an automotive electrician.
Kia/Hyundai Cars And The P0106 Code
Here’s a final note to remember if you drive a Kia or Hyundai vehicle. (Hyundai is the parent company of Kia.)
It seems to affect vehicles from around 2008 to 2015.
It seems like there’s a problem where taking out or fully draining the battery causes the P0106 code to activate.
It’s unclear what causes this, although it’s likely related to the low voltage from the failing battery. It’s a false code – there’s no problem with the MAP sensor or intake manifold.
In most cases, the code doesn’t come back on after a few starts. If you reset the light and drive a few miles, the code shouldn’t reappear. You might have to start it a few times before the settings clear and it goes back to running normally.
Concluding Thoughts On The P0106 Code
If you encounter this error code, don’t worry. You can typically resolve it with a straightforward sensor replacement.
Make sure to fix it right away to avoid additional expenses in the future. Otherwise, your engine will operate with too much fuel.
This leads to poor fuel economy and an unreliable driving experience. Running rich means lots of components will clog up with hydrocarbons, including:
- Spark plugs (leading to more misfires)
- EGR valve
- Catalytic converter
- Oxygen sensors
- and more.
