P0106 Error Code: Manifold absolute pressure/barometric pressure - circuit Range and Performance Problems

There are several diagnostic error codes you may encounter while using your car, and one of them is the P0106 error code. This error code has to do with the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor and barometric pressure sensor circuit range and performance problems. 

Reading further, this article briefly explains the MAP and barometric pressure sensors including their functions and their locations. You will also learn the possible malfunctions that trigger this code in your car, the symptoms to look out for, and how to troubleshoot this code.

Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor and barometric pressure sensor

In some vehicles, the MAP sensor is also called a barometric pressure sensor or mass airflow (MAF) sensor.

The MAP sensor is located on the intake manifold and lies around or on the throttle body. This component is responsible for measuring the intake manifold pressure or airflow to the engine and sending signals to the ECM, ECM, in turn, uses these signals to calculate air density for air-fuel mixture for combustion. The function of this component shows that it is present in vehicles with a fuel injection system. 

The MAP is also useful in diagnosing throttle performance-related issues and checking for vacuum leaks in the intake manifold.

Causes of the P0106 Error Code

There are several reasons why this diagnostic error code was generated in your car, and here are some of these problems.

Vacuum leak

A vacuum leak happens between the manifold absolute pressure sensor and the engine box, and it is one of the common causes of this error code. With a vacuum leak, the signals sent to the ECM about airflow will be inaccurate and lead to the wrong air-fuel mixture ratio. This leak can happen at the MAP sensor hose or the intake manifold.

Clogged air filter

An air filter is part of the intake system responsible for purifying air getting into your car for dust and other debris. When this filter is clogged with dirt, it can reduce airflow to the engine and this can lead to a lower air pressure than usual which affects the air-fuel ration for combustion.

Faulty MAP Sensor

When the MAP sensor is faulty it won’t send accurate signals to the eCM or won’t send any signals at all. This can happen when a part of this sensor is damaged beyond repair.

Faulty MAP wiring

The wiring connecting the manifold absolute pressure sensor to the ECM is crucial for sending signals. When the wiring of these sensors gets damaged or faulty, it affects the reading sent to the ECM, or no reading is sent at all.

Low car battery

This is a less common cause of this error code. When your car’s battery is down, it can cause a low power supply to some electronic components like the MAP sensor.

Faulty ECM

It is not common that a faulty ECM triggers the P010 error code, but it is a possibility. With the MAP sensor and ECM working together on fuel injection and ignition, a malfunction in the ECM will greatly affect these components.

Symptoms of a P0106 error code

When a malfunction in your car triggers a P0106 error code, there are some unusual symptoms you may observe that will indicate the presence of this code.

Rough idling

Rough idling is best described as a shaky or vibrating feeling your car gives when your car engine is on, but not moving. With these symptoms, you may experience an inconsistent RPM that will rise and drop while you drive.

Poor fuel efficiency

With the MAP sensor and ECM responsible for fuel injection, when either one of this component malfunction, inaccurate information may be translated to increase the fuel-to-air ratio for combustion. This can lead to your car using more fuel than usual.

Check engine light comes on

The check engine warning light usually comes on when there is a malfunction in any part of your car. This light is identified as a yellow light illuminating an oil jug on your car’s dashboard display screen.

Excessive smoke from the exhaust

If you notice more smoke than usual coming from your exhaust pipe, especially if this smoke is black, it signifies that the fuel-to-air ratio for combustion is rich. This means that more fuel is being burned for combustion and this fuel is not equally balanced with the amount of air supplied.

Engine backfires

Engine backfires occur when the red-hot exhaust valves are exposed to gasoline which leads to a backfire. This gasoline is excess added to the engine via the signals sent from a faulty MAP sensor, ECM, or other related component. 

Because of this abnormal combustion reaction, you may also observe misfires which are indicated by your vehicle accelerating slower than usual or it feels rough when you accelerate.

Troubleshooting P0106 error codes

At first, this code may seem like a problem you can ignore even for a little time, but its severity calls for immediate attention. If left without any diagnosis and repair, problems related to this code can cause your throttle to become faulty, lead to more misfires, and in severe cases, damage your car engine.

Before diving into repair, you want to confirm that your car has a P0106 error code, and you can do this by using an OBD scanner to confirm. You can also look out for the symptoms mentioned in this article for complete verification of the problem. 

Here are some possible solutions you can take to fix the issue present and eliminate this code.

Fix vacuum leaks

Vacuum leaks are often products of loose clamps, broken seals, cracking or wear of important components, or even thermal-related damage. This fault can be detected by listening to hissing sounds or checking for air bubbles where fluids are used.

This problem is best fixed by replacing damaged parts and making necessary fixes where applied.

Air filter maintenance

Clean your air filter when it has absorbed a lot of debris and you should replace it if it has stayed between 12,000 to 15,000 miles. This especially applies to people who drive through dusty areas.

Wiring and connectors

All wiring and connectors related to the intake system should be inspected for any damage. This includes checking those related to the MAP sensor, air intake, and throttle. If need be, reinstall every connector to ensure that you establish a solid electrical connection.

Replace MAP sensor

If the MAP sensor seems to have a fault that triggers this code and affects the normal functioning of your car, the best option is to make a replacement for the sensor. The cost of purchasing this part lies between $50 -$150 while labor costs may vary. Depending on how good they are or what their requirements are, you may be expected to pay between $40 - $180 to these experts.

Conclusion

The P0106 error code signifies a problem with the manifold absolute r barometric pressure and we have discussed in this article that there can be several causes of that. We have also briefly talked about the MAP sensor, how it works, and how it collaborates with other platforms. 

Some of the symptoms associated with this error code have been explained in this article to help you make a proper diagnosis even with the help of an OBD scanner.