P0106: MAP / Barometric Pressure Circuit Range/Performance
TL;DR
P0106 = MAP/BARO circuit range/performance. Severity: medium. Top causes: faulty MAP sensor (35%), vacuum leak (30%), clogged MAP port/hose (20%), wiring/connector (15%). Check for vacuum leaks before replacing the sensor.
Can I keep driving with P0106?
IF it runs acceptably → you can drive and diagnose soon; expect some hesitation or worse economy. IF it stalls, hesitates badly or is in limp mode → drive minimally, since fueling is based on bad load data.
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Hesitation or stumbling
- Reduced power
- Rough idle
- Worse fuel economy
Top causes (ranked by probability)
| Likely cause | Probability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Faulty / biased MAP sensor | 35% | |
| Intake vacuum leak | 30% | Smoke-test the intake |
| Clogged or leaking MAP port/hose | 20% | |
| Wiring or connector fault | 15% |
What does P0106 mean?
Technical explanation
The MAP sensor reports manifold pressure so the ECM can estimate engine load and meter fuel and timing. P0106 is a rationality fault: the reading is within electrical limits but doesn’t correlate with throttle position, RPM and expected airflow. Common causes are a biased/failing MAP sensor, an intake vacuum leak (raising manifold pressure), a clogged or leaking MAP vacuum port/hose, or wiring/connector faults. It often appears with lean codes if a vacuum leak is the root cause.
In simple terms
The MAP sensor measures the pressure inside the intake so the computer knows how hard the engine is working. P0106 means its reading doesn’t make sense for what the engine is doing — often a vacuum leak or a failing sensor. The car may hesitate, lack power or use more fuel.
How to diagnose P0106 (step by step)
- Read MAP live data. Compare MAP (kPa) at idle and throttle against expected values; an implausible reading confirms it.
- Check for vacuum leaks. A leak raises manifold pressure and skews the signal.
- Inspect the MAP port and hose. Clear any clogging; check for cracks or disconnection.
- Inspect wiring/connector. Look for corrosion, opens or shorts.
- Replace the MAP sensor if faulty. If vacuum and wiring are good, replace the sensor.
Repair options & cost
- Replace the MAP sensor
- Repair a vacuum leak
- Clear/replace the MAP port or hose
- Repair the wiring/connector
🔧 Doing it yourself? Buy the part: MAP (manifold pressure) sensor
| DIY cost | $15–$120 |
|---|---|
| Workshop cost | $90–$350 |
| Repair time | 20–60 minutes |
Costs are local ballpark ranges and vary by region and vehicle.
Tools you’ll need
Scan your car: recommended OBD-II scanners →Vehicle-specific notes
- Check for vacuum leaks before condemning the MAP sensor — leaks are a frequent cause.
- On engines that share a MAP and a MAF, confirm which sensor the code refers to.
- P0106 (range) relates to P0107 (low) and P0108 (high).
Common mistakes to avoid
- Replacing the MAP sensor while a vacuum leak is the real cause
- Ignoring a clogged or cracked MAP hose
- Overlooking a corroded connector
- Not comparing live MAP data to expected values
Frequently asked questions
What does P0106 mean?
The MAP sensor signal is implausible — it doesn’t match engine load and RPM. Common causes are a faulty MAP sensor, a vacuum leak, a clogged MAP port/hose, or wiring problems.
Can a vacuum leak cause P0106?
Yes. A vacuum leak raises manifold pressure and makes the MAP reading disagree with expected load, which can set P0106. Always check for leaks before replacing the sensor.
Is P0106 safe to drive with?
Usually short-term if it runs acceptably, but expect hesitation and worse economy. If it stalls or is in limp mode, drive minimally and fix it.
P0106 summary
| Meaning | MAP/BARO range/performance fault |
|---|---|
| Severity | Medium |
| Safe to drive? | Caution |
| Top cause | Faulty MAP / vacuum leak (65%) |
| DIY cost | $15–$120 |
| Shop cost | $90–$350 |