Is Your Vehicle's MAP Sensor Failing?
The purpose of a vehicle's manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor is to provide the engine control module (ECM) with manifold pressure. The ECM then uses that info to control the air to fuel ratio so that your engine has the perfect amount of combustion. Unfortunately, the MAP sensor is a part that can malfunction. If too much air comes in, then the ECM will provide more fuel to the engine, which causes that air to fuel ratio to not be optimized. Here is how you can tell something is wrong with your MAP sensor.
High Mileage
Your MAP sensor isn't going to last forever. The part has a life expectancy of somewhere between 125,000 and 150,000 miles. If your car is in this mileage range and you are experiencing other problems, it could be due to a MAP sensor that needs to be replaced.
Engine Light
The MAP sensor may cause some error codes that cause your engine light to turn on, but it doesn't always trigger the warning light. While some error codes are related to poor or rich fuel conditions, there are a few error codes specifically related to the MAP sensor itself. Error code P0107 means that the MAP sensor is receiving a low voltage. A mechanic can help read the error code and narrow down what part may be problematic.
Stalling
Is your engine failing unexpectedly? This often happens due to the MAP sensor telling the ECM that less air is coming into the engine than there really is. The ECM then sends less fuel to the engine, which causes the combustion process to not happen. The engine stalls and shuts down, and your car stops running.
Misfiring
Engine misfiring can happen for the exact opposite reason as stalling. The MAP sensor is indicating that more air is coming in than there really is, and the ECM compensates by sending more fuel to the engine. This leads to the engine misfiring while you're driving.
Lack Of Power
Trying to accelerate in your vehicle and the power is simply not there? This is caused by fuel burning inefficiently. The MAP sensor may be sending a reading to the ECM that there is slightly less air coming into the engine, which results in a reduction of fuel. It will be just enough to not give you the power you need to accelerate faster than you already are.
Reach out to an auto repair shop for help diagnosing a bad MAP sensor.
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