P0106 MAP Sensor Reading Out of Range
Get it checked soon
The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor's reading does not match what the computer expects. A cracked vacuum hose, a vacuum leak or a failing sensor is the usual cause. Drivable, but fueling and timing can suffer.
- Safe to drive?
- Yes, fix soon
- Typical cost at a shop
- $199-$240 RepairPal national averages, parts and labor
- Emissions test
- Yes, while the check engine light is on, most OBD emissions tests fail the car.
Compare the MAP reading with barometric pressure live and find the leak, the hose or the sensor.
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Codes and live sensors are free in the app. Obie, the AI mechanic, is part of ScanMyCar Pro.
What it means
The MAP sensor measures the pressure (vacuum) inside the intake manifold, and the computer uses it to judge engine load. P0106 means the reading is out of line with throttle position, rpm or the outside air pressure the computer expects.
The technical version
With the key on and the engine off, the MAP sensor should read the same as outside air pressure. At idle it should show strong vacuum, and the reading should track the throttle. P0106 sets when the reading is stuck, slow or out of range against those models. On cars with both a MAF and a MAP sensor, the computer also cross-checks one against the other.
Official name: Manifold Absolute Pressure/Barometric Pressure Circuit Range/Performance Problem.
Symptoms
- Rough or unsteady idle.
- Hesitation or low power.
- Worse fuel economy.
- Sometimes a fuel smell or black smoke.
Causes, most likely first
| Cause | How likely | How to tell |
|---|---|---|
| A cracked, loose or blocked vacuum hose to the sensor | most common | Look at the hose and its ends; many MAP sensors sit on a short hose. |
| A failing MAP sensor | common | Key on, engine off, it does not read close to outside air pressure. |
| A vacuum leak in the intake | less common | Hissing, lean trims and P0171 or P0174. |
| Wiring or connector problems | less common | The reading jumps when you move the harness. |
| Engine mechanical problems that weaken vacuum | rare | Low vacuum at idle with misfires or a timing code. |
How likely is our ranking from repair data and common practice, not a published rate.
What the live data shows
Key on, engine off: MAP should read close to barometric pressure, about 100 kPa near sea level and less at altitude. At warm idle it should drop a lot, commonly to around 30 kPa or a bit more, and it should rise and fall smoothly as you blip the throttle. A reading that sits still or jumps points to the hose or the sensor.
What to check first, in order
-
Check the vacuum hose to the MAP sensor and the sensor connector.
A split hose is the most common cause.
What the data shows: No reading needed.
Cost: free to look
-
Compare MAP with barometric pressure, key on and engine off.
A good sensor reads outside pressure with the engine stopped.
What the data shows: The two values should be close.
Cost: no cost if you have a scanner
-
Watch MAP at idle and while you blip the throttle.
It shows a stuck or slow sensor.
What the data shows: A smooth, quick response is healthy.
Cost: no cost if you have a scanner
-
Replace the MAP sensor if the hose and wiring are good.
The sensor itself can fail.
What the data shows: Readings match the checks above afterwards.
Cost: $199-$240 at a shop (MAP sensor replacement, RepairPal)
Is it safe to drive?
Get it checked soon
Yes, fix soon. Many engines use this sensor to work out fuel and timing.
Usually drivable. Expect rough idle, hesitation, worse fuel economy or a rich smell on some cars. Get it checked soon so a bad reading does not lead to misfires or a damaged converter.
Stop driving and get help if
- The engine stalls or hesitates badly in traffic.
- The check engine light flashes.
What it costs
| Repair | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| MAP sensor replacementRepairPal, updated June 18, 2026 | $199-$240 |
National averages for the full job at a shop, parts and labor, from RepairPal (updated June 18, 2026). Your price depends on the car and the area. Many of the first checks on this page cost nothing with a scanner.
Can I clear it? Will it come back?
After the repair, clear the code and drive. If the code stays away for several drives, the fix worked.
Will it fail an emissions test?
Yes, while the check engine light is on, most OBD emissions tests fail the car.
Related codes
How Obie handles P0106
Obie compares the MAP reading with barometric pressure and throttle position and tells you whether the pattern points to a hose, a leak or the sensor. Obie is part of ScanMyCar Pro. Codes and live sensors are free.
Questions people ask
What does a MAP sensor do?
It measures the pressure inside the intake manifold, which tells the computer how hard the engine is working.
Can I drive with P0106?
Usually, for a short time. Get it fixed soon, because fueling can be off.
Is P0106 always the sensor?
No. Check the vacuum hose and look for leaks first: they are common and cheap.
Sources
- RepairPal: P0106 code page repairpal.com
- RepairPal: MAP sensor replacement (updated June 18, 2026) repairpal.com
- Texas DPS emissions testing FAQ dps.texas.gov
- Arizona myazcar.com: OBD and the check engine light myazcar.com
A guide, not a diagnosis. This page describes what P0106 generally means across OBD2 cars. What is actually wrong with your car depends on its live data and its history, and any repair decision deserves a proper diagnosis, whether that is you with a scanner or a professional with a lift.