P0106 Code (Symptoms, Causes, and How to Fix)

Seeing a P0106 code when investigating that check engine light? This code means your car’s MAP sensor could be malfunctioning.

Here we go over all the possible causes, step-by-step troubleshooting to find the culprit, and let you know how much you can expect repairs to cost.

What Does Code P0106 Mean?

The P0106 error comes up on the power control module (PCM), which controls the car’s performance.

The PCM uses data from various sensors—the MAP being an important one of those. The MAP sensor measures engine load as well as the air-to-fuel ratio in the car. If this air to fuel ratio is off, the engine will either consume too much fuel or underperform.

A normal MAP sensor should read the manifold pressure as 1 to 4.5 volts. When this ratio is off, it can lead to misfires in the engine.

The manifold pressure naturally changes based on the throttle position, but when it fluctuates dramatically, the P0106 code is triggered. Other trouble codes tied to the MAP sensor are P0068, P0105, P0107, P0108, and P0109.

Symptoms of Code P0106 

There are various symptoms of code P0106. However, the most indicative ones are the car burning more fuel than usual and the engine stuttering or running roughly.

Other possible symptoms include:

• Check engine light is on
• Engine misfires/backfires
• Air-to-fuel ratio too rich
• Engine stuttering while accelerating
• Excessive smoke in the exhaust
• Rough idle

Causes of Code P0106

In addition to the various symptoms, many different issues can cause a car to throw code P0106. It’s just as likely that the cause could be faulty wires as the MAP sensor being damaged. 

• Cracked intake hose or faulty clamps on intake hose (most common)
• Faulty MAP sensor
• Damaged wiring of the MAP sensor
• Water or debris in the MAP sensor
• Open/Short in the MAP sensor wire
• Faulty PCM (least common)
• Leaks in the air intake system

Is Code P0106 Serious?

It’s important to note that Code P0106 is a serious error that should not be taken lightly. Problems with the MAP sensor can:

• Cause the throttle to malfunction
• Lead to misfires
• Damage your engine

You shouldn’t drive the vehicle until the P0106 code is resolved.

Cost to Fix Code P0106

When dealing with a P0106 trouble code, the cost of the repair varies based on the issue causing the code. Here’s a breakdown of the different possible causes and their respective repair costs:

Intake Hose or Clamp

A simple intake hose or clamp replacement should be a relatively inexpensive repair. You could expect to pay between $20-$50 for parts, and labor will typically cost you somewhere in the range of $80-$140 per hour. This should not take more than an hour.

MAP Sensor

If you need a new MAP (Manifold Absolute Pressure) sensor, the part itself usually costs somewhere between $50-$150. The labor charge for this replacement falls within the same hourly rate mentioned earlier, $80-$140 per hour.

Replacing the MAP sensor is generally a quick job, so the labor cost will likely be on the lower end of that price range.

MAP Sensor Wiring

For issues with the MAP sensor wiring, the cost to repair or replace it varies based on the extent of the damage. The labor charge remains the same, at $80-$140 per hour. The cost of the wiring itself can fluctuate significantly, ranging from $20 to $100+.

PCM

Should your PCM (Powertrain Control Module) need replacement, this will be a much more expensive fix. The module itself might cost anywhere from $200 to $1,000+, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

Labor charges remain within the same range, but as this task can be more labor-intensive and require reprogramming, expect a higher labor bill.

Air Intake System Leak

For an air intake system leak, the repair cost will largely depend on the specific part that needs to be replaced or repaired. Rubber seals, gaskets, or vacuum hoses typically have a low cost of $5-$30 for the parts. Labor charges will still vary between $80-$140 per hour, and the time required to complete the repair will depend on the complexity of the issue.

How to Fix

Because there can be multiple causes of the P0106 code, it’s important to make a thorough diagnosis before replacing the MAP sensor.

Start with the easiest test—visually checking the wiring and hoses around the MAP sensor. Then, move on to the full diagnosis of the MAP sensor. 

Tools You’ll Need:

• OBD2 scan tool (what we recommend)
• Voltmeter
• Vacuum Pump

What To Do:

1. Check for other trouble codes and scan the freeze frame data. Clear the engine check light. 
2. Visually check the air intake hose and intake duct for leaks or cracks. Make sure they are tight and that no clamps are missing.
3. Turn on the ignition but don’t start your vehicle. 
4. Use an OBD2 scan tool to check the MAP sensor data. The pressure sensor should drop from 4.5 volts to about 1 volt. If it doesn’t, there is a problem with the wiring or the sensor. 
5. Use the vacuum pump to test the MAP sensor. Apply 20 inches of vacuum pressure without turning the engine on. If the voltage doesn’t drop, check the port and hose for clogs of debris. Clean them and, if necessary, replace them. 
6. Using a digital multimeter, check the wiring around the MAP sensor. Touch the multimeter wire to the MAP sensor. If you don’t get a reading of 5 volts, connect the wire to the PCM. If you’re getting voltage from the connection but not from the wire, inspect for shorts. 

After running these diagnostics, it’s time to fix the P0106 Code error.

• Manually check that the wiring isn’t damaged, and the host and clamps are tight and fitted.
• Next, replace damaged wires, then clear the codes, and do a test drive to see if the P0106 code comes back.
• Remove and clean the MAP sensor with an electronic parts cleaner.
• Clean corrosion on the engine ground, if there is any, with automotive corrosion cleaner.
• If the code won’t clear after these steps, you’ll have to replace the MAP sensor.

It’s important to go through all these diagnostic steps before replacing the MAP sensor. That should be the last-resort option because it may not fix the problem if the wires are faulty.

After each step, be sure to test drive the car to check if the P0106 code has been cleared. If you go through all these steps and the code remains, go to a mechanic.

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Mark Stevens

Owner at Car Treatments

Mark is a veteran auto technician who has honed his skills with over 19 years of service working at various independent shops. While Fords and Mazdas are his specialty, he enjoys working on practically any vehicle (except a Nissan 300ZX).

He’s known for his attention to detail and problem-solving skills and enjoys coming up with out-of-the box solutions when the situation requires it.

When he's not troubleshooting customers' cars, you'll most likely find him working on his current project ('96 Bronco) or cooking Italian food for his family.

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