P0106 code meaning
Manifold Absolute Pressure/Barometric Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P01xx codes Check engine light
What P0106 means
The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor measures the pressure behind the throttle; on vehicles without a separate barometric sensor it also supplies the ambient pressure, read at key-on or wide-open throttle – hence 'MAP/BARO'. It is a three-wire sensor with 5 V reference, ground and signal. P0106 is a plausibility fault: the signal is electrically valid but implausible – stuck, offset or drifting. Two tests are common. With the engine stopped, all pressures equalise, so MAP must match ambient (and boost) pressure; Ford allows 1.5–3 inHg. While running, MAP is compared with a value modelled from air mass, throttle and speed – GM blames the MAP sensor above about 23–30 kPa error, with two trips on gasoline and one on diesel. Turbo engines with three sensors find the odd one out by majority. Besides the sensor, intake or boost leaks often cause it.
P0106 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0106
- Check engine light on
- Rough idle, hesitation, poor response
- Higher consumption, black smoke possible on diesels
- Loss of power or limp mode on turbo engines
Common causes of P0106
- Most likelyVacuum leak at the intake manifold or boost leak (hose, clamp, charge air cooler)
- Most likelySensor oiled or sooted, port blocked (EGR soot), characteristic drifted
- PossibleHigh resistance in signal, reference or ground wire
- PossibleComparison sensor wrong, or mechanical cause (dirty throttle, EGR stuck open)
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Manifold absolute pressure sensorIntake manifoldSensor wiringBoost pressure sensor
What each part of P0106 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 1 | Area: fuel and air metering. |
| 06 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0106 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0106
What does P0106 mean?
P0106 means "Manifold Absolute Pressure/Barometric Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/Performance". The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor measures the pressure behind the throttle; on vehicles without a separate barometric sensor it also supplies the ambient pressure, read at key-on or wide-open throttle – hence 'MAP/BARO'. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0106?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0106 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0106 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0106 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0106 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0106 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.