Generic OBD2 code · Fuel and air metering

P0106: Manifold Absolute Pressure/Barometric Pressure Circuit Range/Performance

The engine computer found that the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) or barometric pressure reading is outside the range it expects for the current engine conditions.

CodeP0106
SystemFuel and air metering
Typical urgencyModerate to high
Can I keep driving?Usually drivable, but idle, power and fuel use can suffer. Diagnose it soon.

What does P0106 mean?

The MAP sensor measures pressure, or vacuum, in the intake manifold. The ECM uses it to judge engine load and calculate fuel and spark. P0106 means the signal is implausible for the throttle position, rpm or other inputs rather than simply shorted.

Both references point out that an intake or vacuum leak can make a good sensor report a wrong value, so the leak check comes before replacing the sensor.

Common symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Rough idle
  • Hesitation or poor acceleration
  • Running rich, with higher fuel use
  • In some cases no obvious symptoms

Common causes

The causes below are the ones commonly seen with P0106. The actual cause can vary by vehicle, engine and mileage, so treat this list as a starting point, not a diagnosis.

  • A vacuum or intake air leak, such as a cracked or loose hose
  • A faulty MAP sensor
  • Damaged wiring, a poor connection or a bad ground in the MAP sensor circuit
  • Engine mechanical problems that change manifold vacuum

What to check with a scanner

  • With the key on and engine off, compare the MAP reading in Live data with local barometric pressure. They should be close.
  • At warm idle the MAP reading should drop well below barometric pressure. Note the value and compare it at 2,500 rpm.
  • Check the vacuum hose to the MAP sensor, if fitted, for cracks or a loose fit.
  • Look at fuel trims. High positive trims at idle can point to a vacuum leak.

How to read and clear P0106 with OBD Master Pro

  1. Plug in your adapter. Connect a generic ELM327 (or ELM329) OBD2 adapter to the diagnostic port, usually under the dashboard on the driver's side. Bluetooth Classic, Bluetooth LE, Wi-Fi and USB OTG adapters are supported.
  2. Switch the ignition on. Turn the key to ON or start the engine, depending on your car.
  3. Connect in OBD Master Pro. Open the app, go to Connection and pick your adapter. Classic Bluetooth adapters connect from the Bluetooth tab, Bluetooth LE adapters from the BLE tab with no pairing needed. Use the generic OBD2 / EOBD profile or your car's brand profile.
  4. Read the codes. Open the fault codes screen to see stored, pending and permanent codes. Confirm P0106 is listed and note any other codes, since they often explain the cause.
  5. Check the details. Look at freeze frame data, Live data and, where your car supports it, Mode 06 test results (see the checks above).
  6. Fix, then clear. After the repair, clear the codes to turn off the check engine light. Clearing also resets the emissions readiness monitors, so drive normally and check the readiness screen before any inspection. Permanent codes cannot be erased with a scan tool; they clear on their own once the car's self test passes.

Tip: you can also look up P0106 and other codes in the app's DTC search without connecting to a car. If your adapter will not connect, use Connection > Share connection log and email it to support. Many cheap ELM327 clones only handle basic engine OBD2, which is all you need for P0106.

When to see a mechanic

Get professional help if any of these apply:

  • You cannot find a leak and need a smoke test
  • The engine has a misfire or low compression
  • The code returns after replacing the sensor

If you are unsure, a qualified technician can confirm the cause with tests such as smoke testing, pressure testing or scope readings. Clearing a code does not repair the fault.

P0106 FAQ

What is a MAP sensor?

It measures intake manifold pressure so the engine computer can estimate how much air the engine is taking in and adjust fuel and timing.

Can a vacuum leak cause P0106?

Yes. A leak changes manifold pressure, so the reading no longer matches what the ECM expects. Check hoses before replacing the sensor.

Is P0106 serious?

Usually not dangerous, but the engine may run rich or rough. Diagnose it to avoid poor fuel economy and catalyst stress.

Check P0106 on your own car

OBD Master Pro turns your Android phone and a generic ELM327 adapter into a code reader: read and clear codes, view freeze frame and live data, and check emissions readiness.

Get it on Google Play

Related guides

Check engine light on: what to do · How to read an OBD2 code (P, B, C, U) · Stored, pending and permanent codes and freeze frame · OBD2 readiness monitors explained · OBD2 glossary · OBD2 by car brand

Sources

Published . Updated . This guide is general information for generic SAE codes. Always follow the service information for your specific vehicle.