What is a MAP Sensor?

Sensors & Your Vehicle

From safety features like automatic braking to ensuring the engine runs efficiently, sensors play a key role in the operation of today’s vehicles. Electronic devices that monitor various systems and components, sensors send the information they collect to the car’s Electronic Control Unit (ECU). The ECU analyzes the data and makes any required changes to ensure optimal performance or vehicle safety.

What Does a MAP Sensor Do?

Key to optimizing engine performance, the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor is typically found on internal combustion engines with fuel injection. Commonly referred to as a MAP sensor, it is responsible for measuring the air pressure in the intake manifold. The ECU uses this information to determine the right air-fuel for the engine to complete an efficient combustion process. In addition, the MAP sensor plays a role in ignition timing by helping the ECU determine when to ignite the fuel under different engine load conditions.

Operating in real time, the information that the MAP sensor collects helps the ECU to adjust the fuel injection when necessary. This ability to make changes as needed means the engine can dynamically adapt when the driver accelerates, decelerates or is idling.

What Vehicles Use MAP Sensors?

As electronic management systems became increasingly prevalent on vehicles, MAP sensors started to appear on vehicles in the mid-1970s. Commonly found on fuel-injected engines, the MAP sensor can be found on the intake manifold while on a forced-induction engine it can be found on the intake tract. Some vehicles use a mass air flow (MAF) sensor rather than a MAP sensor to measure the amount of air going into the intake manifold while still other vehicles use both a MAP sensor and a MAF sensor.

How Long Does a MAP Sensor Last?

Despite being exposed to heat and high temperatures, MAP sensors typically last for 100,000 miles.

What are the Signs of a Failing MAP Sensor?

Having a properly functioning MAP sensor maximizes gas mileage and ensures optimal engine performance. When the MAP sensor is malfunctioning or failing, it can cause the air-fuel to become imbalanced resulting in reduced gas mileage, increased emissions and poor engine performance. Learn to recognize the symptoms of a bad MAP sensor:

If you notice any of these symptoms, have your auto technician examine the vehicle to make a diagnosis.

Can You Drive with Bad MAP Sensor?

Driving with a bad MAP sensor can cause diminished engine performance. You may find that your vehicle uses more gas and has reduced engine performance with poor acceleration, rough idling or stalling. In addition, if your state does emissions inspections, a failing MAP sensor will result in your vehicle failing the test. To keep your vehicle running smoothly, you should avoid driving with a bad MAP sensor. If you suspect that your MAP sensor is failing, have your auto technician check it out.

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The content in this article is for informational purposes only. You should consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have questions relating to any of the topics covered herein. DRiV and its affiliates (including Federal-Mogul Motorparts LLC) will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.