What does P0106 mean?

The MAP or barometric pressure sensor signal is outside the expected range or does not match engine conditions.

medium severity
Drive with caution

Quick Decision Guide

Can you drive?
Drive with caution
Urgency
Medium — investigate soon
Likely causes
  • Dirty or failed sensor
  • Vacuum or intake leak
  • Damaged wiring

When to stop driving

Usually drivable short-term if the engine runs smoothly, but stop if the vehicle stalls, hesitates severely, or loses power in traffic.

Reviewed by ratchit Automotive Solutions for clarity and inspection-first safety framing. Not a substitute for professional diagnosis.

Repair Decision & Cost Guide

Use this guide to decide what to inspect first, what it may cost, and when to move from DIY checks to professional diagnosis.

P0106 is a clue, not a confirmed diagnosis. Inspect simple causes before replacing parts.

DIY vs. Shop

Medium — investigate soonModerate — scanner + a few tools

Can you keep driving?

Usually drivable short-term if the engine runs smoothly, but stop if the vehicle stalls, hesitates severely, or loses power in traffic.

Best first DIY check

Inspect air intake ducting for cracks or loose clamps.

Don't replace this first

Do not replace parts based on the code name alone. Confirm with inspection or live data first.

When to seek a shop

If the inspect-first checks do not resolve it, or the same code returns within a drive cycle, get a shop diagnostic to avoid replacing the wrong part.

Recommended next action

Run a free scan to confirm related codes, then start with the inspect-first check above.

Estimated Repair Cost

Inspection cost

$0–$25 DIY scanner

DIY parts cost

$10–$800

Shop relevant inspection tools

Inspect first before replacing parts.

Shop diagnostic cost

$80–$150 (typical shop diagnostic fee)

Shop repair cost

$100–$2,500

Diagnostic uncertainty: This code points to a system or condition, not a guaranteed failed part. Inspect before replacing.

Cost variation: Costs vary by vehicle, location, part quality, labor rate, and the confirmed root cause.

Inspect Before Replacing

These checks are cheap, fast, and rule out the most common causes before spending money on parts.

  1. 1Inspect air intake ducting for cracks or loose clamps.
  2. 2Inspect sensor connectors and wiring.

Save this issue to My Garage

Save this issue to My Garage, track what you inspect, and build service history for this vehicle.

V-IQ readiness preview: Medium impact — resolving and tracking this issue may improve your V-IQ readiness. Tracking active codes and resolutions builds a service history we use to estimate V-IQ readiness over time.

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Understanding P0106 in detail

P0106 indicates a sensor signal used for air measurement, temperature, pressure, or throttle correlation is outside the expected range. Air metering faults can come from dirty sensors, intake leaks, wiring damage, failed MAP/MAF/IAT sensors, throttle body problems, or low voltage. Inspect the intake tract and compare live sensor data before replacing parts.

Symptoms of P0106

  • Check engine light
  • Rough idle
  • Hesitation
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Hard start
  • Reduced power

Common causes

  • Dirty or failed sensor
  • Vacuum or intake leak
  • Damaged wiring
  • Loose connector
  • Throttle body issue
  • Low voltage or poor ground

How to diagnose P0106

Steps ordered by urgency — tackle Now items first.

  1. NowInspect air intake ducting for cracks or loose clamps.
  2. NowInspect sensor connectors and wiring.
  3. SoonCompare live sensor data to ambient conditions and engine load.
  4. SoonCheck for vacuum leaks and fuel trim abnormalities.
  5. LaterClean or replace sensors only after data supports it.

How to fix P0106

Fixes listed in order of likelihood and cost-efficiency.

  1. 1Repair intake leak
  2. 2Clean or replace sensor
  3. 3Repair wiring or connector
  4. 4Clean throttle body
  5. 5Correct low voltage or ground issue

Want to check your full vehicle?

Run a free maintenance scan to see what else needs attention based on your year, make, model, mileage, and climate.

Estimated Repair Cost — P0106

Ranges vary by vehicle, region, and shop. Use as a ballpark — always get a quote.

Inspection or basic repair

DIY estimate

$10$80

Shop estimate

$100$300

Sensor, wiring, or valve repair

DIY estimate

$40$220

Shop estimate

$200$700

Advanced diagnosis or mechanical repair

DIY estimate

$100$800

Shop estimate

$500$2,500

Cost data is estimated and may not reflect your specific vehicle or location.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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