P0106: How to Diagnose & Fix — MAP/Barometric Pressure Circuit Range/Performance
9 vehicles · 5 makes · $100-$7,500 repair
How to diagnose and fix P0106: most-reported vehicles
Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.
Chevrolet Sonic · 2012–2020
The 1.4L turbocharged Ecotec engine in the Sonic shares the notorious PCV system failure with the Chevrolet Cruze. The PCV regulator diaphragm integrated into the valve cover ruptures, causing massive vacuum leaks. Additionally, the intake manifold check valve (small red/orange valve) fails, compounding the issue. This affects virtually all 1.4T Sonics eventually, typically between 50,000-100,000 miles.
Common Symptoms
- Check engine light with P0171 (system too lean)
- Rough or unstable idle
- Excessive oil consumption between changes
- Hissing or whistling sound from engine area
- Poor acceleration and turbo boost loss
How to Fix
Replace the valve cover assembly (includes new PCV diaphragm) with the updated GM design. Replace the intake manifold check valve simultaneously. Inspect the corrugated PCV hose from intake manifold to turbo for cracks. Use only GM or quality aftermarket valve covers - cheap replacements fail quickly.
Sources for this issue (2)
Chevrolet Cruze · 2011–2016
The intake manifold on the 1.4T Cruze has variable-length intake runners controlled by an internal flap actuator. The actuator motor fails or the runner flaps stick due to carbon buildup and oil contamination (especially when the PCV valve cover has also failed). When the runners stick open or closed, the engine loses low-end torque, idles rough, and throws a check engine light. The plastic runner flap pivots can also break, sending debris into the intake port and potentially the cylinder.
Common Symptoms
- Check engine light with intake manifold codes
- Loss of low-end torque and sluggish acceleration
- Rough idle
- Engine hesitation during acceleration
- Rattling noise from intake manifold area
How to Fix
Clean the intake manifold runner flaps with throttle body cleaner and check the actuator motor for proper operation ($100-$200 for cleaning). If the actuator motor has failed, replacement costs $80-$200 for the part and 1-2 hours of labor. If the runner flaps are broken or cracked, the entire intake manifold assembly must be replaced ($200-$400 for parts, $200-$400 labor). Address any PCV valve cover failures first, as oil contamination from a failed PCV system accelerates carbon buildup on the runner flaps.
Sources for this issue (1)
Ford Escape · 2013–2013
The engine wiring harness splices that feed the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor were crimped with insufficient compression on 2013 Escapes built January 11, 2012 through April 1, 2013. The loose splice sends an incorrect MAP signal to the powertrain control module, and the PCM responds with hesitation, a rough or unstable idle, or an outright stall — often with no stored code that points at the harness, because the sensor itself tests good. Ford recalled the vehicles under 14S17 (NHTSA 14V495000), then had to re-recall them as 14S17-S1 (NHTSA 15V813000) when the first remedy did not hold, extending coverage to 2013-2014 Focus ST as well. This is an electrical-connection defect and is completely separate from the 1.6L coolant intrusion and cylinder-head cracking issues that dominate this generation, though it affects many of the same cars.
Common Symptoms
- Engine hesitates or bucks under light throttle
- Engine stalls at idle or when coming to a stop
- Rough or hunting idle
- Check engine light with fuel-trim or MAP-related codes, or no code at all
- Symptom is intermittent and worse when the engine is warm
How to Fix
Free recall remedy under NHTSA 15V813000 / Ford 14S17-S1 — the dealer cuts out the original crimped splices and installs new splices in the engine wiring harness at no charge. If the car had the first version of the repair (14S17 / 14V495000) it still needs the 14S17-S1 re-repair, so check the VIN even on a car with a recall already logged. If the stall persists after the splice repair, have the MAP sensor and the harness pigtail load-tested with the engine warm rather than replacing the PCM.
Sources for this issue (3)
Buick Encore · 2013–2022
Chevrolet Cruze · 2011–2016
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P0106 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0106 mean?
P0106 stands for "MAP/Barometric Pressure Circuit Range/Performance." P0106 means the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) or barometric pressure sensor signal is out of the expected range or not matching engine operating conditions (range/performance). The MAP sensor measures intake manifold pressure/vacuum, which the computer uses to gauge engine load and calculate the correct fuel and ignition timing. When the reading is implausible — too steady, not tracking throttle changes, or inconsistent with other sensors — the computer flags this code. Symptoms often include rough idle, hesitation, poor fuel economy, or a lack of power, and the cause may be the sensor, a vacuum leak, or wiring.
What are the most common causes of P0106?
The most common causes of P0106 are: Faulty MAP sensor, Vacuum leak or disconnected/cracked vacuum line to the sensor, Clogged or restricted MAP sensor port, Wiring or connector problems in the sensor circuit, Intake manifold leak affecting pressure readings, Restricted air intake or exhaust affecting manifold pressure, Poor ground or reference voltage to the sensor. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0106?
Repair costs for P0106 range from $100 to $7,500, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P0106?
Au7o has documented P0106 across 9 vehicle models from 5 manufacturers: Buick, Chevrolet, Ford, Infiniti, Mazda.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.