Intake manifold function

absolute pressure sensor

Prepared by: Redentor M. Leynes

The manifold absolute pressure
sensor (MAP sensor)
 The manifold pressure sensor, also known as the manifold
absolute pressure (MAP) sensor, is used to calculate the
difference between the manifold pressure and the
ambient air pressure.
 The sensor is usually found in automobiles that employ a
fuel injection system. It is either connected to the intake
manifold or inner fender. Often, these sensors are used in
place of mass air flow (MAF) sensors. Occasionally, in
some vehicles, both MAF and MAP sensors together are
used.
 The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor is used by
the powertrain control module (PCM) to monitor intake
manifold pressure.
 Since pressure is inversely proportional to vacuum, the
PCM can also determine engine vacuum and load from the
MAP sensor signal.
 In some cases, the MAP sensor is also used to determine
barometric pressure. Depending on the application, the
PCM will use this information to help calculate one or
more of the following: fuel control, ignition timing, and
EGR operation.
How a MAP Sensor Works

 Typically, there are three wires connected to the MAP sensor:

reference voltage, return signal, and ground. The PCM sends the
MAP sensor a 5-volt reference signal. The MAP sensor then
varies the voltage according to manifold pressure and sends a
return signal to the PCM.
 To sense manifold pressure, the MAP sensor is connected to
the engine via a vacuum hose or tube. Inside the MAP sensor
are two chambers, one that contains ambient air and another
that is connected to engine vacuum. The chambers are
separated by a diaphragm. A circuit inside the sensor measures
diaphragm movement to determine manifold pressure.
Possible trouble of a faulty MAP
sensor
The symptoms of a failing manifold pressure sensor are
similar to the problems of low compression or improper
fuel injection. These problems need to be detected
beforehand, for avoiding any severe damage to the engine
and its performance. So, here are certain defects of a bad
MAP, which you can look for,
1. Increased Emission From The Vehicle
When the Manifold Absolute Sensor signals the high load of
the engine to the PCM, it increases the release of fuel into
the cylinders. Because of which, the economy of the fuel
reduces.
2. Problem With The Emission Test
In order to detect the bad map sensor symptoms, it is
highly recommended to get the vehicle check
consistently through an emission test. If the test
depicts the large amount of NO, hydrocarbon
production alongside low CO2 and high level of carbon
monoxide through tailpipe then, it clearly indicates the
issue with the MAP sensors in the system.
3. Power Deficiency Into The Engine
Map sensor is responsible for signaling the manifold
pressure to the PCM. However, if the sensor
calculates depressed load in the engine then, it
automatically affects all the further functioning of
the engine.
4. Acceleration Issues
One of the signs of a bad MAP sensor is acceleration
issues. As you are driving your car and putting your foot
on the gas pedal, you might observe your car hesitating
or jerking when accelerating faster. In bad situations, if
you keep giving it gas under these conditions, your car
will die altogether. So in these cases, the best solution
you should do for your car is bringing it to a repair shop
as soon as possible.
5. Strange Smell
Strange smell one of the faulty map sensor symptoms
you should know. As a bad MAP sensor will cause a
wrong amount of air and fuel to be mixed together in
the combustion chamber. Sometimes there will be a
little amount of air and fuel mixed in there while other
times, there will be too much of them mixed together
in there. This improper amount of fuel mixture will
create a very strange gas smell.
 How To Fix MAP Sensor?
 As a functional MAP sensor plays an important role in the
maintenance of your car. If you mistrust that there is an issue
with your MAP sensor, here is some elements you should check
before bringing your car to an auto shop to replace the sensor.

1. Hose
 In some cars, a hose is used to link the intake manifold and the
MAP sensor. So you should whether the MAP sensor hose is
intact and connected or not. Addition to check the MAP sensor
hose, you also need to check that the port is free of debris and
carbon deposits, which can block the hose and result in wrong
MAP sensor readings.
2. Electrical
 Check the wiring and connector. The wiring between the MAP
sensor and ECM should be intact. Chafing could result in short
circuits and breaks could result in open circuits. Similarly, the
connector should be securely connected, and the pins should be
straight and clean. Bent pins and corrosion can cause MAP sensor
signal problems.

3. Sensor
 If the sensor is installed correctly, both to the intake manifold and
electrically, use a vacuum gun and a voltage meter or a scan tool to
check MAP sensor output. Then you will have to look up a chart to
mete voltage against full vacuum and no vacuum. If the chart gives
the result which is not similar to the MAP sensor output, it’s time to
replace the sensor.
How to Test a MAP Sensor

When testing a MAP sensor, first make a preliminary

check.
 The sensor connects to the intake manifold with a rubber
hose, depending on your particular application;
otherwise it connects directly to intake.
 When problems arise, it's more likely that the vacuum
hose has failed. Within the engine compartment sensor
and hose are exposed to high temperatures, potential
contamination from oil and fuel, and vibration that can
affect their operation.
Check the vacuum hose for:
 kinks
 loose connections
 cracks
 swelling
 softening
 hardening
 Then, check the sensor's body for damage and make
sure the electrical connection is tight, clean, and the
wiring is good.
 A MAP sensor can also be bench tested by applying vacuum
to the vacuum port with a hand vacuum pump. With 5 volts
to the reference wire, the output voltage of an analog MAP
sensor should drop, and on a Ford digital MAP sensor the
frequency should increase.
 An analog MAP sensor's voltage can also be read directly
using a voltmeter or oscilloscope. A digital MAP sensor's
frequency signal can be read with a DVOM if it has a
frequency function, or an oscilloscope. The leads would be
connected to the signal wire and ground.
 Warning: Do NOT use an ordinary voltmeter to check a Ford
BP/MAP sensor because doing so can damage the electronics
inside the sensor. This type of sensor can only be diagnosed with
a DVOM that displays frequency, or a scope or scan tool.
 Another way to check out a Ford digital MAP sensor circuit is to
input a "simulated" MAP sensor signal with a tester that can
generate an adjustable frequency signal. Changing the frequency
of the simulated signal should trick the computer into changing
the fuel mixture (look for a change in the injector pulse width
signal).