Boost Pressure (MAP) Sensor: Role, Performance, and Price
Content
A MAP sensor or boost pressure sensor is used to measure the intake air pressure thanks to its resistors. It is mainly used on diesel vehicles equipped with a turbocharger, but is also found on some gasoline vehicles. The sensor transmits signals to the engine control unit, which uses it to adapt the fuel injection.
🔍 What is a MAP sensor?
Le boost pressure sensor also called MAP sensor, short for Manifold Absolute Pressure. Its role is measure the pressure of the intake air in the engine. It then transmits this information to the computer to adjust the fuel injection.
The MAP sensor is used in particular on diesel vehicles that have turbocharger... This allows for a better supply of air to the engine, improved combustion and thus increased vehicle power. It works with a turbine that compresses air and then causes the pressure to rise.
This is where the boost pressure sensor comes into play, which therefore makes it possible to know the air pressure at the inlet to the engine. Thus, this allows the injection to be adapted depending on it.
Where is the MAP sensor located?
The MAP sensor is used to measure the intake air pressure of a vehicle. Thus, it is located in the engine at the air intake. You will find it in the tube intake manifold or in close proximity to it, connected to the collector by a flexible tube.
⚙️ How does the boost pressure sensor work?
The role of the boost pressure sensor, or MAP sensor, is to detect and measure the air pressure in your vehicle's air intake. Located at the level of the air intake in the engine, it works with the engine control unit.
The MAP sensor is a so-called magnetoresistive sensor. It is made of ceramic and has pressure sensitive measuring resistors. Then they produce electrical signals which are transferred to the computer.
This allows the calculator to adapt the amount of fuel injected to optimize the air / fuel mixture and engine combustion, allowing the vehicle to move.
🚗 What are the symptoms of the HS MAP sensor?
Since the boost pressure sensor plays a role in the injection system in your vehicle, a faulty MAP sensor can damage it. A defective MAP sensor can be recognized by the following symptoms:
- Excessive fuel consumption ;
- Engine power drops ;
- Problems with launching ;
- Stalls and misfires ;
- Engine light is on.
However, these symptoms are not necessarily related to the MAP sensor and may indicate a problem elsewhere in the injection circuit. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out self-diagnosis check the operation of the boost pressure sensor.
💧 How do I clean the MAP sensor?
Cleaning the MAP sensor is sometimes necessary when excessive contamination is interfering with the injection of your vehicle. Then it must be opened, disassembled and cleaned with a special product or white spirit. However, be careful not to remove the turbocharger from the vehicle.
Material:
- White spirit
- Brake cleaner
- Tools
Step 1. Disassemble the MAP sensor.
Check the location of the boost pressure sensor in your service book or in your vehicle's Automotive Service Manual (RTA). It is usually found in or near the intake manifold.
Having found it, proceed to disassemble it by removing the connector and connection. Then unscrew the MAP sensor retaining screws and remove it.
Step 2: clean the MAP sensor
After the MAP sensor is disassembled, you can clean it. For this, we advise you to use a special product designed for cleaning electrical parts. You can also use brake cleaner and / or white spirit.
Step 3. Assemble the MAP sensor.
Complete the MAP sensor assembly in the reverse order of disassembly. Reposition the boost pressure sensor, reconnect its connectors and finally refit the engine cover. Make sure your engine runs smoothly after cleaning.
👨🔧 How to check the MAP sensor?
The function test of the boost pressure sensor is carried out with auto diagnostic tool... By connecting it to the OBD connector of your car, you can check it with error codes displayed if it is indeed a MAP sensor problem.
Thus, several codes indicate a malfunction of this sensor and boost pressure, including: P0540, P0234, and P0235, as well as error codes ranging from P0236 to P0242.
You can also try checking your MAP sensor with multimeter checking the voltage at its connector. In constant current mode, you should get a value of about 5 V.
💰 How much does a MAP sensor cost?
The price of a MAP sensor varies greatly from model to vehicle. You can find them on the Internet from about fifteen euros, but often you will have to recalculate at least 30 €... However, the price can rise to almost 200 €.
Now you know what your car's MAP sensor is for! As the other name suggests, the boost pressure sensor therefore measures the intake air pressure and thus plays an important role in the combustion of your engine. Therefore, it should be cleaned or replaced in the event of a malfunction.
