P1553 (Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Seat) Barometric Pressure Sensor/Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor - Signal Ratio Invalid

P1553 - OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description

Trouble code P1553 indicates an unreliable signal relationship between the atmospheric pressure sensor and the manifold absolute pressure sensor in Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, and Seat vehicles.

What does the fault code mean P1553?

Trouble code P1553 indicates a problem with the signal relationship between the atmospheric pressure sensor and the manifold absolute pressure sensor in the engine management system. The atmospheric pressure sensor measures the ambient pressure, and the manifold absolute pressure sensor measures the air pressure in the intake manifold. When the ratio of the signals from these two sensors is not as expected or outside the specified parameters, P1553 occurs. As a result, the engine management system may have difficulty correctly regulating the fuel/air mixture, which may result in engine roughness, loss of power, increased fuel consumption, or other performance problems.

Possible reasons

Trouble code P1553 can be caused by several possible causes:

• Faulty atmospheric pressure sensor: If the barometric pressure sensor outputs incorrect data, it may result in a signal ratio mismatch.
• Defective manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor: Incorrect MAP sensor readings can also cause code P1553.
• Problems with wiring and connectors: Damaged or broken wires, corrosion on contacts, loose connections can cause incorrect signals from sensors.
• Violations in the vacuum system: Leaks or blockages in vacuum hoses and tubes can cause the manifold absolute pressure sensor to read incorrectly.
• Engine control module (ECU) malfunction: Problems within the ECU itself, such as software glitches or faulty components, can cause sensor signals to be misinterpreted.
• Incorrect sensor calibration: If the sensors have not been calibrated correctly, this may result in unreliable data and inconsistent signals.
• Mechanical problems in the engine: Problems such as intake manifold gasket leaks can affect the MAP sensor readings.

To accurately determine the cause of error P1553, it is necessary to conduct a detailed diagnosis using diagnostic equipment.

What are the symptoms of a fault code? P1553?

Symptoms for DTC P1553 may include the following:

• Check Engine light on: One of the first signs may be the Check Engine light on your dashboard coming on.
• Loss of engine power: The engine may operate with reduced power, which can be felt as weak acceleration or overall sluggishness.
• Unstable engine operation: The engine may be unstable, especially at idle, resulting in fluctuations in speed or even stalling.
• Increased fuel consumption: Due to incorrect fuel/air mixture ratio, the engine may consume more fuel than normal.
• Acceleration issues: The vehicle may respond slowly to the accelerator pedal, making it difficult to accelerate.
• Exhaust smoke: In some cases, an improper mixture of fuel and air can cause excessive combustion of the fuel, which may appear as black or gray smoke from the tailpipe.
• The smell of gasoline: Improper operation of the fuel delivery system may result in increased concentrations of gasoline vapors that may be felt in or around the vehicle.

If you notice one or more of these symptoms, it is recommended that you diagnose and repair the cause of the P1553 code as soon as possible to avoid further engine problems and ensure safe vehicle operation.

How to diagnose a fault code P1553?

The following steps are recommended to diagnose DTC P1553:

1. Scanning error codes: First, connect the diagnostic scan tool to your car's OBD-II port and read the error codes. Verify that the P1553 code is indeed present in the system.
2. Checking sensor data: Using the scan tool, check the current data from the barometric pressure sensor and the manifold absolute pressure sensor. Make sure that the readings of both sensors are within acceptable limits and do not exceed the established parameters.
3. Visual inspection of wiring and connectors: Inspect the wiring and connectors connecting the pressure sensors to the engine control module (ECU). Check them for damage, corrosion, breaks or breaks.
4. Checking the vacuum system: Check vacuum hoses and tubes for leaks or blockages. Verify that the vacuum system is functioning correctly and is supplying the correct pressure to the MAP sensor.
5. Engine Control Unit (ECU) Testing: If all the above components are in working order, the problem may be with the engine control module. Test the ECU using special diagnostic equipment.
6. Additional tests and tests: Depending on the results of the previous steps, additional tests may be required, such as checking fuel pressure, air flow, or other engine parameters.
7. Repair or replacement of components: After identifying the cause of P1553, make the necessary repairs or replace the damaged or faulty components.

Remember that it is recommended that you contact qualified auto mechanics or certified auto repair shops for diagnostics and repairs, especially if you do not have experience in diagnosing and repairing vehicles.

Diagnostic errors

When diagnosing DTC P1553, the following errors may occur:

• Ignoring visual inspection: One of the most common mistakes is skipping a visual inspection of wiring, connectors and vacuum hoses. Damage or corrosion may be obvious upon visual inspection, but is easily missed if this step is skipped.
• Incorrect data reading: Incorrect interpretation of data received from the diagnostic scanner may lead to incorrect diagnosis. It is important to understand the normal ranges for barometric and absolute pressure sensors.
• Skip Vacuum System Check: Vacuum hoses and tubes play a key role in the operation of the MAP sensor. Skipping this system check may result in missing an important cause of the error.
• Insufficient checking of wiring and connectors: A superficial inspection of wiring and connectors may result in missing small but significant defects such as small cracks or loose contacts.
• Neglecting ECU testing: The Engine Control Module (ECU) may be the cause of the error, but many diagnostics are limited to the sensors only. Insufficient attention to possible problems with the ECU can make it difficult to identify the cause of the error.
• Replacing components without testing: Sometimes auto mechanics can immediately replace sensors without checking their functionality. This may result in unnecessary costs and may not correct the underlying problem.
• Using faulty diagnostic equipment: If the diagnostic equipment is faulty or incorrectly calibrated, it may cause erroneous diagnostic results.

To accurately diagnose the P1553 error code, you must follow a methodical approach, paying attention to all possible aspects of the problem.

How serious is the fault code? P1553?

Trouble code P1553 can be serious because it indicates a problem with the signal relationship between the barometric pressure sensor and the manifold absolute pressure sensor. While some vehicles may continue to run with this error, it can lead to a number of problems that can range from loss of power and poor engine performance to increased fuel consumption and even engine damage in the long run. Additionally, if the problem is related to the vacuum system or other systems that may affect engine performance, this may pose additional risks to the vehicle's safety and performance. It is important to take action to resolve the P1553 code as soon as possible to prevent further engine problems and ensure the safe and efficient operation of your vehicle. If your Check Engine Light comes on and you encounter a P1553 code, it is recommended that you take it to a qualified auto mechanic or service center for diagnosis and repair.

What repair will help eliminate the code? P1553?

Troubleshooting DTC P1553 depends on the specific cause of the error. Here are some common repair steps that may help:

1. Replacing the atmospheric pressure sensor: If the barometric pressure sensor is found to be faulty, replacing it may solve the problem. The sensor must be replaced with a new original or high-quality analogue.
2. Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Replacement: If the MAP sensor also fails, replacement may be necessary. Likewise, a new sensor should be installed according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
3. Repair or replacement of wiring and connectors: If damage or corrosion is found in the wiring or connectors, repair or replacement may be necessary to restore proper connections.
4. Restoring or replacing vacuum hoses and tubes: If leaks or blockages are detected in the vacuum system, the relevant components must be repaired or replaced.
5. Diagnostics and repair of the engine control module (ECU): If all of the above components are in working order and the problem persists, additional diagnostics and possibly repair or replacement of the engine control module may be required.

Remember that to ensure troubleshooting of P1553, it is recommended that you contact a qualified auto mechanic or service center. He will be able to conduct more detailed diagnostics and perform the necessary repairs in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements.