Harry Gibson on March 1, 2023 No Comments
Have you gotten the check engine light and you diagnosed a P0107 code on your car? Well, if that is the case and you’re dealing with this problem, then you are at the right place because there will be a lot to cover on this topic.
Having a problem like this can be a real pain to deal with. Mainly because this code precisely can affect a number of different systems and could ruin the performance of your engine and make it perform really poorly.
This is why you need to learn how to troubleshoot stuff. Modern cars require a more modern approach. This is why you first need to understand first how this MAP sensor that is causing this problem works and then based on the information that you got diagnose stuff. And when it comes to this, we are going to help you to overcome this problem the fastest you can.
First, we are going to cover the basics of car diagnostics and learn more about how this practice is done to a car. Then we will move on to understand the MAP sensor and what this component really is. After that, we are going to learn the P0107 code meaning and learn the meaning behind it.
After this, we will cover the most probable causes as well as the symptoms concerning this component. And lastly, we are going to learn how you can diagnose and sort out this problem quickly and effectively. So, let’s get into it.
P0107 Code
Now before we dive into the problem with the P0107 code, let’s first learn more about car diagnostics in general. I bet that there are a ton of people reading this article who are not into cars and want to learn the basic stuff. Knowing how this work is done, will help you immensely when it comes to diagnosing the problem and sorting it out.
Nowadays as you probably are aware, cars are simply full of tech and different electronic components. There are dozens of sensors all over the car that communicate with the car computer which is known as the PCM or Powertrain Control Module.
This computer is constantly performing tests on these sensors and whenever it notices something that is not as it should be, it will decide to trigger the check engine light.
And the check engine light by itself doesn’t tell a lot. So, you have to dive deeper into the problem and start troubleshooting stuff. And for this purpose, you will need an OBD2 scanner tool. With this tool, you will have the ability to get access to the computer and scan the car for fault codes.
Then after you diagnosed the codes like in our example with the P0107 code, you can move on to troubleshooting the specific computer with a tool that is known as a multimeter. With a multimeter, you can get precise measurements from most of the electrical components and see if they are faulty or not.
But you shouldn’t worry because we are going to explain everything when it comes to diagnosing this component. Now before we start elaborating on the problem with the P0107 Chevy, let’s first learn how this MAP sensor works.
MAP Sensor Meaning
Now let’s learn more about the MAP sensor meaning before we dive deeper into the P0107 code. What is this sensor all about and what role does it play in the internal combustion engine? Let’s explain.
The MAP sensor is also known as a Manifold Absolute Pressure sensor. This sensor is basically a sensor that is attached to the intake manifold. And it has a special role to measure the vacuum in the intake manifold based on the engine load.
In the past, this sensor was a standard on cars before the MAF sensors were introduced. This sensor does the same thing as a MAF sensor does. It helps the computer to measure the flow of gases in the intake and adjust the air to fuel mixture.
So, nowadays the only use of this sensor is on diesel engines and turbocharged gasoline engines. This is essential to have since the MAF sensor on these vehicles is not enough to measure all the gases that go into the engine. So, the MAP sensor double checks everything in order for your air to fuel mixture to be impeccable and you don’t have any issues.
Overall, a very useful sensor. But like all electrical components, it can fail and cause trouble codes like the P0107 to appear. But what this code means? We will get to that after we cover the diagram of this sensor.
MAP Sensor Diagram
Now before we elaborate on the P0107 code and learn what it means, let’s cover another topic concerning this code. Which is the MAP sensor diagram.
Knowing the diagram will be useful when it comes to troubleshooting this sensor on your car. We will not draw pictures but we are going to briefly explain how this sensor works behind the curtain.
What you need to know is that this sensor has three wires. One of the wires is the 5 volts constant supply wire. One of these wires is the ground wire and the last is the signal wire.
A good sensor should be outputting about 1V when the car is at idle speed. So, the more throttle you give the car, the voltage should rise to about 4.5V.
Overall, this is the diagram of the MAP sensor, pretty straightforward. But what is the P0107 code meaning? Let’s explain in the next chapter.
P0107 Manifold Absolute Pressure/Barometric Pressure Circuit Low
Now let’s move to the problem and learn what is the meaning of the P0107. This is an essential thing to know when you are dealing with this issue.
The definition of this code is “P0107 Manifold Absolute Pressure/Barometric Pressure Circuit Low”. But what does all this means?
Well, it means that the voltage that this sensor is producing is below the absolute minimum of 0.25V. This means that there is low input in the circuit and then the computer based on this input has triggered this P0107 code on your car.
This in other words means that your MAP sensor cannot measure the vacuum inside of the engine and this will lead to the inability of the PCM to adjust the air to fuel ratio. Which in other words is either lean or rich condition.
You shouldn’t be scared though, since everything is fixable and you can sort this problem real quick. But first, you need to learn all of the possible causes that can make this problem. And that’s what we are going to cover in the following chapters where we will focus precisely on these causes and learn how to overcome this annoying P0107 Chevy Silverado code.
Causes For The P0107 Code
Now as we cleared out the P0107 code meaning and we learned that this is a problem with the MAP sensor.
Now it is time to learn more about the possible causes of this problem in your car. There could be a number of causes and they are worth elaborating on. This is why in the following chapters we are going to cover all of them.
1. Dead MAP Sensor
Now let’s cover the first cause for this P0107 code which is a dead MAP sensor. Considering that the code shows us that the input is really low, it could mean that the MAP sensor is simply dead and is not producing any signal. Even though it has a 5v supply.
Still, you should not rush when it comes to replacing this sensor because the sensor is rather expensive. This is why you need to troubleshoot the problem first with a multimeter in order to precisely determine that this sensor is indeed faulty and is causing this trouble to you.
And later on, when we are going to cover how this P0107 code is diagnosed we will explain how this is done the right way. Now let’s cover the other causes.
2. Problem With The Electrical Circuits
The second most common cause for the P0107 code is an issue with the electrical circuits that go to the MAP sensor.
Remember that there are three wires that go to the sensor. Which are the ground wire, the 5 volt supply, and the signal wire.
All these wires can have an open circuit or a short circuit. So, whenever you try to diagnose this type of code like the P0107, you should also inspect these wires and see if they are faulty.
You need to measure if you have continuity on the ground wire as well as if you have the 5V supply on the volt supply wire. And then to backprobe and see what result you will get when you test the signal wire. But more on this later on.
3. Vacuum Leak
The next common cause for the P0107 code is a simple vacuum leak. If you have a big vacuum leak in your intake manifold, then this bad measurement of this sensor is expected.
The sensor produces the most accurate measurements when there are no leaks at all and the system is well sealed. So, double-check the intake manifold and the vacuum lines with soapy water to determine if from somewhere you have a leak in the system.
If you do have a leak, then fix the vacuum leak and test the sensor again and see if it works. If it works, then excellent, you solved the problem.
4. Bad PCM
And the last cause that we are going to cover when it comes to the P0107 code is when you have a problem with the PCM.
The PCM is the computer and sometimes it could fail and start developing problems like this. So, if there are a ton of illogical codes, then it’s worth checking this unit on your car.
Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Symptoms
Now let’s get into the symptoms of the bad MAP sensors. As you probably know, whenever you face problems with a certain component there will be some symptoms.
And the MAP sensor is not different from the other components. This component is really important and can be somewhat detrimental to your engine if it’s not in the best shape. Especially when you are having the P0107 code. Now let’s get into the symptoms real quick.
1. Check Engine Light
The first symptom of a bad MAP sensor that we would like to cover is the check engine light. And you are probably aware of this code since you have diagnosed this P0107 code on your car.
But what is worth noting is that there will be other codes as well. More precisely P0105, P0106, P0108, and P0109.
All these codes can indicate different things concerned with the MAP sensor, and it’s up to you to diagnose and sort them out as soon as possible. How you can do that precisely for the P0107 code we are going to explain later in the article. Now let’s move to the next symptom.
2. Poor Idle
The next symptom that we would like to cover which is connected to the P0107 code and the MAP sensor is the poor engine idle.
The engine will run poorly when this sensor is out of use. And the idle will also be one of the affected things.
So, don’t get surprised if your idle RPM fluctuates a lot. The ideal idle RPM should be about 800 but if you notice that these numbers go higher or lower than this, it could mean a problem with the MAP sensor on your car. More on how to diagnose it, later on in the article.
3. Misfires
The next symptom of a bad MAP sensor and the P0107 code that we would like to cover is the engine misfires.
When the engine has a bad MAP sensor, it will love to misfire. In this case, you will also get a code like P0300 which indicates a random misfire. Or a similar misfire code.
These engine misfires will also be present as audible symptoms. There will be ticks from the top of the engine and there will also be pops from the exhaust pipe. When there is not an equal flow from the exhaust pipe, it is easy to tell if the car is misfiring. So, beware of these misfires.
4. Engine Stalls
Another in our list of P0107 code symptoms that we would like to cover is the situation when the car struggles to run and often stalls.
This is another consequence of the poor adjustment of the air to fuel ratio caused by the bad MAP sensor. If the car runs too lean, it could eventually stall and you will need to crank the engine again to start it.
What is important is that you as an owner should not ignore these stalling issues because in worst cases, the car will not be able to start at all and when you have a car like this you could easily end up stranded somewhere in the middle of nowhere. This is why you need to diagnose the P0107 Chevy Silverado code and call it a day. But more on that later on.
5. Poor Fuel Economy
And the last symptom that we would like to cover when it comes to the P0107 code is the poor fuel economy.
The engine will suffer from poor fuel economy if the PCM is not able to adjust the air to fuel ratio. The MAP sensor plays a huge role here and you should beware of this.
This sensor could make your car run rich and this will attribute to a huge drop in your fuel economy. So, if you notice that you visit the gas station more frequently, it is time for you to jump into diagnosing the P0107 code and that’s what we are going to cover next.
How To Diagnose The P0107 Code?
Now let’s get to business and start learning how you can diagnose this MAP sensor and sort out the P0107 code on your car.
Let’s presume that you have diagnosed this P0107 code. The next step you need to make is to diagnose the MAP sensor and see if this sensor is working or not.
This code as we noted means that the sensor doesn’t produce any input. This means that the input is lower than 0.25v which is the bare minimum. And this triggered the P0107 code.
So, your next step would be to get a multimeter and unplug the connector for this MAP sensor. Then turn on the multimeter to measure DC voltage. Check the connector wires one by one. First, you need to find the voltage wire. This voltage should read 5 volts.
Once that is sorted you need to find the ground wire. For this, you need to tweak the multimeter to measure continuity. Inspect the other two wires, one of them should produce a beeping sound. This means that the ground connection is really good if it beeps.
Once you cleared the doubts that the sensor wires are good, the next thing you need to do is to backprobe the sensor while it is mounted on the car.
For this, you will need to install paper clips in the signal and ground wire connections. Then place one probe of the multimeter on the ground wire and the second probe on the signal wire. Tweak the multimeter to volts and start the car.
If there are no readings or there are readings that are below 0.25 volts, it means that the sensor is dead. Good reading for this sensor at idle should be somewhere around 1 volt. Overall, that’s it.
Cost To Fix The P0107 Code
Now as we learned how you can diagnose and fix the P0107 code, let’s see what are the costs involved in this work.
Presumably, you diagnosed a bad MAP sensor which is in most cases the outcome with this code. You can expect to pay between $110 and $180 for a new MAP sensor. And that is only for the part.
If you do this at a shop, you can expect to pay about $100 for diagnosing the problem and another $50 for replacement. So, the grand total would be roughly $280 for the whole job.
Facts about the P0107 code:
- P0107 is a general code indicating a problem with the MAP circuit sensor having too low voltage input to the ECU.
- The voltage input to the ECU is .5 volt or less, which is not in the correct lower range for proper engine operation.
- A bad MAP sensor is the most common problem that causes the MAP circuit for low voltage.
- Wiring or connector issues, poor electrical ground, and operating out of range can also cause the MAP circuit for low voltage.
- Poor engine condition, low fuel pressure, and internal issues with the engine can prevent the MAP sensor from having correct voltage output.
- Symptoms of the P0107 code include Check Engine Light coming on, poor engine performance, excessive fuel consumption, and backfiring.
- The P0107 code is diagnosed with an OBD-II scanner, and a mechanic should perform voltage tests to determine if the MAP sensor is faulty.
- Diagnostic errors are common and can be avoided by following the prescribed procedure, verifying voltage output of the MAP sensor, and not buying a new MAP Sensor or ECU unless it is clearly at fault.
- The P0107 code requires immediate attention, as it can cause poor engine performance, excessive fuel consumption, and difficulty starting in certain circumstances.
- Common repairs to address the P0107 code include verifying the code with an OBD-II scanner, checking the MAP sensor voltage in and out, ensuring a fresh and clean electrical connection, and replacing the sensor if it is defective.
Conclusion
In this article, we have covered the P0107 code. We learned the basics of the MAP sensor, its role, and the diagram. Then we have elaborated more on the causes, symptoms, and the diagnostic process.
We learned how you can diagnose this component with a simple multimeter that cost about $30. This tool is a complete lifesaver and you should definitely get one for yourself.
F.A.Q To P0107
Now let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
What Is A Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor
This sensor is also known as a MAP sensor. What it does is simply measure the vacuum inside of the intake manifold. By measuring the vacuum, it provides an accurate reading of the engine load. As the load increases the output voltage from this sensor increases. Then this data is sent to the PCM for evaluation. Once the PCM evaluates the data, it adjusts the air to fuel ratio.
What Does Code P0107 Mean
This code means that the output voltage of this sensor is too low. This in other words means that the sensor doesn’t report anything and it is probably dead. The bare minimum that this sensor should report to the PCM is a voltage of about 0.25V. Anything lower than this will trigger the P0107 code.
What Causes P0107 Code
In most cases, this code is caused by a dead MAP sensor. But you shouldn’t rush with changing it and you should also check the wiring before you decide on replacing the sensor on your car.
How To Fix P0107 Code
How you can fix this problem is by replacing the MAP sensor if it’s faulty. Then clear all the codes in the system and the problem will hopefully disappear from your car and you will resume driving the car as it should be driven.
How To Test MAP Sensor With Multimeter
You can test this sensor by backprobing it. Put some steel paper clips in the sensor connector. One at the ground wire and one at the signal wire. Then set up the multimeter to volts and connect the multimeter with alligator clips to these paper clips. This is called backprobing. Then start the engine and check the voltage. A good voltage for a healthy sensor should be about 1v and as you give more gas, it should raise to 5v.
Can I Drive My Car With A Bad MAP Sensor
You can drive the car with a bad MAP sensor but you risk getting stranded on the side of the road in the worst case. So, I would not recommend driving a car like this in the long term.
