Fuel and air code
P0106: Manifold pressure sensor reading doesn't match
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $5 | $60 |
| Labor: 0.8 to 2.5 hours × $125 to $175 an hour | $100 | $438 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $0 | $25 |
| Total, rounded | $100 | $530 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in Boston, $31.54 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
This is the range for the most common fix, vacuum leak repair. Which repair your car needs depends on a proper diagnosis.
The manifold pressure sensor reads the vacuum inside the intake so the computer can work out how much air the engine is getting. The reading it sent does not fit with throttle position and engine speed, so the computer is guessing at engine load and may add the wrong amount of fuel.
- Safe to drive?
- Usually yes, for now
- Most common cause
- Failed manifold pressure (MAP) sensor
Short trips are okay, but you may notice poor running; get it checked soon.
What you may notice
- Rough idle
- Hesitation
- Poor mileage
- Hard starting
Common causes, most likely first
- Failed manifold pressure (MAP) sensor
- Cracked vacuum hose to the sensor
- Intake leak
- Clogged sensor port
- Bad connector
Check this first
Find the small hose that runs from the intake to the sensor, if your car has one, and check it for cracks, splits or a loose end. Also look at the sensor plug for oil or a loose latch.
Other repairs that sometimes fix P0106
| Repair | Typical range, Boston |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic scan (check engine light) | $60 to $290 |
| Throttle body cleaning | $85 to $210 |
| Mass airflow sensor replacement | $130 to $410 |
Before you pay
- Ask the shop what test showed this part is the cause, not just that the code appeared.
- Ask for parts and labor listed separately, and for the hours.
- Ask for a written OK before any extra work. Massachusetts rules require written authorization before repairs.
Got a quote already? Check it against the range. Want to see if your car has a recall tied to this problem? Check recalls by VIN.
Need to read a code yourself? OBD-II scanners on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure).
P0106 questions
What is a MAP sensor?
MAP stands for manifold absolute pressure. The sensor reads the pressure inside the intake, which tells the computer how hard the engine is working so it can set fuel and spark.
Is it a costly part?
Generally a low to moderate price, and it is usually bolted to the intake where you can reach it. Labor is small on most cars, but confirm the diagnosis before replacing it.
Could a vacuum leak cause it?
Yes. A leak lets outside air in and changes the pressure the sensor sees, so the reading stops matching throttle and speed. In that case the sensor is fine and the hose or gasket needs repair.
How much does it cost to fix P0106?
The most common fix, vacuum leak repair, has a typical range of $100 to $530 in Boston. It is an estimate built from parts prices and local labor wages, not a quote. Your car and shop change it.
Related codes
- P0108: Manifold pressure sensor signal too high
- P0101: Air flow sensor reading seems off
- P0171: Engine getting too much air or too little fuel (bank 1)
- P0121: Throttle position reading doesn't match
More fuel and air codes
Code meaning written in our own words. Some codes mean different things on different makes, so check your scan tool or manual. Not a repair shop, estimates only.