HomeTrouble CodesP0105

P0105 — Manifold Absolute Pressurebarometric Pressure Sensor Circuit

Generic OBD-II · all makesPowertrain (engine & transmission)

P0105 indicates the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an electrical circuit malfunction in the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor or barometric pressure sensor circuit. This sensor measures intake manifold vacuum/pressure to help the PCM calculate engine load, fuel delivery, and ignition timing. The code sets when the PCM sees an open, short, or voltage value that is impossible under normal operation.

Symptoms

What causes it — most likely first

1. Defective MAP sensor

The sensor itself has suffered an internal electrical failure such as an open circuit or short, preventing it from generating a valid signal voltage to the PCM.

2. Wiring or connector defects

Corroded, bent, or loose terminals in the sensor connector, or chafed and damaged wiring in the harness between the sensor and PCM, disrupt signal transmission.

3. Reference voltage circuit fault

The 5-volt reference supply wire from the PCM to the sensor is open, shorted to ground, or shorted to battery voltage, causing the sensor to operate incorrectly or not at all.

4. Signal circuit short

The sensor signal wire is shorted to ground or to battery voltage, or has high resistance due to corrosion, causing a fixed high or low voltage reading.

5. Ground circuit interruption

The sensor ground return path has high resistance or an open circuit, preventing accurate voltage reference and causing erratic or fixed sensor output.

6. PCM internal failure

Rarely, the PCM's internal analog-to-digital converter or output driver for the sensor circuit has failed; this should only be considered after the sensor and all wiring are verified good.

How it's diagnosed

  1. Visually inspect the sensor connector and wiring harness for corrosion, moisture intrusion, bent pins, or chafing damage.
  2. With the ignition on and engine off, use a digital multimeter to verify the presence of the specified reference voltage (typically 5V) and a solid ground at the sensor connector.
  3. Check the sensor signal voltage with a scan tool or multimeter; compare the reading to specified values for current barometric pressure (approximately 4.5V at sea level with engine off).
  4. Perform continuity tests between the sensor signal pin and the corresponding PCM connector pin, and test for shorts to ground or voltage in the signal and reference circuits.
  5. Wiggle-test the wiring harness while monitoring live data to identify intermittent opens or poor connections that occur with vibration.
  6. Substitute a known-good sensor or apply a calibrated vacuum source to test sensor response; consider PCM evaluation only if all external circuits and the sensor test satisfactorily.

Code facts & related codes

SystemPowertrain (engine & transmission)
StandardizationSAE generic — identical on every make

Frequently asked

Can I drive with a P0105 code?

Short trips are usually possible, but the engine may run poorly with rough idle or hesitation. Prolonged driving can stress the catalytic converter due to incorrect air-fuel mixture, so repair should be scheduled promptly.

Should I replace the MAP sensor immediately?

Not without testing first. While the sensor itself is a common failure point, wiring and connector issues are frequent culprits and should be inspected before purchasing replacement parts to avoid unnecessary expense.

Do I need a new engine computer (PCM/ECM)?

Almost never. PCM failure causing this specific circuit code is rare. Only consider the PCM after the sensor, all wiring circuits, and connectors have been thoroughly tested and verified as functioning correctly.

What's the difference between P0105 and P0106?

P0105 indicates an electrical circuit problem such as an open, short, or invalid voltage. P0106 indicates the sensor is sending a signal that is implausible or out of range for current engine conditions (a performance issue rather than an electrical one).