MAP Sensor Trouble Code Doesn't Go Away

Having a MAP sensor trouble code that won't go away can be frustrating. I've seen this happen a few times and in this section I'm gonna' offer you some testing suggestions that have helped me to nail the problem on the head.

It's been my experience that 4 things are usually behind a MAP sensor trouble code that won't go away and these are:

  • Engine compression problems.
  • MAP sensor connector wiring problems (between MAP sensor and the fuel injection computer connector).
  • Air/fuel mixture problems caused by a fuel pump that is dying a slow death but is able to start and keep the engine running.
  • Defective fuel injection computer.

These are the test steps I take when I've come across this problem:

  1. Check fuel pressure and make sure it's within specification.
  2. Check engine compression and make sure that all cylinders are producing enough compression.
  3. Check ignition timing with a timing light.
  4. Check for vacuum leaks around the intake manifold gasket.
  5. Check that the MAP sensor wires (between the MAP sensor and fuel injection computer) for open-circuits and short-circuits (short-circuit to each other, or Ground, or power).
  6. Check that any fuel injection input sensor that shares the power and Ground circuit, with the MAP sensor, is not fried and causing the MAP sensor from getting power or Ground.

In the few cases that I have diagnosed a defective computer, I made sure that the MAP sensor itself was good. Eliminated the fuel pump and engine compression as the cause of the problem. I then tested the wiring between the MAP sensor and the computer with a wiring diagram. I also made sure that any other input sensor that shares Ground and power with the MAP sensor was not defective (sensors that share power and Ground with the MAP sensor are: TPS, CKP and CMP sensors, etc.).

Once I had eliminated all of the above, then I could confidently conclude that the PCM was defective.

Where To Buy The MAP Sensor And Save

The MAP sensor isn't an expensive engine management component, but it never hurts to save a few bucks and so with that in mind I think that the following links will help you to comparison shop for it and maybe even save a few bucks:

NOTE: If you're not sure if the above MAP sensor fit your particular 2.5L Dodge Dakota don't worry, once you get to the site, they'll make sure the sensor is the right one, if not, they'll find you the right one.

More 2.5L Dodge Dakota Tutorials

You can find a complete list of tutorials here: Chrysler 2.5L 4-Cylinder Index Of Articles.

Here's a sample of the tutorials you'll find there:

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