In this tutorial, I'm going to explain how to test the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor on the 2003-2006 2.4L equipped Chrysler Sebring and 2.4L Dodge Stratus (and a few other vehicles that use this exact same MAP sensor).
Testing the MAP sensor is a breeze because it's very easy to get to and you don't need expensive tools to do it.
All the test steps are explained in detail and you'll be able to easily find out if the MAP sensor is defective or not.
The MAP sensor test is done with a simple multimeter and a vacuum pump (if you don't have a vacuum pump you can use your mouth to apply vacuum to the sensor).
Contents of this tutorial at a glance:
NOTE: This tutorial applies to the following vehicles since they use the exact same MAP sensor:
Chrysler Vehicles:
- 2.4L PT Cruiser: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009.
- 2.4L Sebring: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006.
- 2.4L Sebring Convertible: 2003, 2004, 2006.
- 2.4L Voyager: 2003.
Dodge Vehicles:
- 2.4L Caravan: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007.
- 2.4L Stratus: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006.
Symptoms Of A Bad MAP Sensor
The MAP sensor is a critical component that the fuel injection computer needs to be able to find out how much air is entering the engine.
Once the fuel injection computer figures out how much air is entering the engine it then can calculate the correct amount of fuel to inject into each cylinder.
Since the MAP sensor is such a critical component of the engine management system, when this bad boy fails you're going to see a MAP sensor trouble code lighting up the check engine light. You'll see one or more of the following trouble codes
- DTC P0107 MAP Sensor Circuit Low Voltage.
- DTC P0108 MAP Sensor Circuit High Voltage.
You're also going to see one or more of the following symptoms:
- Rough idle.
- 'Rotten egg' smell coming from the exhaust.
- Won't pass the state mandated emissions test.
- Bad gas mileage.
- Lack of power, rough idle, or hesitation.
- Engine cranks a long time before starting.
MAP Sensor Circuit Descriptions
The MAP sensor is a 3 wire type sensor. This means that it has a power wire, a Ground wire and a signal wire. The table below has a brief description of each:
| Terminal | Wire | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | DK GRN/RED | MAP Signal |
| 2 | BLK/LT BLU | Ground |
| 3 | VIO/WHT | 5 Volts DC |
Where To Buy The MAP Sensor And Save
You can buy the MAP sensor in just about anywhere. The following links will help you to comparison shop and hopefully save you a few bucks on its purchase (I've also included the link to the MAP sensor electrical connector):
NOTE: The above manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor fits the following vehicles.
Chrysler Vehicles:
- 2.4L PT Cruiser: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009.
- 2.4L Sebring: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006.
- 2.4L Sebring Convertible: 2003, 2004, 2006.
- 2.4L Voyager: 2003.
Dodge Vehicles:
- 2.4L Caravan: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007.
- 2.4L Stratus: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006.
TEST 1: Testing The MAP Sensor Voltage Signal
We're going to test the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor signal with a multimeter in Volts DC mode.
This is a very accurate test that'll let you know if the MAP sensor is working correctly or not.
What you're trying to find out is if the MAP sensor signal decreases as you apply vacuum to it.
If the MAP sensor is defective, then it's voltage value will stay stuck in one number (value) as you apply vacuum to it.
If the MAP sensor is working correctly, then its signal voltage value will decrease as you apply vacuum and it will increase as you release the vacuum.
NOTE: If you don't have a vacuum pump you can use your mouth to apply vacuum to the MAP sensor. If you would like to buy a vacuum pump, check out this link: HTOMT 2 in 1 Brake Bleeder Kit Hand held Vacuum Pump Test Set for Automotive with Sponge Protected Case,Adapters,One-Man Brake and Clutch Bleeding System.
IMPORTANT: The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor must remain connected to its electrical connector for this test to function properly. To be able to access the voltage inside the signal wire, you'll need to use either a back probe or a wire piercing probe. You can see an example of this tool here: Wire Piercing Probe.
Let's get started:
- 1
Remove the MAP sensor from the intake manifold.
- 2
Connect your vacuum pump to the MAP sensor's vacuum inlet port. Reconnect the MAP sensor to its connector if you disconnected it.
- 3
Set your multimeter's selector to Volts DC mode and with the red test lead, probe the LT GRN wire of the MAP sensor's connector. This wire is identified by the number 1 in the photo above.
Remember, the MAP sensor must remain connected to its 3 wire connector. - 4
Ground the black multimeter test lead directly on the battery negative (-) terminal.
- 5
Turn the key ON but don't start the engine. This will power up the MAP sensor and you should see a reading of 4.7 Volts DC on your multimeter.
- 6
Now, apply vacuum to the MAP sensor with the vacuum pump (or your mouth). The voltage signal value should decrease.
If you're using a vacuum pump: At 5 in.Hg → 3.9 Volts. At 10 in.Hg → 3 Volts. At 15 in.Hg → 2.1 Volts. At 20 in.Hg → 1.2 Volts. - 7
Release the vacuum. Once released, your multimeter should show the original voltage value.
Repeat this test step several times making sure that each time the voltage decreases/increases as you apply/release vacuum.
Let's take a look at what your test results mean:
CASE 1: The MAP voltage signal decreased and increased as you applied and released vacuum. This is the correct test result and lets you know that the MAP sensor is working correctly (not defective).
This test result also lets you conclude that the MAP sensor is getting both power (5 Volts) and Ground from your 2.4L Chrysler or Dodge vehicle's fuel injection computer.
CASE 2: The MAP voltage signal DID NOT decrease/increase as you applied and released vacuum. This test result usually indicates that the MAP sensor is defective.
To make sure the MAP sensor is truly defective we have to make sure that it's getting both power and Ground. For these tests go to: TEST 2: Verifying MAP Sensor Has 5 Volts And Ground.
CASE 3: The multimeter DID NOT register any voltage. This test result usually indicates that the MAP sensor is defective.
To make sure the MAP sensor is truly defective we have to make sure that it's getting both power and Ground. For these tests go to: TEST 2: Verifying MAP Sensor Has 5 Volts And Ground.
