P0106 -What Does It Mean? (1999-2006 V8 Silverado, Sierra, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon)

A trouble code P0106: MAP Sensor Performance Problem is probably one of the most common MAP sensor trouble codes that'll pop up and illuminate the check engine light on your Silverado (Suburban, Tahoe) or Sierra (Yukon, Yukon XL).

In this tutorial, I'll explain what this trouble code means. I'll also talk about some of the tests you can perform to find its cause and solution.

You can find this tutorial in Spanish here: Código P0106 ¿Qué Significa? (1999-2006 V8 Silverado, Sierra, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon) (at: autotecnico-online.com).

APPLIES TO: This tutorial, on the P0106 OBD II trouble code, applies to the following vehicles:

Chevrolet:

• Silverado (1500, 2500):
  • 4.8L, 5.3L: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
• Silverado (2500):
  • 6.0L: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
• Suburban (1500):
  • 5.3L: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
• Suburban (2500):
  • 6.0L: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
• Tahoe:
  • 4.8L, 5.3L: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

GMC:

• Sierra (1500, 2500):
  • 4.8L, 5.3L: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
• Sierra (2500):
  • 6.0L: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
• Yukon:
  • 4.8L, 5.3L: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
• Yukon XL (1500):
  • 5.3L: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
• Yukon XL (2500):
  • 6.0L: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

RELATED TROUBLE CODES:

• P0107 -What Does It Mean? (1999-2006 V8 Silverado, Sierra, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon).
• P0108 -What Does It Mean? (1999-2006 V8 Silverado, Sierra, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon).

What Does Trouble Code P0106 Mean?

The fuel injection computer can predict what the output MAP signal voltage should be based on engine RPM and the input of the throttle position sensor (TPS).

When the predicted MAP voltage signal is not within the predicted range, the fuel injection computer sets a P0106: MAP Sensor Performance Problem trouble code.

Common Symptoms Of A P0106 Trouble Code

The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor is tasked with measuring the vacuum pressure in the intake manifold.

The vacuum pressure inside the intake manifold will change depending on the load placed on the engine.

When the MAP sensor stops reporting an accurate vacuum pressure measurement, engine performance will suffer. You'll see one or more of the following symptoms:

• Check engine light illuminated.
• Rough or low idle.
• Very high idle.
• Engine may start and stall.
• Little to no acceleration.
• Black smoke comes out of the tailpipe when the engine is running.

What Does The MAP Sensor Do?

The MAP sensor has two specific jobs. The first is to provide the fuel injection computer with a barometric pressure reading when you turn the key on but before you start the engine.

The other, is to inform the fuel injection computer the intake manifold's vacuum pressure when the engine is running (to determine engine load).

When the engine is idling and the throttle plate is closed, intake manifold pressure is high.

This high intake manifold pressure will cause the MAP sensor to produce a low voltage signal (usually around 2 Volts DC).

As you step on the accelerator pedal, the throttle plate opens and the engine accelerates. This causes a decrease in intake manifold vacuum pressure.

This low intake manifold pressure will cause the MAP sensor to produce a high voltage signal. At wide open throttle (like when you trying to run that red light), the MAP sensor produces a voltage around 4 Volts DC.

As long as the fuel injection computer sees the MAP sensor voltage signal decreasing/increasing, as you step on or off the accelerator pedal, it knows that the MAP sensor is functioning correctly.

What Causes A P0106 Trouble Code?

The most common cause of a P0106 trouble code is generally a bad MAP sensor, but it's not the only one.

Here are other causes of a P0106 trouble code:

• A MAP sensor seal (the one around the sensor's vacuum inlet) that is missing or damaged.
• The MAP sensor's vacuum inlet is restricted, preventing vacuum from entering the sensor.
• Manifold vacuum leaks.

How To Diagnose And Repair A P0106 Trouble Code

A trouble code P0106 can easily be diagnosed and repaired by removing, inspecting and testing the MAP sensor.

If the MAP sensor's seal is OK and the its vacuum inlet is not blocked, then the next step is to test the MAP signal voltage with a multimeter.

The multimeter test involves confirming that the MAP sensor signal voltage decreases/increases as you apply/release vacuum to it.

Then making sure that the MAP sensor is getting 5 Volts and Ground from the fuel injection computer.

You can conclude that the MAP sensor is bad, and needs to be replaced, if your test results confirm:

• That the MAP sensor signal voltage DOES NOT decrease/increase as you apply/release vacuum to the sensor.
• That the MAP sensor is getting 5 Volts.
• That the MAP sensor is getting Ground.

You can find the MAP sensor test explained in detail here: How To Test The MAP Sensor (1999-2006 V8 Silverado, Sierra, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon).

Where To Buy The MAP Sensor And Save

To avoid having the repair come back, you should avoid buying a cheap knock-off MAP sensor.

The following links will help you comparison shop for the original equipment (OE) AC-Delco MAP sensor. Standard Motor Products and Delphi brands are well known automotive component manufacturers:

NOTE: The above manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor fit the 1999-2006 V8 Chevrolet Silverado (Suburban, Tahoe) and GMC Sierra (Yukon, Yukon XL).

More Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, Sierra, And Yukon Tutorials

You can find a complete list of V8 Chevrolet Silverado (Suburban, Tahoe) and GMC Sierra (Yukon, Yukon XL) tutorials in this index:

• GM 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L Index Of Articles.

Here's a small sample of the tutorials you'll find in the index:

• Resistance Specifications Of The TAC Electronic Throttle Body.
• How To Test The GM Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor 2.
• How To Test The MAF Sensor (GM 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, 8.1L).
• Blown Head Gasket Test (GM 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L).