What does a MAP Sensor do?

You must have heard about a MAP sensor while at the mechanic’s shop or probably through a salesperson detailing about a new car! But did you know what does a MAP sensor do or what exactly is a MAP sensor?

Here's a short MAP Sensor guide for better understanding!

What is a MAP Sensor?

Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor is the one that converts engine vacuum force into an electrical signal for identifying the load under which the engine works. This data eventually becomes a basis for calculating the fuel delivery along with timing control. It's ideally located in the air cleaner or just under the dash.

Fuel injected engines are the ones that make use of MAP sensors which instantly provide the information to the ECU (electronic control unit). Alternatively, MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensors can also be used for detecting airflow intake.

(Image Courtesy: Standard Brand)

What does a MAP Sensor do?

MAP sensor basically measures the air pressure in your intake manifold. A machine determines the engine’s fuel and air ratio. And the measurement bar comes set on "0" from the factory itself. But, turbocharged sensors come from with the bar set on 3 or 3.5 horsepower.

For your basic knowledge, Measurement for Pressure is Bar. One bar equals to one atmospheric pressure which is around 14.7 Pounds per Square Inches (PSI). Pressure absence is measured in Inches of Mercury. N/A or Naturally Aspirated is without supercharging, and Forced Induction is with turbocharging. Boost is automation slang for PSI.

MAP Sensor Guide

A MAP sensor considers the following before accumulating any data: 

1. Throttle position 
2. Engine RPM
3. Air temperature
4. Coolant Temperature
5. Oxygen sensor
6. EGR valve

(Image Courtesy: Your Mechanic)

Uses of a MAP Sensor

1. Detect fuel consumption
2. Measure fuel delivery
3. Determine the RPM difference
4. Deliver information about air-to-fuel ratio
5. There arise lesser restrictions in the intake tract
6. Air consumption can also be measured at higher horsepower
7. Engine’s reliability is impacted in a positive way
8. There’s absolutely error free engine functioning
9. But, getting the engine in tune might at times become quite a task for the MAP sensor
10. With newer modifications comes up slighter complications

Therefore, one should actually invest a substantial amount of time in deciding the right MAP sensor. 

(Image Courtesy: Holley)

Malfunctioning

MAP sensor encounters failures due to the high under hood heat and constantly moving wiper arms. So, you can always test the voltage outside the usual range or compare the calculated values with PCM for gaining an insight of the performance deterioration.

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