Circuit/System Description

The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor measures the pressure inside the intake manifold. Pressure in the intake manifold is affected by engine speed, throttle opening, air temperature, barometric pressure (BARO) and if equipped, turbocharger output. A diaphragm within the MAP sensor is displaced by the pressure changes that occur from the varying load and operating conditions of the engine. The sensor translates this action into electrical resistance.

The MAP sensor wiring includes 3 circuits. The engine control module (ECM) supplies a regulated 5 volts to the sensor on a 5 V reference circuit. The ECM supplies a ground on a low reference circuit. The MAP sensor provides a signal voltage to the ECM, relative to the pressure changes, on the MAP sensor signal circuit. The ECM converts the signal voltage input to a pressure value.

Under normal operation the greatest pressure that can exist in the intake manifold is at ignition ON, engine OFF, which is equal to the BARO. If equipped, a turbocharger can increase the pressure above BARO, when the vehicle is operated at wide-open throttle (WOT). The lowest manifold pressure occurs when the vehicle is idling or decelerating. The ECM monitors the MAP sensor signal for pressure outside of the normal range.