How To Test The MAP Sensor (1.6L Honda Civic)

Quite a few things can fool your Honda's PCM (Powertrain Control Module = fuel injection computer) into thinking the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor is bad when it isn't.

Thankfully, testing the MAP sensor is pretty easy and in this tutorial I'll show you how to bench-test it using only a multimeter.

You can find this tutorial in Spanish here: Cómo Probar El Sensor MAP (1995-2000 1.6L Honda Civic) (at: autotecnico-online.com).

Symptoms Of A Bad MAP Sensor

Since the MAP sensor's vacuum pressure input is used to calculate engine load and thus fuel injection and timing advance when it fails, the PCM won't be able to keep your 1.6L Honda Civic running smoothly. You'll see one or more of the following symptoms:

1. Check engine light (CEL) is shining nice and bright on the instrument cluster.
2. DTC P0107 MAP Sensor Circuit Low Voltage.
3. DTC P0108 MAP Sensor Circuit High Voltage.
4. Rough idle.
5. ‘Rotten egg’ smell coming from the exhaust.
6. Won't pass the state mandated emissions test.
7. Bad gas mileage.
8. Lack of power, rough idle, or hesitation.
9. Engine cranks a long time before starting.

Let's find out how the MAP sensor works on your Civic in the next subheading.

How The MAP Sensor Works

Your Honda Civic's fuel system is a speed density type. Which, in plain English means that your Honda's fuel injection computer needs to know the engine speed and the engine load to inject the proper amount of fuel (advance ignition timing, etc.).

The sensor that provides engine load information, to the PCM, is the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor.

How does the MAP provide this engine load info? By measuring the amount of vacuum the engine is creating throughout the entire time it's operating.

The amount of vacuum pressure varies depending on engine load. Here are some more specifics:

1. At idle, manifold vacuum is higher.
   • When manifold vacuum is higher, the MAP sensor sends the PCM a higher voltage.
   • The PCM, using the inputs from the MAP sensor and other sensors, injects less fuel into all its cylinders.
2. Under load (let's say accelerating the engine to pass someone on the highway), manifold vacuum is lower.
   • When manifold vacuum is lower, the MAP sensor sends the PCM a smaller voltage.
   • The PCM, using the inputs from the MAP sensor and other sensors, injects more fuel into all its cylinders.

Where To Buy The MAP Sensor And Save

If the MAP sensor failed the bench test and you need to buy one, you could run down to your local auto parts store and buy it there.

If you've already priced the MAP sensor there, you know it's not cheap. As a matter of fact, it seems everything at the local auto parts store is over-priced!

I don't buy my parts at the auto parts store anymore, it's just cheaper online. Yup, buying my parts online has been one of the biggest money saving decisions I've ever made and I think you'll benefit from it too.

If you're wondering if this is the MAP sensor that'll fit your particular Honda, amazon.com will ask you for the specifics of your particular Honda or Acura vehicle to make sure it fits. If it doesn't, they'll show you several that will.

Give it a try and see for yourself just how much you can save! I think you'll agree that buying it online is a whole cheaper and can be done without having to deal with the hassle of getting to the auto parts store.

Circuit Descriptions Of The MAP Sensor

If you have already identified the manifold absolute sensor on your Honda Civic, you know that its connector has 3 wires coming out of it.

Each one of those wires (circuits) has a specific job to do.

These circuits are the ones that provide power, Ground and return the MAP signal (that the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor creates) to the PCM.

Here's a brief description of the function of each:

1. One wire supplies 5 Volts DC.
   • This is the MAP sensor's power source.
   • 5 Volts are fed only with the Key On Engine OFF (KOEO) or Key On Engine Running (KOER).
   • The fuel injection computer (PCM) feeds these 5 Volts to the MAP sensor.
   • MAP sensor pin labeled with the number 1, in the image above, gets this power.
2. One wire feeds Ground.
   • In tech circles, this circuit is know as the low reference circuit.
   • The PCM provides this Ground internally.
   • Ground provided by the middle wire of the MAP sensor connector. MAP sensor pin labeled with the number 2, in the image above, gets this Ground.
3. One wire is the MAP sensor signal circuit.
   • This wire sends the signal the MAP sensor creates to the computer (PCM).
   • MAP sensor pin labeled with the number 3, in the image above, outputs the MAP signal to the PCM.