MAP Sensors

Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensors monitor intake manifold pressure to optimize fuel injection.

MAP Sensors

How MAP sensors work

To optimize the air-fuel mixture and enhance combustion and ignition performance, the intake air volume into the engine needs to be constantly monitored and adjusted. Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensors are essential to this process.

A compact semiconductor vacuum sensor, the MAP sensor takes advantage of the piezoeletric resistance effect, where electrical resistance changes when pressure is applied to silicone. This effect is used to measure the intake manifold pressure coming downstream from the throttle valve. The pressure measurement is then passed onto the engine ECU via electrical signals and is used to calculate the intake air volume. Once this is calculated, the ECU can then adjust engine performance to ensure optimal air-fuel ratio control.

Although this is the main function of MAP sensors, these parts are also used to measure the boost pressure coming upstream from the throttle valve and the turbo manifold pressure to optimize engine performance in severe turbocharging or supercharging environments.


2 MAP Sensors

Features and benefits

  • Bare chip mounting means fewer components and a compact size.
  • On-chip noise cancellation reduces the number of required components.
  • Durable two-layer surface handles the harsh environment of the intake manifold.
  • Wire bond connections offer greater reliability and easier installation.
Simple, compact structure
By directly mounting sensor and circuit chips onto the resin case and using wire bond connections, our MAP sensors provide a simpler, more compact product that is easier to install.
Fewer components
Our on-chip noise cancellation circuit means no extra noise prevention components are needed, helping simplify installation and increase reliability.
Reliable performance
A two-layer structure made of full gel and rubber makes the component more resistant to the harsh intake manifold environment. Wire bond connections also provide greater reliability.
MAP sensor side view MAP sensor front view

Types and characteristics

Each of our MAP sensors is engineered to the highest quality so it can provide optimal and reliable engine performance journey after journey.

MAP Sensors types

MAPS

Our Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensors use innovative technologies to deliver accurate data to the vehicle ECU. This helps optimize engine performance and reliability.

T-MAPS

Adding an integrated Air Temperature Sensor to the MAP sensor gives the ECU access to a wider range of data, helping it optimize the engine’s air-fuel ratio more accurately.

Characteristics

As a pioneer in aftermarket products, our intelligent EMS components set the standard for engine performance and efficiency with their unique, advanced design.

Catalogues and marketing materials

To find out more about MAP Sensors browse the Downloads Area section. Click here.

Installation and fault finding

Developed to make installation and fault finding easier, DENSO’s MAP sensors can enhance engine performance if fitted and fixed correctly.

Installation

Find out more about how to install MAP sensors correctly.
  • Disconnect the MAP sensor connector. Remove the screws. Remove the MAP sensor.

  • Install the new MAP sensor and the screw(s) according to the tightening torque value specified by the car maker and then connect the connector. Turn the engine on and check if the system works properly.

  • Make sure the o-ring is not cracked or jammed when installing it and check the vacuum hose that connects the MAP sensor to the engine for leaks.

  • Take care as the MAP sensor is a delicate piece of hardware that can be damaged when installing.

Fault finding

Discover how to find and fix faults quickly and easily.
  • Any substances or high humidity in the intake air that enter the pressure port can cause a failure in MAP sensors.

  • Vacuum leaks in the intake manifold systems or hose that connects the MAP sensor to the engine can cause the MAP sensor to function improperly.

  • Shorts and opens in the MAP sensor wiring circuit can cause a discrepancy in characteristics or faulty operation.

  • Loss of engine power.

  • Rough and unstable idling.

  • Poor drivability, including hesitation during acceleration.

  • Stalling shortly after startup, or when the accelerator is depressed or released.

  • A problem with the MAP sensor can cause the engine warning light to turn on. This fault is stored as a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) in the engine ECU (P0105…P0109) and can be inspected by a DTC scan tool.

  • A defective MAP sensor may not be disabling the vehicle but should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid potential engine damages with rich or lean fuel conditions caused by faulty MAP sensor operation.

  • Make sure there are no abnormalities in the intake manifold vacuum due to leaks or other system problems.