P0106: How to Diagnose & Fix — MAP/Barometric Pressure Circuit Range/Performance
9 vehicles · 5 makes · $100-$7,500 repair
How to diagnose and fix P0106: most-reported vehicles
Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.
Chevrolet Sonic · 2012–2020
The 1.4L turbocharged Ecotec engine in the Sonic shares the notorious PCV system failure with the Chevrolet Cruze. The PCV regulator diaphragm integrated into the valve cover ruptures, causing massive vacuum leaks. Additionally, the intake manifold check valve (small red/orange valve) fails, compounding the issue. This affects virtually all 1.4T Sonics eventually, typically between 50,000-100,000 miles.
Common Symptoms
- Check engine light with P0171 (system too lean)
- Rough or unstable idle
- Excessive oil consumption between changes
- Hissing or whistling sound from engine area
- Poor acceleration and turbo boost loss
How to Fix
Replace the valve cover assembly (includes new PCV diaphragm) with the updated GM design. Replace the intake manifold check valve simultaneously. Inspect the corrugated PCV hose from intake manifold to turbo for cracks. Use only GM or quality aftermarket valve covers - cheap replacements fail quickly.
Sources for this issue (2)
Mazda CX-5 · 2013–2018
The 2.2 SKYACTIV-D runs two EGR valves and recirculates exhaust gas aggressively to meet emissions targets. Soot from that recirculated gas bakes onto the intake shutter valve, the intake manifold runners and the EGR passages; owners have found manifolds and EGR valves 80 percent blocked. Once the shutter valve sticks, airflow control is lost - power falls off progressively, multiple dash warnings appear, and the engine can stall with no restart. Mazda Australia recalled 35,476 diesel Mazda3 (2014-2016), Mazda6 (2012-2018) and CX-5 (2012-2018) vehicles specifically over carbon deposits in the intake shutter valve causing premature wear of engine components, with stated symptoms including increased stopping distance and smoke from the engine bay. The clogged manifold also buries the MAP sensor port, which is the near-universal cause of P0106 on this engine.
Common Symptoms
- Gradual loss of engine power
- Multiple warning lights on the dashboard
- Engine stalls and will not restart
- Smoke from the engine compartment
- Increased braking distance
- Rough idle and hesitation under load
How to Fix
Check whether your VIN falls under the diesel carbon-deposit campaign in your market - in Australia the remedy was performed free of charge. Otherwise the repair is mechanical: remove and chemically clean or replace the intake shutter valve, decarbon the intake manifold and EGR valves and cooler, and clean or replace the MAP sensor. Updated ECU calibration reduces recurrence. Prevention is driving pattern - the engine needs regular sustained hot running, not exclusively short urban trips. A P0106 with no other fault on this engine almost always means a soot-blocked MAP port, not a failed sensor.
Sources for this issue (3)
Buick Encore · 2013–2021
The 1.4L turbocharged engine (LUV/LUJ family) used in the first-generation Encore is prone to a ruptured PCV pressure-regulator diaphragm built into the plastic camshaft (valve) cover. When the diaphragm cracks, unmetered air enters the intake, producing a loud high-pitched whistle or squeal that owners describe as a boiling tea kettle under the hood, along with rough idle and stalling at stops. GM acknowledged the defect with Special Coverage N202299080, extending warranty on the PCV/camshaft cover to 10 years / 120,000 miles for certain 2014 Encore (and related Cruze/Sonic/Trax) vehicles.
Common Symptoms
- Loud tea-kettle / boiling whistle under hood
- Check engine light
- Rough idle
- Stalling at idle or stoplights
- Vacuum leak
How to Fix
Replace the camshaft (valve) cover, which contains the integrated PCV diaphragm; many owners upgrade to a revised cover. The root-cause check valve in the intake manifold should also be addressed (replace manifold or install an external check-valve/PCV bypass kit) to prevent turbo boost from over-pressurizing the crankcase. Check eligibility under GM Special Coverage N202299080.
Sources for this issue (1)
Chevrolet Cruze · 2011–2016
Chevrolet Cruze · 2011–2016
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P0106 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0106 mean?
P0106 stands for "MAP/Barometric Pressure Circuit Range/Performance." P0106 means the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) or barometric pressure sensor signal is out of the expected range or not matching engine operating conditions (range/performance). The MAP sensor measures intake manifold pressure/vacuum, which the computer uses to gauge engine load and calculate the correct fuel and ignition timing. When the reading is implausible — too steady, not tracking throttle changes, or inconsistent with other sensors — the computer flags this code. Symptoms often include rough idle, hesitation, poor fuel economy, or a lack of power, and the cause may be the sensor, a vacuum leak, or wiring.
What are the most common causes of P0106?
The most common causes of P0106 are: Faulty MAP sensor, Vacuum leak or disconnected/cracked vacuum line to the sensor, Clogged or restricted MAP sensor port, Wiring or connector problems in the sensor circuit, Intake manifold leak affecting pressure readings, Restricted air intake or exhaust affecting manifold pressure, Poor ground or reference voltage to the sensor. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0106?
Repair costs for P0106 range from $100 to $7,500, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P0106?
Au7o has documented P0106 across 9 vehicle models from 5 manufacturers: Buick, Chevrolet, Ford, Infiniti, Mazda.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.