Quick answer
Trouble code P0107 means “Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor Circuit Low Input.” The engine computer (ECM) is seeing a MAP signal lower than the expected range — typically below about 0.5 V — which points to a failing sensor, a wiring or connector fault, or a vacuum leak. With bad MAP data the ECM miscalculates the air-fuel mix, so the engine runs rough.
P0107 is one of the most common Manifold Absolute Pressure sensor codes, and it has an easy trap: the MAP sensor itself is often fine, and the real cause is a chewed wire, a loose connector, or a vacuum leak feeding it bad pressure. This guide explains what the code means, how to read live MAP data to pinpoint the fault, what a proper repair costs, and how to clear the code once you’re done — with real-world examples from a Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, Honda Civic and more.
1What Does the P0107 Code Mean?
P0107 is a generic powertrain code defined by the SAE J2012 standard as “Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor Circuit Low Input.” It applies to every OBD-II vehicle that uses a MAP sensor.
The MAP sensor measures the pressure inside the intake manifold and feeds that reading to the ECM, which uses it to calculate air density and set fuel delivery and ignition timing. P0107 sets when the signal voltage drops below the normal operating threshold (typically under ~0.5 V). Because the ECM is now working from a false “impossibly low pressure” reading, it gets the fuel-air mixture wrong — which is why the symptoms are so noticeable.
2Symptoms of P0107
Symptoms vary with the root cause, but the common signs are:
- Poor engine performance — hesitation on acceleration or a general lack of power, from an incorrect fuel-air mixture.
- Rough idle or stalling — the ECM can’t hold the right air-fuel ratio at idle.
- Increased fuel consumption — fuel delivery is over-corrected from the false pressure reading.
- Check engine light on — the ECM logs the low MAP-circuit input.
- Black exhaust smoke — an overly rich mixture caused by misreported manifold pressure.
3Common Causes of P0107
Work through these in order — the cheap items rule themselves out fastest:
| Cause | What happens (real example) |
|---|---|
| Faulty MAP sensor | Internal failure sends a constant low or zero signal — a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze stuck at 0.3 V (normal 1–4.5 V). |
| Wiring / connector fault | Damaged, shorted or corroded wiring drops the voltage — a 2016 Ford Focus with a frayed ground wire reading 0.2 V. |
| Vacuum leak | An intake or vacuum-line leak skews manifold pressure — a 2014 Honda Civic with a cracked intake-manifold gasket. |
| ECM fault / software | The ECM misreads the signal or has a glitch — a 2017 Toyota Corolla fixed with a firmware update. |
| Contaminated MAP sensor | Oil or dirt (often from a failing PCV valve) fouls the element — a 2018 Hyundai Elantra with oil residue. |
4How Serious Is P0107? Can You Keep Driving?
Drive-soon, not drive-long: the car will usually still move, but a bad MAP signal can cause rough running, stalling and hard starts, and on some vehicles it forces a reduced-power “limp” mode. Black smoke and poor economy also mean you’re wasting fuel and loading the catalytic converter. Diagnose it within a few days rather than ignoring it.
If the engine stalls repeatedly or won’t idle, treat it as urgent — driving a stalling car in traffic is a safety risk.
5How to Diagnose P0107
A systematic approach isolates the real fault before you buy parts. Follow these steps in order:
- Read codes & live data. Plug in the iCarsoft CR MAX (or an equivalent OBD-II scanner), read P0107 plus any related codes, and watch the live MAP value. It should read near 1 V at idle and climb toward ~4.5 V at wide-open throttle, and with the key on and engine off it should read close to barometric pressure (~4.5 V at sea level). A fixed low value — the Cruze sat at 0.3 V — confirms the fault.
- Inspect visually. Check the MAP sensor and connector for contamination or damage, the wiring harness for frays, shorts or loose pins, and the intake manifold and vacuum lines for leaks. The Focus showed a visibly frayed ground wire.
- Test the MAP sensor. With a multimeter and a hand vacuum pump: key-on/engine-off voltage should match barometric pressure (~4.5 V at sea level), and as you apply vacuum the voltage should drop proportionally (≈1 V at 20 inHg). The Elantra’s sensor showed no change with vacuum — a dead sensor.
- Check for vacuum leaks. Use a smoke machine to find leaks in the intake or vacuum lines, or carefully spray carb cleaner around the gaskets and listen for an idle change. The Civic’s RPM surged when cleaner hit the cracked gasket.
- Verify the ECM. If the sensor and wiring test good, test the ECM’s response with a known-good MAP sensor and update the firmware if applicable. The Corolla’s code stopped after a software update.
6P0107 Repair Cost
| Repair | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Clean a contaminated MAP sensor | $20–$50 |
| MAP sensor replacement | $50–$150 |
| Wiring / connector repair | $50–$200 |
| Intake-manifold gasket (vacuum leak) | $100–$300 |
| ECM software update | $0–$150 |
Because cleaning or a connector repair often fixes it for next to nothing, confirm the fault with live data before paying for a new sensor.
7Solutions for P0107
Match the repair to what the data proved was failing:
- Replace the MAP sensor — if testing confirmed a dead or out-of-range sensor. Use an OEM sensor (~$50), disconnect the connector, swap it, and clear the code. The Cruze ran normally again afterward.
- Repair wiring or connectors — solder frayed wires or replace a damaged connector. The Focus’s ground-wire repair restored the signal.
- Fix vacuum leaks — replace the leaking gasket (~$30) or hose anywhere on the intake. The Civic’s leak was sealed with a new intake-manifold gasket.
- Update the ECM software — for a confirmed false-code platform, a dealer flash fixes it without parts (the Corolla).
- Clean the MAP sensor — if oil or dirt is fouling it, spray the element with electrical contact cleaner, let it dry fully, and refit. The Elantra worked after cleaning.
8Vehicles Prone to P0107
P0107 can appear on any MAP-equipped vehicle, but these models show up most often, with the usual culprit:
| Vehicle | Common issue | Symptom |
|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Cruze (2011–2016) | Failed MAP sensor | Poor acceleration, rough idle |
| Ford Focus (2012–2018) | Frayed MAP ground wire | Stalling, black smoke |
| Honda Civic (2012–2016) | Intake-gasket vacuum leak | High fuel use, hesitation |
| Toyota Corolla (2014–2019) | ECM software glitch | MIL on, no drivability change |
| Hyundai Elantra (2013–2018) | Contaminated MAP sensor | Rough idle, reduced power |
9How to Clear P0107 After the Repair
With a scan tool (recommended): after the repair is verified, use the CR MAX to clear the code, then road-test and re-scan. With the fix in place, the live MAP value should track correctly — close to barometric pressure at key-on, rising smoothly with engine load.
Don’t just disconnect the battery — it wipes the code without fixing the cause, resets your learned fuel adaptations, and the code returns on the next drive if the circuit is still faulty. Confirm the repair held by re-scanning for both stored and pending codes.
10Preventing P0107 in the Future
- Inspect vacuum lines and gaskets every 30,000 miles for cracks and leaks.
- Clean the MAP sensor during routine maintenance, especially if the PCV system runs oily.
- Check wiring harnesses for wear and chafing in high-vibration areas near the sensor.
- Keep the ECM software up to date with any manufacturer calibration updates.
11Related Trouble Codes
12The Right Scan Tool for P0107
A basic code reader only tells you P0107 exists. To find the real fault you need live MAP-sensor voltage and barometric data (to see exactly what the sensor is reporting at idle, at load, and key-on/engine-off), full-system access, and the ability to clear the code and confirm the fix. The iCarsoft CR MAX gives you OE-level live data, bi-directional control and Auto-VIN across 140+ vehicle brands.
Recommended for P0107
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OE-level full-system diagnostics with live MAP-sensor voltage and barometric data, bi-directional control, Auto-VIN and one-tap code clearing — so you can see what the sensor is really reporting before you replace it. 140+ vehicle brands.
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13P0107 — Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a P0107 code?
Short-term, yes, but the engine may run rough, stall, or lose power, and fuel economy drops. On some vehicles it triggers a reduced-power limp mode. Diagnose it within a few days — and if it stalls repeatedly, treat it as urgent.
What’s the difference between P0107 and P0108?
They’re the same MAP circuit with opposite faults. P0107 is circuit Low Input — signal too low, usually a short to ground, an open wire, or a dead sensor. P0108 is circuit High Input — signal too high. They’re diagnosed the same way.
Can a vacuum leak cause P0107?
Yes. A leak in the intake or vacuum lines changes manifold pressure and can drive the MAP reading out of range. Smoke-test the intake before replacing the sensor — it’s a common cause that a new sensor won’t fix.
Can I clean the MAP sensor instead of replacing it?
Often, yes. If oil or dirt — commonly from a failing PCV valve — is fouling the sensor, spray the element with electrical contact cleaner, let it dry fully, and refit it. If the code comes back, replace the sensor with an OEM part.
What voltage should a MAP sensor read?
Roughly 1 V at idle, rising toward ~4.5 V at wide-open throttle, and with the key on and engine off it should read close to barometric pressure (~4.5 V at sea level). A flat ~0.3 V signal points to a dead sensor or a wiring fault.
How much does a P0107 repair cost?
About $20–$50 to clean a contaminated sensor, $50–$150 for a new MAP sensor, $50–$200 for wiring repair, or $100–$300 for an intake-gasket vacuum leak. An ECM software update is typically $0–$150.
14References
- SAE International, J2012 — Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (the standard that defines P0107).
- California Air Resources Board, On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) Program.
- Wikipedia, MAP sensor — background on how the manifold absolute pressure sensor works.
