P0109 – Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor/barometric pressure (BARO) sensor -circuit intermittent

By Reinier (Contact Me)
Last Updated 2016-06-02
Automobile Repair Shop Owner

Table of Contents

1. What Does Code P0109 Mean?
2. What are the common causes of code P0109 ?
3. What are the symptoms of code P0109 ?
4. How do you troubleshoot code P0109 ?
5. Codes Related to P0109
6. Get Help with P0109

What Does Code P0109 Mean?

OBD II fault code P0109 is defined as “Manifold Absolute Pressure/Barometric Pressure Circuit Intermittent”, and is set when the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) detects a signal from the MAP (Manifold Air Pressure Sensor) that falls outside of the expected value for the reigning engine load or throttle position, or otherwise fails to correlate with the actual pressure/vacuum in the intake manifold.

All applications use data from the manifold pressure (or vacuum) to calculate an appropriate fuel delivery strategy to suit the current engine load, and to make suitable adjustments to ignition timing as well as valve/cam timing on applications where VVT or VCS systems are present. From this it should be obvious that incorrect or invalid data can cause serious disruptions in the smooth and efficient operation of an engine.

On most applications, a fault code is set when the PCM detects a mismatch between the throttle position and the signal voltage from the MAP sensor for more than four continuous seconds. The deviation from the correct sensor voltage is measured against a reference voltage for the particular application. However, the four-second code setting parameter may differ between applications, which makes it important to consult the manual for the vehicle being worked on for accurate information on code setting parameters.

Note: Regardless of the code and the system affected, the word “Intermittent” refers to the fact that there is a sporadic, unpredictable, or, well, intermittent fault in that system. The most likely causes of codes that relate to intermittent faults include poor connections in both live and ground circuits, as well defective switches, relays, and sensors.

Intermittent faults can be extremely difficult to trace and fix, since code readers generally do not specify in which part of the circuit the problem lays. For instance, the fault could be an intermittent interruption of the reference voltage (power supply), or, as often happens, the problem could be an intermittent break in the signal voltage to the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) due to a failing sensor, wiring issues, or defective electrical connector(s).

Note that the word “intermittent” often means different things to different applications; some systems will set a code the first time an intermittent fault occurs, while others will only do so after several failure cycles. In some cases, it may be necessary to allow the fault to worsen before an accurate and definitive repair can be made.

What are the common causes of code P0109 ?

As with symptoms, the common causes of code P0107 and its closely related codes, P0108 and P0109 much the same on all applications. Note however, that one common cause, a poorly running engine, could set other codes along with P0107, P0108,and P0109, depending on the particular application. Below are some common causes this group of codes-

• Lean running conditions caused by unmetered air entering the engine

• Misfiring conditions caused by a poorly maintained engine

• Clogged or damaged catalytic converter(s)

• Defective MAP sensor

• Defective MAF sensor(If fitted)

• Defective throttle position sensor

• Defective barometric sensor (If fitted)

• Open circuits

• Shorted, burnt, or damaged wiring and connectors

• Defective PCM (Rarely)

What are the symptoms of code P0109 ?

While the symptoms of code P0109 are much the same on all applications, it should be noted that not all symptoms are always present on all applications. Moreover, the severity of some symptoms may vary between applications, but for the most part, the most common symptoms include the following-

• Illuminated CHECK ENGINE light

• Stored trouble code(s), which may on occasion include make and model specific codes

• Increased fuel consumption

• Decreased engine power and performance

• Hard starting

• Hesitation upon acceleration in the majority of cases

• Unpredictable engine stalling

• Rough idling

How do you troubleshoot code P0109 ?

NOTE #1: Some applications use MAF (Mass Airflow Sensors) instead of manifold pressure sensors. Moreover, some applications use a barometric sensor that is incorporated into the MAF sensor, with the barometric sensor serving as a back-up to the MAF sensor. In these cases, it is important to inspect the heated element of the MAF sensor for the presence of grime or residues that could impede the performance/accuracy of the sensor. In many cases, a simple cleaning of the element with an approved solvent will cure the problem.

NOTE #2: Before attempting to diagnose code P0109, it is important to ensure that the engine is in perfect running order, with no lean running or misfire conditions present. For instance, unmetered air entering the engine could interfere with the way in which the PCM interprets changes in the manifold pressure/vacuum. Inspect the vacuum system and repair all faults before attempting to diagnose this code. Also, be sure to scan for all trouble codes present, and to repair all other issues found before diagnosing this code.

Step 1

NOTE: In order to make an accurate diagnosis, you will in addition to a suitable code reader and digital multimeter, need a repair manual for the application being worked on to determine the color-coding, location, purpose, and routing of all associated wiring.

Assuming that all other issues had been resolved, record all trouble codes present, and record all available freeze-frame data. This data will be of use if an intermittent fault is identified later on.

Step 2

As a first step in the diagnostic procedure, check for a clogged or dirty air filter element, pinched, damaged, or dislodged vacuum hoses and inlet air ducting, as well as clogged or damaged catalytic converter(s). Repair/replace components and hoses as required. Operate the vehicle, and rescan the system to see if the code returns.

If however the above components are all in good order, perform a thorough inspection of all wiring and connectors. Repair/replace all burnt, corroded, damaged, or suspect wiring and connectors. Rescan the system to see if the code returns.

Step 3

If the code returns, perform ground, continuity, and reference voltage checks on all wiring at the sensor connector. Be sure to disconnect all control modules before doing continuity checks to prevent damaging the modules, and consult the manual on the color-coding and function of each wire in the connector.

Compare all readings to values stated in the manual, and repair/replace wiring as required. Reconnect all wiring, and operate the vehicle. Rescan the system to see if the code returns.

Step 4

If the code and symptoms persist, consult the manual for the correct test procedure(s) of the MAP/MAF sensor. Be sure to compare obtained readings to the manufacturer’s pressure to Hertz chart. Replace the sensor if any reading(s) fall outside of specified values. Operate the vehicle, and rescan the system to see if the code returns.

NOTE: If the vehicle is fitted with a MAF (Mass Airflow Sensor) instead of a MAP sensor and you have not already done so, now would be a good time to inspect the MAF sensor’s element for residues that could affect its performance. Only use approved solvents to (carefully) clean the element. Reassemble the inlet ducting, operate the vehicle, and rescan the system to see if the code returns.

Step 5

If all obtained readings fall within the manufacturers specifications, it is likely that there is an intermittent fault present, which can sometimes be extremely challenging to locate and repair. If all other repair attempts fail to resolve the problem, you may have to allow the fault to worsen before an accurate and definitive diagnosis/repair can be made.

Although PCM failure is not altogether impossible, it is a rare event. Therefore, the fault must be sought elsewhere before any control module is replaced.

Codes Related to P0109

• P0107 – Relates to “Manifold Air Pressure/Barometric Pressure Circuit Low Input”

• P0108 – Relates to “Manifold Air Pressure/Barometric Pressure Circuit High Input”

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