Can You Still Drive with a Faulty Intake Pressure Sensor?
2 Answers
You cannot continue driving with a faulty intake pressure sensor. Below is relevant information about the intake pressure sensor: 1. Introduction: The intake pressure sensor, abbreviated as MAP, connects to the intake manifold via a vacuum tube. It senses changes in vacuum within the intake manifold as the engine operates at different speeds and loads. The sensor then converts these changes into voltage signals through internal resistance adjustments, which the ECU uses to adjust fuel injection and ignition timing. 2. System Used in EFI Engines: In electronic fuel injection (EFI) engines, the system that uses an intake pressure sensor to measure intake air volume is called the D-type injection system (speed-density type). Unlike mass airflow sensors that directly measure intake air, the intake pressure sensor employs an indirect detection method. This method is also influenced by various factors, leading to unique considerations in detection and maintenance compared to mass airflow sensors, and resulting in specific types of faults.
I once experienced a faulty intake pressure sensor. My car could still start and drive, but it had numerous operational issues. At idle, the engine shook violently, like it had the flu. Acceleration was sluggish, with no response when pressing the throttle, and fuel consumption kept rising. The car's computer detected the fault and automatically turned on the check engine light, possibly switching to a backup mode that used estimated values to control the air-fuel mixture—this was far from precise. Short-distance commutes, like a few kilometers to and from work, were manageable, but driving on the highway posed significant risks. A sudden loss of power in the passing lane could be extremely dangerous. I recommend using a diagnostic tool to read the trouble codes and confirm the issue as soon as possible. Replacing the sensor yourself isn’t difficult—there are plenty of online tutorials, and the parts are cheap. Ignoring the problem could damage the engine or the catalytic converter, which isn’t cost-effective in the long run. Fixing it early ensures peace of mind while driving.
