Manifold Absolute Pressure sensors are devices that transmit vital information to your Chrysler engine computer. Otherwise known as your Chrysler Cirrus MAP sensor, this part reads the air that’s rushing into your 2.5 liter V6 engine. Reading the barometric pressure of the incoming air charge, the sensor will inform your Powertrain Control Module (PCM) so that the proper fuel adjustments can be made.
When your Cirrus MAP sensor begins to go bad, you’re going to have issues with your sedan. Today I’ll be showing you how to test this sensor in a 2000 2.5 liter V6 Cirrus, by using an automotive multimeter. Don’t know what that is or how to use it? Check out this guide here if you need a quick start guide to multimeters.
What happens when my MAP Sensor goes bad?
When your Cirrus PCM does not have the right signal from your MAP sensor, your engine will begin to run rough. It may idle poorly and run excessively rich. This leads to bad fuel economy as well as prematurely fouled spark plugs and catalytic converters. You can also have black smoke from your tailpipe, a clear sign that your Chrysler engine is running rich.
Your check engine light is also a good indicator. Two of the more common codes are P0107 for MAP Sensor Voltage Too Low and P0108 for Voltage Too High.
How To Check Your Cirrus MAP Sensor for Power
To begin our guide on testing your Cirrus MAP Sensor, you must open your hood first and locate your sensor. This is a three pin unit that’s mounted to your intake manifold. We are going to be starting with your power wire first, to test your manifold absolute pressure sensor.
There are two different types of MAP sensor for your Chrysler Cirrus. One of them happens to be a four wire MAP sensor. If you happen to own one of those, check this guide here. If your Cirrus has a P0107 or P0108, remove the MAP sensor first and check your o-rings for any damage.
Now unplug your manifold pressure sensor, and you will be gently probing PIN B for switched power. To test for power at this wiring harness, you need to turn the ignition to the “ON” position.
Once you have determined you have a 5 volt DC power signal at this wire, you will need to check for a low reference signal or ground. The ground wire for your Cirrus MAP Sensor harness is PIN A.
If you have power and ground at these two wires, your MAP sensor should be operating normally.
How To Check Cirrus MAP Sensor Voltage
The next part of our test is to measure the signal wire of your Cirrus MAP Sensor. In order to do this correctly, you will need to use a vacuum pump. One can be purchased from your local auto parts store or hardware store.
The signal wire to check would be PIN C. Keep your MAP sensor connected and using the vacuum pump apply vacuum to the MAP sensor port. Connect the wiring harness to your manifold pressure sensor and then pierce or use a backpin on PIN C. Now keeping the ignition turned to the ON position, you will be reading the signal voltage from this wire.
Here is a chart of vacuum to voltage to use to test your MAP sensor signal wires.
0 in. Hg = 4.7 Volts : 5 in. Hg = 3.9 Volts : 10 in. Hg = 3.0 Volts : 15 in. Hg = 1.1 Volts.
If your Cirrus MAP Sensor doesn’t return voltage ranges in this range, it’s time to change your sensor with a replacement Cirrus manifold pressure sensor. Have any questions about our How To DIY guide? Leave us a message below and let us know!
