How a faulty MAP sensor can cause DPF issues

Technical trainer at European Exhaust & Catalyst, Stuart Still recalls a recent problem job

How a faulty MAP sensor can cause DPF issues

A few weeks ago I received a phone call from a distributor’s customer asking for assistance as the Toyota he was working on had been emitting black smoke for a couple of weeks before going into limp home mode, with a fault code of P2463 (DPF restricted).

He explained that he had replaced that DPF with a new EEC one two months ago, but unfortunately the same thing had started to happen again and he thought the new DPF was faulty!

He explained that he had checked all of the areas and components that could be the cause of the problem, air leaks, EGR valve, fuel injectors, turbo, etc. and all were working correctly.

I suggested he checked the MAP sensor as I thought this could be the problem.

Although there was no MAP fault code showing he still needed to examine the sensor to ensure it was clean, with no damage and functioning correctly.

A MAP sensor reads the amount of air pressure in relation to vacuum inside the intake manifold, either directly or using a vacuum hose, it then translates this pressure into a voltage signal sending it to the power control module (PCM).

The sensor uses a 0 – 5 volt reference signal, a change in vacuum or air pressure in the intake manifold varies the electrical resistance in the sensor, increasing or reducing the signal’s voltage to the computer.

The PCM uses the MAP sensor’s information along with input from other sensors to adjust fuel delivery to the cylinders and ignition timing according to current engine load and speed.

This can upset fuel delivery and ignition timing.

Depending on your vehicle model, your engine might experience one or more of these performance problems:

Signals of a bad MAP sensor include rough idling, sluggish acceleration or hesitation, poor fuel economy or black smoke.

An underperforming MAP sensor can lead to an increase in harmful PM. excessive fuel generates higher hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions, while insufficient fuel may lead to higher nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.

Troubleshooting a MAP sensor is a straightforward procedure using a digital multi-meter (DMM) and a hand-held vacuum pump.

Always inspect the map sensor wires for damage during your diagnostic.

Just because there is not a MAP fault code does not mean all is OK.

It could be faulty and still working but not correctly.

By sending the incorrect data to the ECM, generating more PM / carbon, stopping the DPF regeneration process, could result in a blocked DPF.

The MAP/MAF sensor is an essential part in delivering the correct fuel/ air mixture to the engine.

If it fails or begins playing up, the ECM cannot function properly, and neither will the engine.

To ensure your engine works at peak performance, it’s sensible to keep your MAP sensor in good condition.

Check the MAP sensor’s wiring and connector.

It should be connected securely, and the pins free of dirt and undamaged.

Bent or corroded pins will also adversely affect the sensor signals.

The wiring from the ECM to the MAP sensor should also show no signs of damage.

Wiring that is damaged can cause short circuits.

If the MAP sensor is linked to the intake via a hose, check it is not damaged. Check the port is clean and unblocked as this can lead to unreliable MAP readings.

If the sensor checks are ok, the next step is to try a scan tool or voltmeter and vacuum gun to gauge the MAP sensor’s output.

Check the voltages you need to see for full and no vacuum.

If you don’t get the correct readings, the sensor will need replacing.

With no information from the MAP sensor to work with, the ECM will assume the engine is under a high load.

A failing MAP sensor tricks the ECM into believing the reading is low or there’s no vacuum.

Consequently, the ECM fires in extra fuel and advances the spark timing to compensate, resulting with increased fuel consumption.

As a conclusion the customer replaced the faulty MAP sensor which solved the problem.

EEC is committed to an education and training programme within the industry to help technicians understand, evaluate and diagnose emission problems.

EEC has invested heavily in our own wash coating facility in Waterlooville, this is to ensure we produce a top quality product for our foreign and domestic markets.

For information regarding emissions, DPF, 4 gas analysis, and technical training, contact [email protected].

Home Page Forums How a faulty MAP sensor can cause DPF issues

Viewing 2 posts - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • #210138 Reply

    A few weeks ago I received a phone call from a distributor’s customer asking for assistance as the Toyota he was working on had been emitting black sm
    [See the full post at: How a faulty MAP sensor can cause DPF issues]

    #210143 Reply
    Meat-Head
    Blocked

    One for bob geldof there, silicon chip switched to overload

    For educational or entertainment purposes could have pulled pipe off map sensor
    To see if it flagged anything.

    Seem to think reading a tweet often get toyota/lexus not running
    Right, egr slightly open but no code, clean goes like a rocket

Viewing 2 posts - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)

LEAVE A REPLY:

Reply To: How a faulty MAP sensor can cause DPF issues

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

Have your say!

0 0

Lost Password

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.