Air Intake Manifold Runner Control Sensor

Is your check engine light illuminated with codes related to intake manifold pressure or runner control? Your intake manifold runner control sensor, also known as the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor, might be failing. This critical component provides your engine computer with real-time data about intake manifold pressure and air density, which are essential for calculating proper fuel delivery and ignition timing. We carry 28 different manifold absolute pressure sensors designed specifically for Audi and Volkswagen vehicles from 2008 to 2020. Each sensor is priced at just $45.99 and comes with a 2-year warranty and 90-day free returns.

What Is an Intake Manifold Runner Control Sensor?

The intake manifold runner control sensor, more commonly called the manifold absolute pressure sensor or MAP sensor, is a sophisticated electronic device that measures the air pressure inside your engine's intake manifold. This sensor plays a crucial role in modern engine management systems by providing your vehicle's computer with essential data about engine load conditions. Understanding how this sensor works helps you appreciate why it's so important and why a faulty sensor can cause significant drivability problems.

The MAP sensor uses a piezoelectric crystal or silicon-based pressure-sensitive element that changes its electrical resistance or voltage output based on the air pressure applied to it. Inside your intake manifold, air pressure varies dramatically depending on throttle position and engine speed. At idle with the throttle closed, intake manifold pressure is very low?creating a strong vacuum condition that might measure 15 to 20 inches of mercury below atmospheric pressure. When you floor the accelerator and the throttle opens wide, manifold pressure rises to near-atmospheric levels as air rushes into the engine.

Your engine control module monitors the MAP sensor signal continuously and uses this information in multiple calculations. The primary use is determining engine load so the computer can calculate the correct amount of fuel to inject. At low manifold pressure (high vacuum), the engine is under light load and needs less fuel. At high manifold pressure (low vacuum), the engine is working hard and needs more fuel. The MAP sensor signal also influences ignition timing advance, turbocharger boost control on turbocharged engines, and exhaust gas recirculation valve operation. Without accurate MAP sensor data, your engine management system is essentially operating blind.

Common Symptoms of a Failing MAP Sensor

The most obvious sign of MAP sensor failure is an illuminated check engine light accompanied by diagnostic trouble codes. Common codes include P0105 through P0109, which relate to MAP sensor circuit malfunctions, and P0106 specifically indicates MAP sensor performance problems where the sensor reading doesn't correlate with throttle position and engine speed. You might also see codes P0171 and P0174 for fuel system lean conditions if the faulty MAP sensor is causing the engine computer to miscalculate fuel delivery requirements.

Poor engine performance is another telltale symptom. If your MAP sensor is providing incorrect readings, your engine computer will make flawed decisions about fuel delivery and ignition timing. This manifests as hesitation during acceleration, reduced power output, stumbling or surging at steady throttle, and overall sluggish performance. The engine might feel like it's not responding properly to throttle inputs because the computer thinks the engine load is different from what it actually is. Some drivers describe this as the engine feeling "confused" or having a delayed response to the accelerator pedal.

Fuel economy often suffers dramatically when the MAP sensor fails. If the sensor reports higher manifold pressure than actually exists, the engine computer will deliver too much fuel, creating a rich condition that wastes gasoline and can foul spark plugs. Conversely, if the sensor reports lower pressure than reality, the engine runs lean, which can cause misfires and potential engine damage from detonation. Either way, your fuel economy drops noticeably, and you'll find yourself filling up more frequently than normal.

Hard starting or stalling can also result from MAP sensor problems. During cranking, your engine computer uses the MAP sensor reading to determine barometric pressure and calculate the proper starting fuel delivery. A faulty sensor can cause extremely hard starting, especially after the engine has been sitting overnight. Once running, the engine might stall at idle or when coming to a stop because the computer isn't receiving accurate load information and can't properly adjust the fuel mixture for idle conditions.

Compatible Vehicles and Applications

Our manifold absolute pressure sensor (part number APAAS001) is a 3-pin design that fits a wide range of Audi and Volkswagen vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines. This sensor is commonly used on 2.0L TSI and TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder engines that power millions of vehicles worldwide. If you drive a Volkswagen Jetta from 2008 to 2010 or 2012 to 2013, this MAP sensor is designed specifically for your vehicle and will restore proper engine management function.

Volkswagen GTI enthusiasts with 2008 to 2014 models will find this sensor fits perfectly and addresses common MAP sensor failure issues. The GTI's turbocharged engine puts additional stress on the MAP sensor because it must accurately measure both vacuum conditions during light throttle and positive boost pressure when the turbocharger is spooling. The Volkswagen Tiguan from 2009 to 2017, including the 2018 Tiguan Limited, uses this same sensor design. Volkswagen CC, Beetle, Eos, and Passat models from various years also rely on this MAP sensor for proper operation.

Audi owners aren't left out?this MAP sensor fits numerous Audi models including the A3 and A3 Quattro from 2009 to 2013, A4 from 2013 to 2015, A5 from 2012 to 2014, A6 and A6 Quattro from 2014 to 2015, and the allroad from 2013 to 2016. Performance models like the TT Quattro from 2011 to 2015 and the high-performance TT RS Quattro from 2012 to 2013 and 2018 to 2020 use this same sensor. Even Audi's luxury crossovers including the Q3, Q3 Quattro, and Q5 from various model years utilize this MAP sensor design.

Vehicle Make & Model	Model Years	Sensor Type
Volkswagen Jetta	2008-2010, 2012-2013	3-Pin MAP Sensor
Volkswagen GTI	2008-2014	3-Pin MAP Sensor
Volkswagen Tiguan	2009-2017, 2018 Limited	3-Pin MAP Sensor
Volkswagen CC	2012-2017	3-Pin MAP Sensor
Volkswagen Beetle	2012-2016	3-Pin MAP Sensor
Volkswagen Eos	2009-2015	3-Pin MAP Sensor
Audi A3 / A3 Quattro	2009-2013	3-Pin MAP Sensor
Audi A4	2013-2015	3-Pin MAP Sensor
Audi A5	2012-2014	3-Pin MAP Sensor
Audi TT Quattro	2011-2015	3-Pin MAP Sensor
Audi TT RS Quattro	2012-2013, 2018-2020	3-Pin MAP Sensor
Audi Q3 / Q3 Quattro	2015-2018	3-Pin MAP Sensor
Audi Q5	2014-2017	3-Pin MAP Sensor
Audi allroad	2013-2016	3-Pin MAP Sensor

How to Replace Your Intake Manifold Runner Control Sensor

Replacing a manifold absolute pressure sensor is one of the easiest automotive repairs you can perform. Most MAP sensors are located in accessible positions on top of the intake manifold or connected to it via a vacuum hose. The entire replacement process typically takes 10 to 20 minutes, even for inexperienced DIY mechanics. You won't need special tools?just a screwdriver or small socket wrench to disconnect the sensor and possibly pliers to release the electrical connector lock.

Start by locating your MAP sensor. On most Volkswagen and Audi vehicles, it's mounted on the intake manifold near the throttle body or attached to the manifold via a vacuum hose. Consult your vehicle's service manual or search online for MAP sensor location diagrams specific to your model if you're having trouble finding it. Once located, disconnect your vehicle's battery negative terminal as a safety precaution when working with electronic sensors. This prevents potential electrical damage and clears the vehicle's adaptive memory.

Disconnect the electrical connector from the MAP sensor by pressing the release tab and pulling gently. These connectors can become stiff over time, so wiggle it gently if it doesn't release easily. If your MAP sensor is mounted directly to the intake manifold, remove the mounting screws or bolts securing it in place. If it's connected via a vacuum hose, carefully disconnect the hose by pressing the release tabs or twisting and pulling the hose off the sensor port. Be careful not to damage the vacuum hose during removal.

Install the new MAP sensor by reversing the removal process. If the sensor mounts directly to the manifold, ensure the O-ring seal is properly positioned before tightening the mounting hardware. Don't overtighten the bolts?these sensors use plastic housings that can crack if excessive force is applied. Reconnect the electrical connector until you hear or feel it click into place, then reconnect the battery. Start your engine and verify that the check engine light doesn't illuminate. Use an OBD-II scanner to clear any stored fault codes, then take your vehicle for a test drive to confirm proper operation.

Understanding MAP Sensor Technology

Modern MAP sensors use sophisticated semiconductor technology to measure air pressure with remarkable precision. The sensing element inside the MAP sensor is typically a silicon diaphragm with integrated piezoresistive elements. When air pressure changes, the diaphragm flexes microscopically, causing the piezoresistive elements to change their electrical resistance. This resistance change is measured by an integrated circuit inside the sensor housing and converted to a voltage signal that your engine computer can interpret.

The MAP sensor must operate across a wide pressure range. At sea level with the engine at idle, manifold pressure might be as low as 5 to 10 psi absolute (compared to atmospheric pressure of 14.7 psi at sea level). At wide-open throttle, manifold pressure approaches atmospheric pressure. On turbocharged engines like those in many Volkswagen and Audi vehicles, the MAP sensor must measure positive boost pressure as well?potentially up to 20 psi or more above atmospheric pressure. The sensor needs to provide accurate, linear output across this entire range.

Temperature compensation is another critical feature of quality MAP sensors. Air pressure measurements are affected by temperature, but the engine computer needs to know the actual air density to calculate proper fuel delivery. Advanced MAP sensors include integrated temperature sensing elements that allow the sensor to provide temperature-compensated pressure readings. Some vehicles use separate intake air temperature sensors for this purpose, but many modern designs integrate temperature sensing into the MAP sensor itself for improved accuracy and reduced component count.

Frequently Asked Questions About MAP Sensors

Why Choose Our MAP Sensors?

Quality and reliability are non-negotiable when it comes to engine management sensors. Our manifold absolute pressure sensors are manufactured to meet or exceed OEM specifications for accuracy, durability, and response time. Each sensor undergoes rigorous quality control testing including pressure calibration verification, electrical parameter testing, and temperature cycling to ensure it performs flawlessly across the entire operating range. The sensing elements are hermetically sealed to prevent contamination and moisture ingress that can cause premature failure.

We back every MAP sensor with a comprehensive 2-year warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty demonstrates our confidence in the quality and longevity of these sensors. We also offer 90-day free returns, so if you're not satisfied or if the sensor doesn't solve your problem, you can return it hassle-free. Our customer service team is available 24/7 to answer technical questions, help with installation, or assist with troubleshooting.

At $45.99, our MAP sensors offer outstanding value compared to dealership prices. Volkswagen and Audi dealerships typically charge $100 to $200 or more for the same sensor, plus labor charges if you have them install it. Our sensors provide identical or superior performance at half the price, and since replacement is so simple, you can easily install it yourself and save even more money. Customer reviews consistently praise our fast shipping and competitive pricing, making us the go-to source for quality Volkswagen and Audi parts.

Related Engine Management Components

While you're addressing your MAP sensor issues, consider inspecting other critical engine management components that work together to ensure optimal performance. The mass airflow sensor works in tandem with the MAP sensor on many Volkswagen and Audi turbocharged engines. If your MAF sensor is contaminated or failing, it can cause symptoms similar to MAP sensor problems. Throttle position sensors provide critical information about driver input that the engine computer uses alongside MAP sensor data for fuel and ignition calculations.

Oxygen sensors in your exhaust system provide feedback about combustion efficiency that helps the engine computer fine-tune the air-fuel mixture. If your oxygen sensors are aging or contaminated, they may not provide accurate data, which can compound issues caused by a faulty MAP sensor. The intake manifold itself deserves inspection?cracks in plastic intake manifolds can cause vacuum leaks that affect MAP sensor readings and engine performance. For turbocharged engines, boost control valves and wastegate actuators work with the MAP sensor to regulate turbocharger boost pressure.