Every so often I hear someone saying MAP sensor, or Manifold Absolute Pressure sensor, even when someone ask a question about a new car they still say MAP. I talked to someone that said GM used Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor from 98 and upon Cavalier/Sunfires.
So if when referring to the air going into the engine 98+ are MAF and 98 and before are MAP.
For those who dont understand the difference or are wondering why it was switched.
For one they both basically tell the computer how much air is going into the engine both in different ways. The MAP checks for varations in manifold pressure, such as engine load, and engine speed.
The MAF is a tiny wire sensor that measures the amount of air going into the engine, it uses grams per square inch I believe.
Anyways the one problem with MAP sensors is the car wouldnt start if it wasnt connected, two they arent as accurate is newer MAF sensor are.
MAF sensors can send the computer into limp mode, if the computer doesnt see it connected it will still start up, but just not run right and the idle will be higher by like 400rpm. Where with MAP it just wouldnt start.
So please people so you dont confuse others, use MAF or MAP depending on what year your talking about.
thanks
- 2004 Cavalier - 124k, owned since new
Pretty sure my 2000 has a MAP sensor. No little wire. Just a connector for a vacuum tube off the manifold.
I'm sorry but your source is INCORRECT. Please take your own advice and do not spread misinformation. The 2.2L OHV, 2.4L DOHC and 2.2L DOHC Ecotec ALL use a MAP sensor, and DO NOT use MAF. This applies to ALL years.
"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about
the former." - Albert Einstein
I was confused when reading that....
My girlfriend's 96 Monte Carlo has a Mass Airflow Sensor...
I would compare it's appearance to that of a throttle body, with no hookup for a throttle cable though, and no butterfly .......
I've pulled my intake apart from the TB to the filter, and no MAF.
And moving right along since we're on the topic. Where is the MAP located? Or is it just part of the computer system?
The only thing I've seen is a small "plug" of sorts, with 2 wires that hooked into the stock rubber air hose. I had no idea what it was, I assumed an Oxygen sensor or something, so when I re-did my intake, I drilled a new hole, lengthened the wires by about 6" and reinstalled it....
I know it's JUST a Cavalier, and I'm sorry if I hurt your ego.
