QuestionQUESTION: The car is a 1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2.5 V6
Trying to figure out why I get this code. I replaced the MAP sensor about 3 days ago along with a couple other sensors (intake air sensor and the engine temp.)and I reset the ECU but still get same code.I changed ECU's with a used one of the same code (6198)but I still get he same code of P1297. I tested the three wires on the MAP sensor wire harness engine off key on and got 5v 4.2v and .1v .I read your answer on another 1996 Avenger with the same problem and was a bit confused as how to check it with the car running.
ANSWER: PS The wire colors may be instead: ground (black/green) signal (yellow/black). The same engine used in different vehicles appears to have some differences in color assigments. You might do well to check for continuity between the signal wire and pin 36 of PCM to validate that the signal at the sensor it truly reaching the PCM. It will show a variable voltage as I described but if it isn't connected to the PCM you would get a code 1297.
Hi Wade,
You need to use pins or probes with a sharp point to touch the conducting connectors at the interface between the plug and the wire for the two wires that are the signal and the sensor ground wires. The sensor ground is black/light blue and the signal is dark green/red. If you can't make connections at the wire entry points to the plug, then pierce the insulation of the wires using very fine pins so as to do as little damage as possible to the insulation, then attach your meter probes to the pins. Measure the voltage when you turn the run position of the ignitions switch (probably about 4.2V) and then when you start it and also as you manipulate the throttle (which should vary the voltage, but the reading should be in the range of 2V +/- 1V.
Roland
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Well the three wires I have are yellow/black stripe,dark green/yellow stripe,and black/green stripe. I disconnected the wire harness from the MAP sensor and tested the 3 wires with key on engine off I got: yellow/black stripe 4.1v, green/yellow stripe 5v, and black/yellow stripe 0v .Then when I tested it with the engine running I got yellow/black stripe 3.8v, green/yellow stripe 5v, and black/green stripe 0v.
I tested several times with grounding to battery,frame and aluminum upper intake manifold and all were very similar readings but with grounding to battery or intake the black wire did get a little reading of .1 to .5v
AnswerHi Wade,
That MAP signal appears to be quite low. With the engine at hot idle a get around 1.5V with my '89 4 cyl 2.5L engine. You would do well to check though that the signal wire is patent to pin 36 at the PCM and if it is then I would suspect that you have a defective MAP sensor, or it might be loose in its fitting to the manifold. But it should be a lot lower than 3.8V when idling because that is a "high vacuum" situation.
Roland
