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finn_taylor28

Sluggish Buick + High Fuel Use Points to MAP Sensor

My check engine light is constantly on and the engine feels really sluggish lately. Fuel consumption has gone through the roof too. Getting worried it might be a bad MAP sensor, but my last mechanic visit wasnt great so Im hesitant to go back. Has anyone dealt with similar symptoms in their car? Looking for advice on whether this sounds like a pressure sensor issue and recommendations for the repair. Car details: 2004 Buick Century, gas engine, 131199 KM.

4 comment(s)

paula_johnson1

Had similar symptoms with a 2007 Buick LaCrosse. The manifold sensor readings were fluctuating wildly, causing poor fuel economy and sluggish acceleration. A diagnostic scan confirmed the MAP sensor failure. The repair involved replacing both the MAP sensor and fixing a significant vacuum leak found in the intake manifold gasket. Car sensors often fail when exposed to prolonged vacuum leaks, which explained the erratic engine performance. The vacuum leak was allowing unmetered air into the system, throwing off all sensor readings. After replacing the faulty MAP sensor and sealing the vacuum leak, the engine performance returned to normal. The repair was necessary since continuous operation with a bad sensor and vacuum leak risks damaging other engine components. Key signs that pointed to sensor failure: Consistent check engine light, Poor fuel economy, Rough idle, Drop in power during acceleration Recommend getting it checked soon, automotive sensor issues combined with vacuum leaks typically worsen over time and can lead to more extensive engine problems if left unaddressed.

finn_taylor28 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience with the MAP sensor replacement. My Buick is running much better now after getting mine fixed. Just wondering how much did the total repair end up costing you? And have you noticed any other issues with the intake manifold or pressure sensors since getting it repaired?

paula_johnson1

After getting the MAP sensor and vacuum leak fixed last month, everything has been running perfectly. The total repair came to 235€ to address the large vacuum leakage which included replacing the faulty manifold pressure sensor. The automotive sensor readings have all been stable since the repair. No warning lights, fuel economy is back to normal, and the engine responsiveness is completely restored. Fixing both issues at once, the sensor failure and vacuum leak, was key to preventing future problems. Having a properly functioning MAP sensor and sealed intake system is critical for engine performance. The repair has proven worth every cent since these manifold sensor issues can cascade into bigger problems when left unfixed. Just keep an eye on your engine performance, if you notice any changes in how it runs, catching pressure sensor problems early helps avoid more costly repairs down the road.

finn_taylor28 (Author)

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses. Just wanted to update that I finally got my car checked at a new mechanic. Total bill came to 280€ for fixing both the manifold pressure sensor and a vacuum leak they discovered. Really glad I went in when I did. The mechanic was great, showed me the faulty sensor and explained how the vacuum leak was making things worse. Much better experience than my last repair shop. The car runs like new now, no more check engine light, got my power back, and fuel consumption is normal again. Been about three weeks since the sensor replacement and everything is still working perfectly. Looking back, I should have dealt with it sooner instead of worrying about the repair cost. Learned my lesson about not putting off sensor issues when they first show up.

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