My dealer said that I have a problem with the absolute pressure sensor. They want me to leave the car there for repair - I'm guessing it will cost a bundle. Anyone know what it does and if I really need to fix it and how I can do it myself?

 

The sensor that has "boost sensor" on it? if it's bad... you can leave it... It only logs info for OBDII and doesn't affect engine calibrations...

 

I am not sure, however the DTC is 0803. Also, if I leave it then the ECU light will always be on and I will never know if there are any other problems with the engine unless I perform diagnostic checks periodically.

 

I just check the FSM, it is the 'boost sensor'... check for a loose connection/damage to wiring. If there is no apparent damage to the wiring/harness... you can just buy a new one and replace it yourself. You may even be able to get one from a junkyard.

It is attached to the plastic air intake piece just in front of the engine... should be very simple install... unplug/replace...

Good luck!

 

I will look for it today, thanks! Any ideal what type of voltage I should be looking for if I decide to hook up a meter to it as a test?

 

Probe White wire at sensor... Engine warmed up:

Switch on, Engine not running: 4.4V
Engine Idling (less 5min): 1.2V

Red is 5V power supply to sensor
Black is Ground

 

Thanks again, I will check and see what I read. I am assuming that if I confirm 5V power and do NOT read 4.4v or 1.2v respectively then I have a bad sensor and harness is fine.

 

I checked the wire harness today and read 12Volts on the red. I could not detect any groung faults or shorts so I am assuming the problem is with the sensor. I was not able to get power to the sensor and read what's coming out of it at the same time.

I removed 4 screws off the side of the air intake and removed the cover. All I saw were 3 copper leads. It didn't really look like a sensor. I hope I was checking the right one.

I replaced the cover but got a little dust inside the intake. Will this damage my engine? Forgive me if that's a stupid question.

 

Wrong sensor (if that)!

It's the small sensor mounted between the front valve cover and the radiator, closer to the battery. It labeled "boost sensor"...

 

I just realized that. I was actually checking the MAF sensor. I hope I didn't break that sensor, as I had to pull quite hard to pull the off of the side of the sensor only to see 3 copper leads.

I'll check the MAP sensor this time. I am not really a big do-it-yourselfer.