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Cadillac ATS (2013-2019) Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Guide

Poor performance or a check engine light on your ATS could point to a failing MAP sensor.

4 minutes to read 2013-2019 Cadillac ATS
Difficulty
1/5
Est. Time
0.5 hrs
DIY Doable?
✅ Yes
Shop Labor
$50-$100
⚠️ Drivable, but... — Yes, but the engine will run poorly with reduced power and fuel economy, and long-term driving could harm other components.
Key Takeaways
  • A failing MAP sensor in a Cadillac ATS commonly causes a check engine light (P0106), rough idle, poor acceleration, and bad gas mileage.
  • For best results and reliability, choose an OEM-equivalent brand like ACDelco, Bosch, or Delphi.
  • Replacement is a simple, quick, and affordable DIY job that most owners can complete in under 30 minutes with basic tools.
  • Before replacing the sensor, check for vacuum leaks or loose intake hoses, as these can cause similar symptoms.
The Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor is a critical part of your Cadillac ATS's engine management system. It constantly measures the air pressure inside the engine's intake manifold. The engine's computer, or ECU, uses this information to calculate engine load and adjust how much fuel to inject and when to create a spark for optimal combustion. This is especially important for the turbocharged 2.0L and 3.6L engines in the ATS, as the sensor helps the ECU manage boost pressure for the best performance and efficiency.

Symptoms of a Failing MAP Sensor in a Cadillac ATS

A side-by-side comparison of a clean, new MAP sensor versus a failed sensor clogged with carbon and oil deposits.
A healthy MAP sensor (left) has a clear vacuum port, while a failing sensor (right) often shows signs of oil fouling or carbon buildup that interferes with pressure readings.
A mechanic's hands using a small socket wrench to remove a sensor from an engine intake manifold.
Because the MAP sensor is easily accessible on the intake manifold, labor costs are typically low for this repair.

A bad MAP sensor can cause a range of problems that often mimic other engine issues. It's important to recognize the signs so you can diagnose the problem correctly. A faulty sensor sends incorrect data to the engine's computer, which can throw off the air-fuel mixture and timing.

  • Check Engine Light: This is the most common sign. A failing MAP sensor will often trigger a diagnostic trouble code (DTC), with P0106 being particularly common for a MAP sensor performance issue.
    • 🎬 Watch how a technician diagnoses and fixes a P0106 code.
  • Rough Idle: The engine may vibrate, run unevenly, or stall when you're stopped. This happens because the computer can't maintain a stable idle with bad data.
  • Poor Acceleration and Power Loss: You might notice your ATS feels sluggish, hesitates when you press the gas, or struggles to get up to speed.
  • Decreased Fuel Economy: When the computer can't get an accurate air reading, it may inject too much fuel, causing your gas mileage to drop.
  • Black Smoke from Exhaust: An engine running too rich (too much fuel) due to a bad MAP sensor reading can produce black smoke from the tailpipe.

Don't Ignore the Signs

While you can often drive with a failing MAP sensor, it's not recommended. Continuing to drive can lead to poor performance, bad fuel economy, and potentially damage other components like the catalytic converter over time.

Choosing the Right Aftermarket MAP Sensor

A new aftermarket MAP sensor in its retail packaging from a reputable brand like ACDelco or Bosch.
Choosing a Tier 1 brand like ACDelco or Bosch ensures the sensor meets original equipment standards for reliability.

When it comes to electronic sensors for a modern car like the Cadillac ATS, quality matters. While OEM parts from a dealer are an option, the aftermarket offers several tiers of quality that can save you money without sacrificing reliability.

Pro Tip: ACDelco is the original equipment (OE) supplier for General Motors. Choosing an ACDelco part often means you are getting the exact same component that was installed at the factory, just in a different box.

Brand Quality Tiers

For a critical sensor like the MAP, sticking with well-known, reputable brands is the best approach.

  • Tier 1 (OEM Equivalent): These brands are often the original suppliers to GM or have a long-standing reputation for quality that meets or exceeds OE standards. They are the most reliable choice.
    • ACDelco: The GM-recommended replacement part.
    • Bosch: A top-tier global OEM supplier with a reputation for excellent electronics.
    • Delphi: Another major OEM supplier known for quality electronics and sensors.
  • Tier 2 (Trusted Aftermarket): These brands are well-regarded in the aftermarket for producing reliable parts that offer a good balance of quality and value.
    • NGK/NTK: Famous for ignition parts, their sensors are also high quality.
    • Standard Motor Products (SMP): A long-time aftermarket leader with a solid reputation.
    • Walker Products: A trusted name in fuel delivery and engine management parts.
  • Tier 3 (Value Brands): These brands offer a budget-friendly option. While they can be a good value, quality can be less consistent than the higher tiers.
    • Facet
    • Spectra
    • Global Parts
    • True Tech

Cost of Replacing a Cadillac ATS MAP Sensor

Replacing a MAP sensor is one of the more affordable repairs you can make. The part itself is not expensive, and labor is minimal because the sensor is usually easy to access.

Item Estimated Cost
New Aftermarket MAP Sensor $39.20 - $103.14
New OEM MAP Sensor $40 - $70
Shop Labor $50 - $100
Total DIY Cost $39.20 - $103.14
Total Professional Replacement $89 - $203

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The engine bay of a Cadillac ATS with the engine cover removed, showing the MAP sensor location on the intake manifold.
On most Cadillac ATS engines, the MAP sensor is located on top of the intake manifold and is easily visible once the plastic engine cover is removed.
Where is the MAP sensor located on my Cadillac ATS?

The MAP sensor is typically mounted directly on the intake manifold. On the 2.0L, 2.5L, and 3.6L engines, it is a small, black plastic sensor held in by one or two bolts with an electrical connector attached. It is generally easy to see and access after removing the engine cover.

Can I clean my MAP sensor instead of replacing it?

Sometimes, cleaning a MAP sensor with a dedicated electronic parts cleaner can solve the issue if it's just dirty from carbon or oil buildup. However, if the sensor's internal electronics have failed, cleaning will not help, and replacement is the only option. 🎬 See a walkthrough on cleaning or replacing the sensor. Given the reasonable cost of a new part, replacement is often the more reliable long-term solution.

Is this a difficult DIY job?

No, this is a very easy job for most DIY mechanics. It usually involves removing the engine cover, unplugging the electrical connector, removing one or two bolts (often a T25 or T30 Torx), and swapping the old sensor for the new one. The entire process should take less than 30 minutes.

Are there any recalls or TSBs for the ATS MAP sensor?

As of now, there are no specific recalls for the MAP sensor on the 2013-2019 Cadillac ATS. However, GM has issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for other models with similar engines (like PIP5787A) that mention DTC P0106 and recommend replacing a faulty MAP sensor, indicating it's a known issue 🎬 Learn more about what causes the P0106 error code. in the GM family. There was also a TSB (13013B) for 2013 ATS models with the 2.0L engine related to loose exhaust manifold bolts, which could potentially cause symptoms similar to a bad MAP sensor.

When Good Maps Go Bad... P0106 Code fixed!
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When Good Maps Go Bad... P0106 Code fixed!
2012 Cadillac SRX4 3.6l MAP sensor replacement or cleaning
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2012 Cadillac SRX4 3.6l MAP sensor replacement or cleaning
P0106 | P0106 Manifold Absolute Pressure Barometric | p0106 code | p0106 obd2
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P0106 | P0106 Manifold Absolute Pressure Barometric | p0106 code | p0106 obd2
Cadillac ATS MASS AIR FLOW Sensor Replace
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Cadillac ATS MASS AIR FLOW Sensor Replace

Technical Specifications

OEM Part Numbers: 55573248 12653415 25203482 12650600 25203477 55573249 12612110 12635044 12643955

The MAP sensor for the Cadillac ATS is a 3-pin electronic sensor that mounts to the intake manifold. It measures absolute pressure and sends a variable voltage signal to the ECU. Some ACDelco parts may require programming or special setup procedures, though this is uncommon for a simple MAP sensor replacement.

Wrenchy
Article researched & written by
Wrenchy
Go-Parts' AI research assistant. Every article is backed by live web research, verified OEM data, and real technician knowledge — so you get accurate, up-to-date information you can trust.
Meet Wrenchy → Updated May 31, 2026

The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.

Year Coverage
This article covers the Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor for:
  • Cadillac ATS: 2013201420152016201720182019
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