So my bro is troubleshotting his mini running like crap right now. The codes that came up indicate that the map sensor was bad. He ordered a new one and installed it but still has the same problem. He was told that the car needs to have the codes cleared at the dealership before it will recognize the new sensor. I have never heard of something like this before but figured you guys would know. Thanks

 

any code reader can clear the codes. Which MAP did he replace? There are two of them. One in the Manifold under the intercooler which is actually a TMAP, and the other is on the drivers side of the valve cover near the bottom, that one is a pain to get to.

 

It's an 05 S, he replaced the one on top of the intercooler in the center of the manifold. He went to Napa and Autozone, both hooked up a scanner and said they could not clear the code. They claim its a manufacturer locked code and has to be done at the dealer.

 

I say once any car is out of warranty, THEN GIVE UP THE CODES ! if not then just extend the warranty to "LIFE TIME."

Either one, make a choice........it's our cars, we paid for them. Jeesh, just seems like common sense to me.

 

Let me tell you now. You are wasting your time changing the rear MAP sensor. I replaced both of mine last year. The one near the rear of the engine looked BRAND NEW!! The one on the front of the engine was hardly what I'd call dirty. I changed them both anyway and still kicked MAP codes. Tell your bro to clean the entire fuel system and switch gas and it probably wouldn't hurt to check for any boost/vacuum leaks. That was my problem.

 

Just talked to him, he left out some info which could be the problem. He was driving back to el paso from denver a week ago and there are some stretches with no gas for a few hundred miles. He got caught low on fuel and the only gas station around supposedly on had e85. I have him draining the tank now, hopefully thats all this problem is.

By the way I'm troubleshotting this for him 4 states away with no first hand knowledge of whats actually going on. Thanks for all the help

 

Yeah, E85 would definitely cause issues. Better run a bottle of Sea Foam through your engine as well. Search the forums on how to connect to your PCV hose.