P0068🔧 Air intake / fuel and air meteringStop and fix promptly

P0068: MAP/MAF and Throttle Position Correlation (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Reviewed 2026-10-23 · Based on 2 cited source(s)

What P0068 means

The engine computer uses three sensors to judge how much air the engine is taking in: the mass airflow (MAF) sensor between the air filter and throttle body, the throttle position sensor (TPS) on the throttle body or, on newer drive-by-wire cars, at the gas pedal, and the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor connected to the intake manifold. RepairPal explains that the computer compares the throttle position reading with the MAF or MAP reading to check that each one makes sense. If it decides one or more of them is reading incorrectly, it sets P0068. OBD-Codes.com describes the same idea as a disparity between the sensors about the volume of air entering the intake manifold, caused either by a faulty sensor or by a mechanical problem such as a leak or blockage, which leaves the computer unable to set fuel and spark timing properly. The code is generic, so it applies to all makes from 1996 on, though the exact test steps vary by model.

Severity: can I keep driving?

Stop and fix promptly

Get it diagnosed promptly. RepairPal rates P0068 Urgent, meaning it can cause severe damage or put the driver at risk if ignored. OBD-Codes.com gives no severity rating, but says the engine can idle rough and, depending on the cause, may not accelerate or may have a serious dead spot just off idle, which can be a hazard when pulling into traffic.

Common symptoms

Likely causes

Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.

  1. Vacuum or air leaks between the mass airflow sensor and the intake manifold, including loose or cracked hoses and clamps (OBD-Codes.com)
  2. Leak in the intake manifold (OBD-Codes.com)
  3. Dirty air filter or other obstruction to airflow (OBD-Codes.com)
  4. Faulty MAF, MAP or throttle position sensor (both sources; RepairPal names these three sensors and does not list mechanical causes)
  5. Carbon buildup (coking) in the throttle body or intake runner (OBD-Codes.com)
  6. Defective electronic throttle body (OBD-Codes.com)
  7. Blocked hose between the intake manifold and the MAP sensor (OBD-Codes.com)
  8. Poor or corroded electrical connectors (OBD-Codes.com)

Diagnostic steps you can do

⚠ Before you start

Work on a cool engine, parked on level ground with the parking brake set. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.

  1. Read all stored codes. A code for a specific sensor (MAF, MAP or throttle position) points you toward that sensor first.
  2. With the engine off, check the air filter, and look for loose clamps or cracks in the intake duct between the MAF sensor and the throttle body.
  3. Inspect the vacuum lines on the intake manifold, including the hose to the MAP sensor, for cracks, looseness or blockages.
  4. Unplug each of the three sensors and look for corrosion or bent and pushed-out pins.
  5. Look into the throttle body for black carbon buildup and clean it if it is coated. OBD-Codes.com describes using intake cleaner for this.
  6. Test the sensors against your vehicle's repair manual. OBD-Codes.com gives example checks: the throttle position signal should rise smoothly from under 1 volt with no dropouts as the throttle opens, and the MAP sensor's reference should be about 4.5 to 5 volts with its signal reacting when engine speed is raised. A MAF that passes basic tests may still need checking on a professional scan tool.

Typical fixes

Repair costs vary widely by vehicle, region, parts brand and shop, so we don't quote prices. Get a written estimate after diagnosis.

🛠 When to call a pro

  • The car hesitates badly, stalls or won't accelerate properly
  • You can't find a leak and the sensors test good with a basic meter; OBD-Codes.com notes a MAF can still be bad and may need a graphing scan tool
  • Your car has an electronic (drive-by-wire) throttle and you see throttle or pedal sensor codes as well
  • The code comes back after cleaning and leak repairs

Where to buy

Plain search links. Always match parts to your exact year, make, model and engine.

OBD2 scanners on Amazon Parts at Advance Auto Parts catalog at RockAuto

FAQs

Can I drive with P0068?

It's best not to put it off. RepairPal rates P0068 Urgent, and OBD-Codes.com says it can cause a rough idle, poor acceleration or a dead spot off idle. If the car hesitates or stalls, have it checked before driving much.

Which sensor causes P0068?

The code itself doesn't say. It means the throttle position sensor disagrees with the MAF or MAP sensor. Any of the three can be at fault, and OBD-Codes.com says a vacuum leak, dirty air filter or carbon buildup can cause the disagreement even when all the sensors are fine.

Can a vacuum leak cause P0068?

Yes, according to OBD-Codes.com, which lists leaks between the MAF sensor and the intake manifold first. Unmetered air makes the airflow readings disagree with the throttle position. RepairPal's short description only mentions the sensors.

Will cleaning the throttle body fix P0068?

Sometimes. OBD-Codes.com lists carbon buildup in the throttle body and intake runner as a cause and recommends cleaning it during diagnosis, but it won't fix a leak or a failed sensor.

How much does it cost to fix P0068?

Neither source gives a repair cost for P0068. It ranges from a hose or air filter to a sensor or electronic throttle body, so get it diagnosed first.

Sources

  1. OBD-Codes.com: P0068 MAP/MAF - Throttle Position Correlation (Don Bowman)
  2. RepairPal: P0068 MAP/MAF - Throttle Position Correlation (rated Urgent)

Last reviewed 2026-10-23. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.