What Is the P2073 Code?
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Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
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Difficulty of Inspecting
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The definition of code P2073 is “Manifold Absolute Pressure/Mass Air Flow – Throttle Position Correlation at Idle,” also occasionally just defined as “Manifold Absolute Pressure/Mass Air Flow – Throttle Position.” This code indicates that your vehicle’s powertrain control module (PCM) or engine control module (ECM) has identified a discrepancy between the calculated throttle position and the reading on the MAP or MAF. As a generic powertrain code, you may find error code P2073 in various OBD-Il-equipped vehicles, although P2073 Ford codes may be the most common.
- You may also be interested in P2074 – Manifold Absolute Pressure/Mass Air Flow.
More About the P2073 Code
This code relates to the manifold absolute pressure sensor (MAP sensor) and the mass air flow sensor (MAF sensor). Your PCM uses the MAP sensor to determine engine load in the vehicle, with the MAF sensor measuring the amount of air entering the engine, which is a critical part of the calculation that determines how much fuel the engine needs. The throttle position changing is what causes the airflow and manifold intake pressure change, so if the readings of these sensors don’t make sense together, it could indicate a problem. This code indicates that when your vehicle is idle, the throttle position doesn’t correlate to the position of the MAP sensor and the MAF sensor.
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What Are the Symptoms of a P2073 Code?
The primary symptom of the P2073 code is an illuminated check engine light. As with many engine codes, this light tends to be the first big sign that something is wrong. This issue doesn’t frequently result in especially severe drivability concerns, but you may see problems like very weak acceleration and general issues with fuel efficiency due to excess fuel consumption.
What Are Some Causes of a P2073 Code?
There are many possible causes related to this code, at least partially because there are three separate components of the engine implicated in it. If you’re seeing this diagnostic trouble code, here are a few of the possible causes:
- Faulty manifold absolute pressure sensor
- Faulty mass air flow sensor
- Faulty throttle position sensor
- Dirty throttle valve
- Misaligned throttle position sensor
- Wiring or connectors damaged within this system
- Extremely dirty air filter
- Vacuum leak between the air cleaner box and throttle body
- Issue with the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system or EGR valve
- Damaged air cooler assembly
- Electrical connection issues, including issues with the wiring harness
- PCM malfunction (uncommon)
This is not a complete list, but any of these causes can result in a P2073 code, and it’s important to go through the diagnostic processes necessary to narrow down your choices to the correct cause.
How Serious Is the P2073 Code?
The P2073 code can be somewhat serious. As with most codes, you should avoid ignoring any check engine light codes, regardless of how serious they seem, because they can always develop into more severe issues. Additionally, the sluggish acceleration that often comes along with diagnostic code P2073 can pose a safety hazard when driving. Finally, because of the fuel economy issues, it could actually be less expensive to just fix the problem than to continue driving with this code active.
Can I Still Drive with a P2073 Code?
You can usually physically drive with the P2073 code active. It’s very rare that the drivability problems associated with this fault code will be bad enough to prevent you from driving entirely. However, it’s best to avoid doing so. As already mentioned, engine performance issues related to this code can cause safety issues while driving; being unable to accelerate as quickly as you’re used to can put you in dangerous situations. Overall, it’s best to stop driving when you know the P2073 code is active.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P2073 Code?
Diagnosing the P2073 code can be extensively difficult. This is partially because there are so many possible causes related to this code. In order to effectively diagnose the code, you’ll need to go through a diagnostic flow chart that will help you rule out a variety of possible causes. You’ll also need to be able to read other fault codes on your code scanner and see whether any of them are a higher priority than this one. Overall, diagnosis can be complex, so it’s usually a good idea to talk to qualified experts instead of trusting yourself to DIY a fix.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P2073 Code?
The inspection process, as with the diagnosis process, can also be a bit complicated for code P2073. You’ll need to know how to look through this general area, including the manifold absolute pressure and mass air flow sensors and components. You might also need to address various technical service bulletins and check your vehicle’s repair manual or other automotive repair guides, as different makes, models, and even engine types can have different methods of fixing the same problem. This complexity is why it’s often a good idea to get help from a professional, who will need to spend less diagnosis time on this fix.
Need Additional Help with Your P2073 Code?
It’s common for people to need extra help with DTC P2073. In general, this code is quite complex to manage overall, and getting assistance from someone with automotive experience can help you achieve a permanent fix without needing a follow-up repair when the code returns.
First, you should find an auto repair shop in your area. A local auto repair shop is the best way to get a fix without having to go too far out of your way to take your vehicle to a shop for diagnosis.
It may also be a good idea to check out the OBD-II database at KBB.com. This database can help you understand more about any other codes that your vehicle is throwing within your scan tool so you have a better idea of what fixes may be necessary before you bring your vehicle in.
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