My car has been stalling for the last 5k miles (I have 100K on it now). Usually on the freeway, and usually only for a few seconds. I took it to the dealer and they said I needed a new fuel pressure sensor. Come to find out, it is called a MAP sensor. The dealer charged me $115 just to tell me this (a rip in my opinion). The dealer said it would cost $430 to change the sensor. Concerned, I decided to investigate.

After doing some research on the web, I found the part online (Volvo part, not after market) for $160. I purchased it and was surprised when it arrived how small it is. I opened the hood of my car to see if I could possibly find where it goes and was pleasantly surprised to see it front and center, all held together by a nice o-ring and one single hex screw (electrical connector too).

So now I am wondering, why on earth is the dealer wanting $430 to change this? It seems to me I can pop out the electrical connector, unscrew one screw, pop the new one in and away I go. Is that worth paying the dealer $430 for a part I am sure they are probably paying $100 for?

Is there more to changing this MAP sensor than meets the eye? Is there some magic tool, or special computer that is required? Dont get me wrong, I am all game for taking it to someone that is qualified to do it if that's truly what it takes, but if it is just plug and play, I think I can teach my dog to do it.

Thanks

Steve

 

Hey Steve, just replaced mine too, luckily not at a dealer though. I found a pretty good mechanic, who specializes in volvos, used to wk at a dealer and now has his own shop. It cost me about $300 for parts and labor. I have a 2003 s60, btw

Nicolas

 

Thanks for the reply Nicolas. I had mine changed by a trusted mechanic of a good friend yesterday and it has been fine since. No stalling.

The whole thing ended up costing $161 for the part online and $75 in labor. I think this is reasonable. Why the dealer wanted $430 is a mystery to me.

Also, it ended up being a little more involved than met my eye at first. He had to "de-compress" something. I was out at that point.

Steve