P0299 – Turbo/Super Charger Low Boost
| Code | Fault Location | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|
| P0299 | Turbo/super charger -low boost (Buy Part On Amazon) | Mechanical fault |
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Table of Contents
- What Does Code P0299 Mean?
- What are the common causes of code P0299 ?
- What are the symptoms of code P0299 ?
- How do you troubleshoot code P0299 ?
- Codes Related to P0299
- Get Help with P0299
What Does Code P0299 Mean?
When a P0299 code is exhibited in an OBD-II equipped vehicle, it indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a turbocharger or supercharger low boost condition. This code may be caused by either a mechanical or an electrical malfunction in the forced air induction (FAI) system.
Both the turbocharger and the supercharger are forced air induction systems that are used to increase engine performance. Ambient air is drawn into each type of device, which then compresses the air and forces it into the engine combustion chambers. The primary difference in the turbocharger and supercharger is the method in which they are driven. The turbocharger is driven by engine exhaust as it escapes the manifold. The supercharger is driven by a belt that runs off the engine crankshaft. FAI systems typically use some type of intercooler to make the air that is introduced to the engine even cooler and denser.
The boost controller is sometimes a stand-alone module but more often it is an integrated part of the PCM. Input data from various engine and transmission sensors is used (by the controller) to determine how much boost pressure is required for the engine to perform at optimum levels. Actual boost pressure is then monitored to determine whether or not it meets desired levels. The PCM compares actual boost pressure with the desired boost pressure and initiates bypass control valves and/or blow-off valves as needed.
Various bypass control valves and pressure relief valves are used to regulate boost pressure. Most are actuated with electronically but there are a few manufacturers that still use a vacuum operated design. Consult a reliable vehicle information source (such as All Data DIY) for forced air induction control system specifications (for your vehicle) prior to attempting a diagnosis. The engine drivability and engine lubrication system must be in good working order before attempting to diagnose this code. If the PCM detects a level of boost pressure that is lower than the programmed limit, a code P0299 will be stored and a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) may be illuminated.
What are the common causes of code P0299 ?
- Mechanical turbocharger/supercharger failure
- Faulty boost pressure sensor
- Bad turbocharger bypass valve, wastegate, or blow-off valve
- Disconnected, cracked, or collapsed vacuum lines (vacuum actuated bypass valve)
- Disconnected or damaged turbocharger hoses
- Loose, corroded, or disconnected electrical connectors in boost pressure sensor circuits
- Defective PCM or boost controller
What are the symptoms of code P0299 ?
- Diminished engine performance
- Irregular noises from the turbocharger wastegate and/or hoses (more prevalent under acceleration)
- Heavy black smoke from the exhaust
- Fouled spark plugs
- Higher engine and/or transmission temperatures
- Additional codes may also be stored, including other turbocharger boost related codes, engine misfire codes, or knock sensor codes
- Due to higher engine temperatures, cylinder detonation is also a possibility
How do you troubleshoot code P0299 ?
Typical modern automobile forced air induction systems are designed to to effect between nine and fourteen-pounds of boost pressure. The boost controller utilizes various bypass valves, wastegates, and blow-off valves to maintain the desired level of boost pressure.
You will need a scanner, a digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM), a reliable vehicle information source (like All Data DIY), and a manual boost pressure gauge to diagnose a code P0299.
When attempting a diagnosis for this code, I begin with a thorough inspection of all wiring, turbocharger supply hoses, and vacuum hoses related to the turbocharger and boost control system.
I would proceed by connecting the scanner to the vehicle diagnostic connector and retrieving all stored trouble codes. Write the codes down because you may need this information later. Now clear the codes and test drive the vehicle if possible.
If the code is immediately reset, perform a manual boost pressure test and compare your actual findings with manufacturer’s specifications. If actual boost pressure fails to meet minimum requirements, suspect mechanical failure and repair the turbocharger/supercharger unit.
If boost pressure meets manufacturer’s recommendations, suspect a defective boost pressure sensor, bypass control solenoid, PCM, or a PCM programming error. The DVOM may be used to test the boost pressure sensor and system circuits as needed.
Codes Related to P0299
- P0045 Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control “A” Circuit/Open
- P0046 Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control “A” Circuit Range/Performance
- P0047 Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control “A” Circuit
- P004A Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control “B” Circuit/Open
- P004B Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control “B” Circuit Range/Performance
- P004C Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control “B” Circuit Low
- P004E Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control “A” Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
- P004F Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control “B” Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
P005E Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control “B” Supply Voltage Circuit Low - P005F Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control “B” Supply Voltage Circuit High
- P006E Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control “A” Supply Voltage Circuit Low
- P0235 Turbocharger Boost Sensor A Circuit Malfunction
- P0236 Turbocharger Boost Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance
- P0237 Turbocharger Boost Sensor A Circuit Low
- P0239 Turbocharger Boost Sensor B Circuit Malfunction
- P0240 Turbocharger Boost Sensor B Circuit Range/Performance
- P0241 Turbocharger Boost Sensor B Circuit Low
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Hello Steven,
I just installed a blanking plate to block the EGR, and now I have the P0299 code while the car goes into limp mode and has reduced power. Do you know if this is fixable with still keeping the blanking plate?
Jim,
You would need to find someone who has the companion software for the EGR delete system you now have installed. Check with different performance system manufacturers, as most these days have a version that will work with your application. Good luck!
Olá, eu comprei esta carrinha á pouco tempo, já mandei refazer o turbo a novo e não sei mais o que fazer para resolver este problema do erro P0299. Já anulei FAP a ver se resolvia, e nada. Não sei mais o que fazer. Por favor ajudem-me
English: Hello, I bought this van a little while ago, I already had the turbo rebuilt and I don’t know what else to do to solve this P0299 error problem. I already canceled FAP to see if it would solve it, and nothing. I do not know what else to do. Please help me
Can faulty injectors set this code off
I just got this code on my 2020 ram 3500. I took my truck into a dodge dealership for an oil and fuel filter change. I had them replace the air filter and cabin filter. They put the wrong air filter in and it caused this code according to a different dodge dealership.
Hello Luke. This is a turbocharger specific code, so it wouldn’t be set by a bad fuel injector. This code is usually set by a waste gate actuator getting stuck open or closed, or by leaking vacuum lines to the turbo or throttle. Good luck.
Hi Stephen,
2012 gti p0299
2 different mechanics can not diagnose the underboost problem, changed diverter valve and map sensor , still have code and can’t pass smog. Where can I get proper diagnostics?
thank you
Our car is facing same issue, Engine Check light is blinking some time,During that time diagnosis giving P0299 error,
Mechanic already changed boost control unit but still problem persist
Now Mechanic says this issue is coming due to swirl actuater malfunction so
they asked to change complete inlet manifold assembly,I feel Based on your detailed explanation inlet manifold assy change may not be required.
Please advice the right diagnosis step.
Mark, a mechanical issue could definitely be the cause of this condition. It should be determined whether (or not) the turbocharger is actually producing boost. If no/low boost is discovered, a mechanical failure has likely occurred. Hope this helps.
The code has come up on our Mazda 6 can you still drive this without damaging the car as we cannot get into a dealer for another 3 weeks?
As long as there are no other (more severe) symptoms exhibited, you should be alright. No way to say for sure though.
hi stephen i have this code on a 2012 nissan qashqai. but the car does not perform any different than before.no loss in performance or noises. can not see any leaks or gas cap issues .is it likely the boost pressure sensor needs changing? thanks
Zdravím Vás Stephen. Verím že mi dokážete pomôcť. Peugeot 207 RC, pri dlhšej jazde po diaľnici, sa motor začal prehrievať a vyhodilo chybu P0299. Chybu som vymazal a pokračoval som v jazde. Motor sa stále prehrieva no chybu P0299 už nevyhodilo. Takmer v ciely asi po 400 km mi vyskočil na displej Energy management fautly a za svietila kontrolka /! \ Ako mám prosim postupovať prosím. A čo môže byť dôvod týchto problémov. Dakujem