P003A: The variable geometry turbo actuator has exceeded its learning limit
The variable geometry turbo actuator has exceeded its learning limit. It is usually soot slowing it down or the actuator itself.
| Code | P003A |
|---|---|
| System | Engine and transmission |
| Group | P00xx, Air, fuel and emissions |
| Type | Generic: it means the same on every make |
How to read and clear P003A with Final OBD
Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see P003A with its description and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
If the engine stores it over standard OBD, with FREE you read this code with its explanation for nothing and clear it. With PRO you also read the faults of every control unit and clear them in all of them.
Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before an inspection. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in inspections and OBD.
Similar codes
- P0036 Oxygen sensor heater circuit fault (bank 1, sensor 2)
- P0037 Oxygen sensor heater circuit low (bank 1, sensor 2)
- P0038 Oxygen sensor heater circuit high (bank 1, sensor 2)
- P0039 The turbo A discharge valve control gives readings outside the normal range
- P003B The actuator of the second turbo has exceeded its learning limit
- P003C Intake camshaft profile control A on bank 1 performs poorly or remains off
- P003D Intake camshaft profile control A on bank 1 remains switched on
- P003E Intake camshaft profile control A on bank 2 performs poorly or remains off
- P0010 Camshaft A actuator control: open circuit (bank 1)
- P0011 Camshaft A timing over-advanced (bank 1)
- P0012 Camshaft A timing over-retarded (bank 1)
- P0013 Camshaft B actuator control: open circuit (bank 1)
What does code P003A mean?
The variable geometry turbo actuator has exceeded its learning limit. It is usually soot slowing it down or the actuator itself.
How do you clear P003A?
With an OBD2 scanner and an app like Final OBD, which clears it for free if it’s stored by the engine control unit. But clearing it only turns the light off: if the cause isn’t fixed, P003A comes back.
Read it on your car
Final OBD reads and clears engine faults through standard OBD for free, each one explained in plain English. With PRO it also reads the faults of every control unit, each make’s own codes included, and clears them in all of them.
