Skip to content
Language: EN
Download

P0236: Turbo boost pressure sensor A: range or performance problem

The boost pressure sensor gives readings that do not make sense for the conditions. Often a leaking hose, a dirty sensor or a real turbo problem.

Code P0236 at a glance
CodeP0236
SystemEngine and transmission
GroupP02xx, Fuel and injectors
TypeGeneric: it means the same on every make
Can you keep driving?With care

What P0236 means

The boost pressure sensor measures how hard the turbo is pushing air into the engine, and the ECU uses that reading to control the turbo. Which sensor counts as A is defined by each manufacturer. The electrical circuit works, but the reading does not match what it should be, for example when compared with atmospheric pressure with the engine off.

Most common causes

  • Sensor hose loose, split or blocked
  • Leak in the turbo or intercooler hoses (the intercooler cools the charge air)
  • Sensor fouled with oil or soot
  • Faulty sensor that reads off
  • Genuine boost problem caused by the wastegate or the boost control solenoid
  • Intermittent contact at the sensor connector

Symptoms

  • Engine warning light on
  • Loss of power or limp mode
  • Turbo feels weak or uneven
  • Higher fuel use, or black smoke on diesels

Can you drive with P0236?

With care You can drive, but the engine will often go into limp mode with reduced power. Drive gently and get it looked at soon.

How to check it

With the ignition on and the engine off, the reader should show roughly atmospheric pressure (around 100 kPa at sea level). If it shows something very different, or the value does not move when you accelerate, suspect the sensor or its wiring.

How to read and clear P0236 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 P0236 with this same explanation and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.

With Free you read this code with its short description for nothing, and clear it if the engine stores it over standard OBD. With Pro you get the full explanation, how the car was running when it was logged (revs, temperature, load) and clearing in every control unit.

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 the ITV. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in the ITV and OBD.

Similar codes

P0236 is a generic code, so it means the same on any make, for example on Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Cupra, Jeep, Nissan, Škoda. See what Final OBD does on your car in makes and models.

What does code P0236 mean?

The boost pressure sensor measures how hard the turbo is pushing air into the engine, and the ECU uses that reading to control the turbo. Which sensor counts as A is defined by each manufacturer. The electrical circuit works, but the reading does not match what it should be, for example when compared with atmospheric pressure with the engine off.

Can you drive with P0236?

You can drive, but the engine will often go into limp mode with reduced power. Drive gently and get it looked at soon.

How do you clear P0236?

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, P0236 comes back.