P0236 means Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance. The boost pressure sensor reading does not agree with what the computer expects, for example compared with barometric pressure with the engine off. It is a generic OBD-II code, so the definition is the same on any make, but the most likely cause varies by engine; confirm with a scan tool and the service information for your vehicle before buying parts.
What P0236 means
Modern engines measure boost and fuel rail pressure and compare them with a desired value calculated from engine speed, load and throttle. When actual pressure falls short of desired for long enough, the computer sets a code and often reduces power to protect the engine. Watching desired and actual values side by side on a scan tool shows whether the shortfall is constant or only appears under load.
P0236 symptoms
- Loss of power or reduced-power mode
- Boost too high or too low
- Black smoke on diesels
Common causes of P0236
- Faulty boost sensor
- Split or blocked sensor hose on designs that use one
- Boost leaks
- Wiring problems
How to diagnose P0236
- Compare the boost sensor with barometric pressure, key on, engine off
- Inspect the sensor hose and port for oil or carbon
- Pressure-test the intake for leaks
Can you drive with P0236?
Gently; boost control may be unreliable.
P0236 tips
With the engine off, the boost sensor should read the same as barometric pressure. A sensor that reads well above or below with the engine off is faulty, even before you look at boost under load.
Will P0236 clear itself?
If the fault stops, the computer turns off the check engine light by itself after several drive cycles without seeing it again, and the code stays in memory as history for a while. Clearing P0236 with a scan tool after a repair is fine, but if the cause is still there the code returns, sometimes within one drive. Disconnecting the battery also clears codes on most vehicles, but it erases learned fuel trims and idle settings as well.
Related codes
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| P0237 | Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Sensor A Circuit Low |
| P0238 | Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Sensor A Circuit High |
| P0299 | Turbocharger/Supercharger A Underboost Condition |
Guides that help
When it is more than a sensor
Our superchargers page lists supercharger kits, and diesel owners can read the 6.7 Cummins turbo guide. If a failed turbo or fuel pump has damaged the engine, compare engines by code on our engines page.
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