Pinched, collapsed, cracked or broken vacuum lines, or no vacuum supply to the wastegate control (OBD-Codes.com). Faulty boost (wastegate) control solenoid (OBD-Codes.com). Faulty boost pressure sensor (RepairPal's list reads 'brake booster pressure sensor failure', which appears to mean the boost pressure sensor its own description refers to). Wiring problem (RepairPal). Exhaust leak (RepairPal). Turbocharger or supercharger failure (RepairPal). Less often: a faulty PCM (both sources).

Replace damaged, collapsed or leaking vacuum lines. Repair the vacuum supply (such as a faulty vacuum pump) if the solenoid gets no vacuum (OBD-Codes.com). Replace the boost control solenoid. Repair wiring or replace the boost pressure (or MAP) sensor. Repair an exhaust leak, or a failed turbocharger or supercharger (RepairPal).

P0236🔧 Air intake / turbocharger boost controlStop and fix promptly

P0236: Turbo Boost Sensor A Range/Performance (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Q: What does P0236 mean?

P0236 means the engine computer doesn't trust the boost pressure reading on a turbocharged (or supercharged) engine. OBD-Codes.com says it typically sets when measured boost is higher than the computer commanded, and the engine drops into a reduced-power mode. Common culprits are vacuum lines and the wastegate control solenoid, the boost sensor or its wiring, and leaks. A turbocharger is driven by exhaust gas and pushes extra air into the engine, which is called boost. The engine computer (PCM) controls boost by opening a bypass called the wastegate, often through a vacuum-operated actuator and a control solenoid, and it measures the result with a boost pressure sensor (Ford, VW) or a manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor (Chrysler, GM), per OBD-Codes.com. P0236 is a range/performance code, so the sensor's signal is present but doesn't make sense to the PCM. The sources describe it differently. OBD-Codes.com says the code sets when measured pressure is greater than commanded pressure, and notes manufacturer wording varies: GM calls it Turbocharger Boost System Performance and Dodge diesel pickups call it MAP Sensor Too High Too Long. RepairPal's page titles it Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Sensor A Circuit (without Range/Performance) and says the PCM sets it when it detects an incorrect signal from the boost pressure sensor. The causes they list also differ, as noted below.

Q: Can I keep driving with P0236?

Stop and fix promptly. RepairPal puts P0236 in its urgent category, meaning action is needed right away because it can cause severe damage or put the people in the car at risk. OBD-Codes.com says to address it as soon as possible because of the increased risk of overboost and catalytic converter damage, and that the engine computer usually cuts power (a fail-safe mode) when it sets. Expect weak acceleration, so allow extra room when merging or passing, and get it diagnosed soon. If the engine also runs rough, smells of fuel or the check engine light flashes, stop driving and have it checked. The turbo and exhaust get very hot, so let the engine cool before inspecting hoses near them.

Reviewed 2026-10-23 · Based on 2 cited source(s)

What P0236 means

A turbocharger is driven by exhaust gas and pushes extra air into the engine, which is called boost. The engine computer (PCM) controls boost by opening a bypass called the wastegate, often through a vacuum-operated actuator and a control solenoid, and it measures the result with a boost pressure sensor (Ford, VW) or a manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor (Chrysler, GM), per OBD-Codes.com. P0236 is a range/performance code, so the sensor's signal is present but doesn't make sense to the PCM. The sources describe it differently. OBD-Codes.com says the code sets when measured pressure is greater than commanded pressure, and notes manufacturer wording varies: GM calls it Turbocharger Boost System Performance and Dodge diesel pickups call it MAP Sensor Too High Too Long. RepairPal's page titles it Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Sensor A Circuit (without Range/Performance) and says the PCM sets it when it detects an incorrect signal from the boost pressure sensor. The causes they list also differ, as noted below.

Severity: can I keep driving?

Stop and fix promptly

RepairPal puts P0236 in its urgent category, meaning action is needed right away because it can cause severe damage or put the people in the car at risk. OBD-Codes.com says to address it as soon as possible because of the increased risk of overboost and catalytic converter damage, and that the engine computer usually cuts power (a fail-safe mode) when it sets. Expect weak acceleration, so allow extra room when merging or passing, and get it diagnosed soon. If the engine also runs rough, smells of fuel or the check engine light flashes, stop driving and have it checked. The turbo and exhaust get very hot, so let the engine cool before inspecting hoses near them.

Common symptoms

Check engine light on (OBD-Codes.com)
Lack of power, because the PCM switches to an assumed boost value and limits fuel and injection timing (OBD-Codes.com calls this failure mode engine management)
Decreased engine performance and lack of boost from the turbo or supercharger (RepairPal)
Increased fuel consumption (RepairPal)

Likely causes

Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.

Pinched, collapsed, cracked or broken vacuum lines, or no vacuum supply to the wastegate control (OBD-Codes.com)
Faulty boost (wastegate) control solenoid (OBD-Codes.com)
Faulty boost pressure sensor (RepairPal's list reads 'brake booster pressure sensor failure', which appears to mean the boost pressure sensor its own description refers to)
Wiring problem (RepairPal)
Exhaust leak (RepairPal)
Turbocharger or supercharger failure (RepairPal)
Less often: a faulty PCM (both sources)

Diagnostic steps you can do

⚠ Before you start

Work on a cool engine, parked on level ground with the parking brake set. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.

Look up technical service bulletins (TSBs) for your year, make, model and engine. OBD-Codes.com says there may be a known fix.
Inspect every vacuum line, not just the ones going to the wastegate, for kinks, pinches, cracks or breaks. OBD-Codes.com says a significant leak anywhere in the vacuum system can upset the whole boost system.
Check the boost or MAP sensor's connector and wiring for damage, corrosion or a loose fit, since RepairPal lists wiring issues.
Listen and look for exhaust leaks ahead of the turbo, which RepairPal lists as a cause.
If you have a vacuum gauge, OBD-Codes.com says to check for vacuum at the inlet of the boost control solenoid; none points to the vacuum supply (on many diesels, a vacuum pump).
Clear the code and see if it comes back on a test drive.

Typical fixes

Replace damaged, collapsed or leaking vacuum lines
Repair the vacuum supply (such as a faulty vacuum pump) if the solenoid gets no vacuum (OBD-Codes.com)
Replace the boost control solenoid
Repair wiring or replace the boost pressure (or MAP) sensor
Repair an exhaust leak, or a failed turbocharger or supercharger (RepairPal)

Repair costs vary widely by vehicle, region, parts brand and shop, so we don't quote prices. Get a written estimate after diagnosis.

🛠 When to call a pro

OBD-Codes.com's procedure: with a meter that reads duty cycle or frequency, back-probe the control solenoid's signal wire while driving; a signal present points to the solenoid, no signal points to the PCM
OBD-Codes.com explains that the PCM sets P0236 when measured boost exceeds commanded boost, and stresses understanding how boost is made, controlled and measured on that engine before replacing parts
The sources disagree on where to look: OBD-Codes.com focuses on the vacuum and wastegate control side (lines, vacuum supply, solenoid, PCM), while RepairPal focuses on the sensor, wiring, exhaust leaks and the turbo itself
RepairPal's general advice for this code: most trouble codes come from a sensor reporting an out-of-range value, and just replacing the sensor may not fix the underlying issue

Where to buy

Plain search links. Always match parts to your exact year, make, model and engine.

OBD2 scanners on Amazon Parts at Advance Auto Parts catalog at RockAuto

FAQs

Can I drive with P0236?

Carefully and not for long. RepairPal rates it urgent, and OBD-Codes.com says to address it as soon as possible because of overboost and catalytic converter risk. The engine is usually in a reduced-power mode, so acceleration will be weak.

Is P0236 always a bad boost sensor?

No. OBD-Codes.com points first to vacuum lines, the vacuum supply and the wastegate control solenoid, and RepairPal adds wiring, exhaust leaks and the turbo itself. Forum posts on OBD-Codes.com describe owners replacing the sensor and still getting the code.

What's the difference between P0236 and P0234?

P0234 is an overboost condition, meaning boost actually went above the limit. P0236 means the boost sensor reading doesn't make sense to the computer; per OBD-Codes.com it typically sets when measured boost is higher than commanded.

Sources

Last reviewed 2026-10-23. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.