Fuel and air

P00B0 — Turbo/Supercharger Boost Control 'B' Performance Problem

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P00B0 means

The engine control unit compares target boost pressure with actual boost and monitors how the boost control device (electric actuator, solenoid or vacuum actuator) responds. P00B0 is stored when boost control module 'B' fails to deliver the requested result or performs incorrectly. Which component is 'B' depends on the engine design and manufacturer.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine light on
  • Noticeable loss of power and weak boost
  • Sluggish throttle response
  • Uneven or surging power delivery
  • Limp mode
  • Unusual whining or whistling from the turbo

Possible causes

  1. Faulty boost control solenoid or actuator
  2. Damaged wiring or corroded connector
  3. Charge-air or vacuum leak, such as loose intercooler pipes or hoses
  4. Sticking variable geometry mechanism in the turbo
  5. Faulty turbo actuator position sensor
  6. Exhaust leak ahead of the turbine
  7. ECU fault (uncommon)

How to diagnose

  1. Scan all codes and freeze frame data, looking for other boost or air pressure codes
  2. Inspect intake pipes, clamps, intercooler and vacuum lines for cracks, oil and loose fittings
  3. Check the actuator or solenoid wiring and connector for damage, corrosion, power and ground
  4. Compare commanded and actual boost under load in live data
  5. Command the actuator through its full range with a scan tool and look for sticking
  6. Test the vacuum pump and lines if the actuator is pneumatic
  7. Inspect the exhaust system for leaks upstream of the turbo
  8. Check for ECU software updates only after mechanical causes are ruled out

Common fixes

  • Replace the boost control solenoid or actuator
  • Repair wiring and connectors
  • Fix intake and exhaust leaks and replace damaged hoses
  • Clean or replace the turbo if the variable geometry is stuck
  • Reflash or replace the ECU as a last resort

Questions and answers

Can I drive with a P00B0 code?

Briefly and carefully, for example to a shop. Power will be reduced, and if boost is too high or the turbo is noisy you should stop right away to prevent engine damage.

What most often causes P00B0?

Usually a faulty boost actuator or solenoid, damaged wiring or an air leak in the intake path. Start by inspecting hoses and connectors, then compare commanded and actual boost.

This is general information about the code. The meaning can differ between makes and models: a scan tool and the repair manual for your car will show the exact cause.