Fuel and air

P01FE — Turbocharger Outlet Pressure Sensor B Intermittent/Erratic

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P01FE means

The engine control module has seen the signal from turbocharger outlet pressure sensor B drop out or jump around in a way that does not match actual engine operation. The module uses this sensor to monitor boost pressure and to adjust fuel metering and turbo control. With an unreliable signal, it cannot manage boost accurately.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine light on
  • Reduced power and sluggish acceleration
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Erratic or surging boost
  • Hesitation or rough idle
  • Limp mode with limited power
  • Unusual noise from the turbocharger

Possible causes

  1. Faulty turbocharger outlet pressure sensor B
  2. Damaged wiring harness or poor connection at the sensor connector
  3. Charge-air, intake or intercooler leak (hoses, clamps)
  4. Turbo actuator or position sensor fault, or a sticking variable geometry mechanism
  5. Mechanical turbo problem (wastegate, compressor wheel)
  6. Vacuum leak or damaged vacuum control lines

How to diagnose

  1. Scan for all codes and review freeze frame data, noting any other boost-related codes
  2. Inspect the sensor connector and wiring for corrosion, chafing, kinks or oil contamination
  3. Wiggle the harness with the engine running while watching live sensor data
  4. Compare specified and actual boost in live data under different loads
  5. Check sensor supply voltage, ground and signal wire with a multimeter
  6. Inspect hoses, clamps and the intercooler for cracks and leaks, and pressure test the intake if needed
  7. Check actuator movement and vacuum lines through the full range
  8. Check the turbo for shaft play, oil in the charge pipes and abnormal noise

Common fixes

  • Replace turbocharger outlet pressure sensor B
  • Repair or replace damaged wiring and connectors
  • Fix intake or intercooler leaks by replacing hoses or clamps
  • Replace or adjust the turbo actuator, or clean the variable geometry mechanism
  • Repair or replace the turbocharger if it is mechanically worn

Questions and answers

Can I drive with P01FE?

Only briefly and carefully, for example to a shop. Power may be limited, and poor boost control can eventually damage the turbo or engine.

What most often causes P01FE?

Usually the pressure sensor itself or a poor connection in its connector or wiring. Check the intake for leaks as well before replacing parts.

Can I just clear the P01FE code?

Clearing it only turns the light off for a while. If the cause is not fixed, the code will return, so find the fault first.

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.