P2572 — Turbocharger Wastegate Position Sensor Circuit Low

What P2572 means

The engine control unit monitors wastegate position with a sensor on the turbo actuator and compares it with the commanded position. P2572 sets when the sensor circuit voltage falls below the expected range. Typical reasons are a short to ground, an open feed, or a failed sensor or actuator. Without accurate feedback the ECU cannot control boost properly.

Symptoms

• Check Engine light on
• Loss of power and sluggish acceleration
• Underboost
• Overboost or boost cut-off
• Limp mode
• Erratic turbo behavior or unusual noises

Possible causes

1. Wastegate position sensor signal wire shorted to ground
2. Failed wastegate actuator with built-in position sensor
3. Damaged, chafed or heat-melted wiring near the turbo
4. Corroded or burnt connector terminals
5. Sticking or worn wastegate linkage
6. ECU fault (rare)

How to diagnose

1. Scan for all codes and freeze frame data, and note any other boost-related codes
2. Inspect the actuator harness and connector for chafing, heat damage and corrosion
3. Compare commanded and actual wastegate position on a scan tool while commanding movement
4. Measure reference voltage, supply and ground at the sensor connector
5. Test the signal wire for a short to ground and for continuity back to the ECU
6. Check that the wastegate linkage moves freely and is not seized or carboned up
7. Inspect boost hoses and vacuum lines for leaks
8. Clear the code and road test to confirm the repair

Common fixes

• Repair or replace damaged wiring and the connector
• Replace the wastegate actuator with its position sensor
• Free up or replace the seized wastegate mechanism
• Replace the turbocharger if the wastegate cannot be repaired
• Perform actuator adaptation or calibration after replacement as the manufacturer specifies

Questions and answers

What does P2572 mean?

It means the wastegate position sensor circuit signal is too low. The ECU cannot confirm where the wastegate is and so cannot control boost accurately.

Can I drive with code P2572?

Usually yes, but carefully and only for a short distance. Power is limited, and wrong boost can strain the engine, so have it diagnosed soon.

What most often causes P2572?

Most often it is damaged wiring close to the hot turbo or a failed electronic wastegate actuator. Start by inspecting the harness and connector.

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.