Engine

P2574 — Turbocharger Wastegate Position Sensor Circuit Intermittent

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P2574 means

The engine control module monitors wastegate position through a position sensor so it can control boost pressure accurately. P2574 is set when that signal drops out, jumps around or goes out of range from time to time. Because the fault comes and goes, symptoms may appear and disappear.

Symptoms

  • Intermittent limp mode (loss of power)
  • Boost pressure fluctuation
  • Check Engine light on
  • Sluggish acceleration
  • In severe cases, a smell of unburnt fuel

Possible causes

  1. Loose or vibrating connector at the turbo
  2. Failing wastegate position sensor
  3. Carbon buildup on the wastegate linkage or actuator
  4. Signal wire shorted to ground
  5. Damaged or heat-worn wiring harness near the turbo
  6. Rarely, a faulty ECM

How to diagnose

  1. Read all codes and freeze frame data, and look for other boost-related codes.
  2. Inspect the sensor connector and harness at the turbo for melting, corrosion, chafing or slack.
  3. Wiggle the connector and wiring with the engine running while watching the position signal on a scan tool.
  4. Check sensor supply, ground and signal wires with a multimeter per the factory wiring diagram.
  5. Check the wastegate linkage and actuator for free movement, sticking or carbon buildup.
  6. Compare commanded and actual wastegate position in live data.
  7. Check vacuum lines or the electric actuator, depending on the design.

Common fixes

  • Clean or replace corroded connector terminals and secure the harness
  • Repair or replace damaged wiring
  • Clean the wastegate linkage and lubricate with high-temperature compound where permitted
  • Replace the position sensor or wastegate actuator
  • Replace the turbocharger if the wastegate mechanism is worn or seized

Questions and answers

Can I drive with a P2574 code?

Only briefly and carefully, for example to a repair shop. The engine may enter limp mode and lose power, which can be dangerous when passing.

Why does P2574 come and go?

It is usually a poor connection or damaged wire that reacts to vibration and heat. Inspect the harness and connector rather than just clearing the code.

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.