P0234 OBD-II: Turbocharger/Supercharger "A" Overboost Condition
P0234 Severity
Should you fix P0234 yourself?
Identifying an OBD code is just the start of a complete diagnostic routine. Most trouble codes are caused by a sensor reporting a value that is out of range. Just replacing a sensor may not fix underlying issues. Be sure to understand the code, the part or system in your car that the code refers to, and the risks of delaying professional repair.
Proper diagnosis will save you time and money on unnecessary repairs.
Urgent codes indicate immediate action is necessary. These are urgent and significant malfunctions that can cause severe damage to the vehicle or harm the driver and passengers.
What causes OBD-II fault code P0234?
The Boost Pressure Sensor tells the engine control module (PCM) how much boost is actually being created by the turbocharger. When the boost pressure does not match the pressure requested by the PCM, the PCM will set code P0234.The PCM may also put the vehicle into "limp home mode", limiting the power of the engine, to protect the engine from additional damage.
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What Does P0234 Code Mean?
OBD-II Code P0234 is defined as a Engine Over Boost Condition
The Turbo Charging system uses a Boost Pressure Sensor that continually sends data back to the Power Train Control Module or PCM. This provides a feedback loop between the PCM's requested level of Turbo Charger boost and the actual level of Turbo Charger boost. When the Boost Pressure Sensor readings go above specification or when the Knock Sensors signal that the engine is pinging or knocking, code P0234 is set and the Check Engine Light or MIL (malfunction Indicator Light) is illuminated.
P0234 Symptoms
- Check Engine Light will illuminate
- Engine Pinging or Knocking, especially on acceleration
- Engine hesitation or stalling
- Engine Lacks Power/No Turbo Charger Boost
- In many cases, no abnormal symptoms may be noticed
Common Problems That Trigger the P0234 Code
- Defective Turbo Charger Boost Sensor
- Defective Turbo Charger Boost Actuator
- Faulty or corroded Turbo Charger Boost Sensor wiring or connections
- Defective Knock Sensor(s), wiring and/or connections
- Rough running/misfiring Engine
Common Misdiagnoses
- Turbo Boost Sensor is replaced when the real problem is a defective Turbo Waste Gate
- Turbo Boost Sensor is replaced when the cause is a poor connection
- Turbo Boost Sensor is replaced when the cause is a defective Knock Sensor
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