P2579
Turbocharger/Supercharger Speed Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance
Turbo/boost control
Generic OBD-II
Medium
What it means
P2579 means the turbocharger (or supercharger) speed sensor "A" is reporting a value the ECM considers out of range or inconsistent with boost conditions. The ECM uses turbo speed to protect against overspeed and manage boost, so a bad reading — from the sensor, its wiring, or an actual boost fault — often triggers reduced power.
Medium
Can I keep driving? Usually drivable, but boost control depends on this sensor — expect possible reduced power or a limp mode, and fix it before hard driving to protect the turbo.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Reduced power or limp mode
- Sluggish acceleration or inconsistent boost
- Possible over- or underboost behavior
Common causes
Most likely first
- Faulty turbocharger/supercharger speed sensorLikely
- Wiring or connector fault giving an implausible speed readingCommon
- Contamination (oil/soot) on the sensor tipCommon
- Actual turbo over- or underspeed from a boost leak or wastegate faultLess often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Read freeze-frame data and compare turbo speed against boost pressure readings.
- Inspect the speed sensor, its connector, and wiring for damage or corrosion.
- Clean or check the sensor tip for oil/soot fouling if accessible.
- Check for boost leaks and confirm the wastegate/bypass and turbo spin freely.
- Replace the speed sensor if it reads out of range, then clear and re-test.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P2579?+
Short term at light throttle usually yes, but the engine may cut power to protect the turbo. Fix it before heavy or sustained high-boost driving.
Can I just clear P2579?+
It will return once the ECM again sees an out-of-range turbo speed unless the sensor, wiring, or a boost fault is repaired.
Related codes
Often seen with P2579
Read & clear P2579 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX