P2590
Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor B Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
Turbocharger / boost control
Generic OBD-II
Medium
What it means
P2590 means the ECM is seeing an intermittent or erratic signal from the "B" turbocharger boost-control position sensor — the sensor that reports how far the wastegate or boost-control actuator has moved. Because the reading keeps dropping out, the ECM can't trust it and often limits boost, so the engine feels down on power. It's usually a wiring or connector fault rather than a failed turbo.
Medium
Can I keep driving? Usually drivable, but the engine may drop into reduced-power (limp) mode and feel sluggish until the boost-control sensor signal is stable again.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Loss of power or sluggish acceleration, especially under boost
- Reduced-power / limp mode as the ECM limits boost for safety
- Boost that feels erratic or surges
Common causes
Most likely first
- Loose, corroded, or damaged connector at the boost-control position sensor (the usual cause of an intermittent signal)Likely
- Chafed or broken wiring in the sensor circuitCommon
- A failing boost-control position sensor sending a dropping-out signalCommon
- Related turbo problems — a leaking hose or sticking wastegate/bypass actuator affecting the readingLess often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Read freeze-frame data, then wiggle-test the sensor connector and harness while watching the signal to catch the intermittent fault.
- Inspect the connector and wiring for corrosion, backed-out pins, or chafing; clean and repair as needed.
- Check the turbo plumbing for loose clamps or split hoses that could affect boost readings.
- If the circuit and connections are good, test and replace the boost-control position sensor.
- Clear the code and road-test under load to confirm the signal stays stable.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P2590?+
Short trips are usually fine, but expect reduced power. Boost-control faults can strain the turbo over time, so get it checked before hard or extended driving.
Can I just clear P2590?+
It will clear, but an intermittent/erratic code almost always returns once the loose connection or failing sensor acts up again. Fix the wiring or sensor to keep it away.
Related codes
Often seen with P2590
Read & clear P2590 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