P0236

Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance

Car Fault Codes Fuel & air

Can you still drive? With care, short trips only

Who can fix it? Needs a workshop

Typical repair time 20 minutes – 2 hours

Typical cost SAR 100 to 1,000

What it means

This code means boost pressure sensor A is sending a signal within its electrical limits, but it does not match what the engine computer expects, for example it differs from barometric pressure with the engine off or does not change as the turbo builds boost. The cause may be the sensor itself or the hose that connects it to the air path.

Symptoms4

Check engine light on.
Loss of power or limp mode.
Fluctuating boost or uneven acceleration.
Underboost or overboost codes may appear with it.

Possible causes6

Sensor fouled with oil or carbon coming from the crankcase ventilation system.
Cracked, blocked or disconnected sensor hose, on vehicles where the sensor uses a hose.
Leak in the charge air ducts or intercooler making actual boost differ from what is expected.
Extra resistance in the connector or wiring.
Failed sensor or a reading that has drifted over time.
Fault in the barometric pressure sensor the computer compares the reading with.

How to diagnose5

Compare the boost sensor reading with the barometric pressure reading with the engine off and ignition on; they should be close.
Remove the sensor and inspect it for oil or carbon, and check its hose if it has one.
Inspect the charge air ducts, intercooler and joints for leaks, and have a pressure or smoke test done on the boost path.
Compare the sensor reading with an external gauge while driving under load.
Measure the voltage drop on the sensor's ground and reference circuits.

How to fix5

Clean the sensor with a cleaner safe for electronic sensors, or replace its damaged hose.
Repair any leak in the charge ducts or intercooler and replace cracked couplers.
Repair the connector or wiring with extra resistance.
Replace the boost pressure sensor if its reading remains off.
Clear the codes, then test under load and confirm actual boost matches desired boost.

Repair cost

0–500

500–2,000

2,000–5,000

5,000+

In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.

Cleaning the sensor or replacing a hose may be enough at low cost; the cost rises for a new sensor or for repairing an intercooler or charge duct leak.

Prices are rough estimates for common cars at independent workshops and vary with the car and the source of the part.
Prices last updated: September 2026

Frequently asked questions

Can an air leak cause this code even if the sensor is fine?

Yes. A leak in the charge ducts keeps boost from reaching the expected value, and the computer may read that as an implausible sensor signal.

Why does the sensor get oily?

Because oil vapor from the crankcase ventilation system or from a leaking turbo passes through the air path and settles on the sensor.

Can I drive with this code?

For short distances and gently, expecting reduced power until it is repaired.

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This guide is for information only and does not replace an inspection by a qualified technician. If the fault involves brakes, steering, engine temperature, electrics or refrigerant, do not attempt the repair yourself.

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