P012C

Turbocharger/Supercharger Inlet Pressure Sensor A Circuit Low

Forced induction (turbo/supercharger) Generic OBD-II High

What it means

P012C means the turbocharger/supercharger inlet pressure sensor 'A' is sending a signal that's too low — usually a short to ground, an open, or a failed sensor. Because the ECM uses this reading to manage boost, it will often limit power or enter limp mode until the sensor circuit is repaired.

High

Can I keep driving? Drivable but expect reduced power — the ECM often limits boost or enters limp mode when this pressure signal is out of range.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

632

scans in the past year

Found in

0.1%

of scans

0.2%

of scans that found faults

Appears alongside · share of P012C scans

P0113in 55.9% of scans

P0102in 54.3% of scans

P012Ain 53.3% of scans

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Common symptoms

What you'll notice

Check-engine light on
Reduced power or limp/failsafe mode
Sluggish acceleration or lack of boost
Turbo inlet pressure reads at or near zero on a scan tool

Common causes

Most likely first

Faulty turbocharger/supercharger inlet pressure sensor 'A'Likely
Signal circuit shorted to ground or openCommon
Loose or corroded connector at the sensorCommon
Poor sensor ground or reference voltageLess often
Faulty ECM (rare — confirm sensor and wiring first)Less often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Read the live inlet-pressure value — a circuit-low fault typically shows an implausibly low or zero reading.
Inspect the sensor connector and harness for a short to ground, open, or corrosion.
Check the sensor's 5V reference and ground with the key on.
Back-probe the signal wire to decide whether the sensor or the wiring is at fault.
Replace the inlet pressure sensor if it reads low with good wiring, then clear and re-test.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P012C?+

Short-term, yes, but the engine may limit boost or run in limp mode, so power will be down. Get the sensor circuit fixed before extended driving.

Can I just clear P012C?+

It returns as soon as the ECM sees the low signal again. Repair the sensor or wiring before clearing.

Read & clear P012C yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX