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
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