What are the symptoms of a faulty turbocharger sensor?
3 Answers
Symptoms of a faulty turbocharger sensor are as follows: 1. Unstable engine idle. 2. Weak engine acceleration. 3. Engine malfunction indicator light illuminated. 4. Increased fuel consumption. The causes of a faulty turbocharger sensor are as follows: 1. Damaged turbocharger sensor. 2. Poor contact, open circuit, or short circuit in the turbocharger sensor wiring harness connector. 3. Engine control unit malfunction. The turbocharger sensor measures the pressure range between the turbocharger and the throttle body. The sensor used in this engine is a three-level atmospheric sensor. The pressure in this part of the intake system is affected by engine speed, throttle opening, turbocharger boost, intake air temperature (IAT), atmospheric pressure (BARO), and the efficiency of the charge air cooler.
I used to drive a turbocharged car and encountered a boost pressure sensor failure. When that thing went bad, the car completely changed its character – there was a noticeable lack of power during acceleration, the turbo wouldn't kick in even when flooring the gas pedal, and climbing hills became extremely difficult. Fuel consumption also skyrocketed, with a full tank running out much sooner than usual. The check engine light on the dashboard stayed constantly illuminated, as if warning you to 'get it fixed ASAP.' Sometimes the boost pressure became unstable, causing sudden speed drops on the highway, which was downright scary. I also noticed strange exhaust noises because the sensor was misleading the control unit. It's best to stop and get it checked, having a professional shop diagnose the trouble codes with an OBD scanner. Delaying repairs could significantly shorten the turbo's lifespan and lead to much higher repair bills. Regular carbon buildup cleaning can also reduce the risk of sensor issues. All in all, when it fails, it really shakes your driving confidence.
After my sensor broke last time, the car felt all kinds of wrong while driving. The acceleration was sluggish during starts, as if being held back, making overtaking impossible. Fuel consumption increased noticeably – what used to last a week now emptied in three days. The most annoying part was the persistent warning light on the dashboard indicating system failure. When turbo boost failed, even city traffic became strenuous, with the engine occasionally shaking violently. There were also safety concerns – insufficient power during mountain climbs could easily create dangerous situations. I learned one thing: if sensors malfunction, first drive the car to level ground, avoid sudden acceleration, and get to a repair shop ASAP. Delaying could trigger chain reactions like turbo overheating or damaging more expensive components.
