P00AF Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control “A” Module Performance
OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description
Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control A Module Performance
What does that mean?
This is a generic powertrain diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and typically applies to OBD-II vehicles. That may include but is not limited to vehicles from Chevy (Chevrolet), GMC (Duramax), Dodge, Ram (Cummins), Isuzu, Ford, Vauxhall, VW, etc. Although generic, the exact repair steps may vary depending on year, make, model and powertrain configuration.
Turbochargers, superchargers, and any other forced induction (FI) systems for that matter, use energy generated from the engine (i.e.: exhaust pulses, belt-driven screw-type, etc.) to increase the amount of air that can be introduced to the combustion chamber (increased volumetric efficiency).
Given the fact that, in forced induction systems, intake pressures need to vary and need to be adjusted according to the operator’s many power needs. Manufacturers use a form of boost control valve (AKA, Waste-gate, boost control solenoid, etc.), which is monitored and controlled by the ECM (Engine Control Module), to make sure the air/fuel mixture is stoichiometric (ideal). It does this, by mechanically adjusting the "vanes" in the charger. These vanes are responsible for adjusting the amount of boost (intake pressure) to the chamber. As you can imagine, a problem within the boost controlling component, may cause drivability issues. The problem is, when the ECM loses control of the boost, typically, your vehicle goes into "limp" mode to avoid engine damage (via over/under-boost conditions causing a potentially damaging rich and/or lean A/F mixture).
As far as the letter "A" goes here, it could be to distinguish a connector, wire, circuit group, etc. That said, the manufacturer’s specifications is the best resource you could have for this.
The ECM illuminates the check engine light (CEL) with P00AF and related codes when it detects a fault within the boost control system.
The P00AF DTC is activated when the ECM (Engine Control Module) detects the "A" boost control module operating abnormally (outside of the normal range).
A turbocharger and related components:
What is the severity of this DTC?
Severity is set to moderate-high. When there is a problem within the forced induction system, you risk altering the air/fuel ratio. Which, could, in my opinion will, cause significant engine damage if ignored or left unattended. Not only do you run the risk of damaging internal engine components but you will be getting terrible fuel mileage in the process, so it is in your best interest to repair any faults within the forced induction system.
What are some of the symptoms of the code?
Symptoms of a P00AF trouble code may include:
What are some of the common causes of the code?
Causes for this P00AF code may include:
What are some P00AF troubleshooting steps?
Basic Step #1
An important note to remember is that, forced induction systems generate a dangerous amount of heat and will seriously burn your skin if unprotected and/or engine is cool. That said, visually locate the boost control solenoid. Typically, these are mounted directly to the charger itself but not all times. Once located, make sure its mechanical functionality is up to par.
This is imperative because after all, it mechanically controls your charger and boost pressures. If you can manually move the lever from the solenoid to the charger housing, that’s a good sign. Keep in mind though, in some systems, it way not be possible to do this.
Basic Step #2
I’ve seen, at times, these solenoids possess adjustable levers which aids in finding the "sweet" spot. Of course, this varies significantly between manufacturers so do your research first.
NOTE: Be as non-invasive as possible here. You do not want to damage charger components as they tend to be expensive.
Basic Step #3
Depending on your particular setup, the module may be mounted directly to the boost control. As an assembly let’s say. If so, Make sure there is no signs of water intrusion. Any sign of corrosion/water/damage, and the assembly (or if possible, just the module) will most likely need to be replaced.
Basic Step #4
Pay close attention to the harnesses going to the boost control solenoid. These are routed in close proximity to a damaging amount of heat. The majority of the time, if heat damage is present, this will be evident early in the troubleshooting steps.
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"Delete Error Code Permanently, Disable DTC Error Code Function for p00af in the ECU"
In extreme cases, we even have the option to permanently remove the specific DTC p00af and disable the function of the specific error code in the ECU. All other fault code functions will then continue to work to protect the engine. This is different from clearing an error code with a diagnostic device. We have the option to permanently remove the function of the specific error code, so that it never comes back. Also emergency running that occurs on the specific error code can be solved in most cases.
Of course we prefer to first try to solve the cause of the error code, but sometimes the only solution is to permanently disable the DTC function of p00af.
