P012D Turbocharger/Supercharger Inlet Pressure Sensor Circuit High (Downstream of throttle valve)
OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description
Turbocharger/Supercharger Inlet Pressure Sensor Circuit High (Downstream of throttle valve)
What does that mean?
This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a generic powertrain code, which means that it applies to OBD-II equipped vehicles that have a turbocharger or supercharger inlet pressure sensor. Brand of vehicles may include but are not limited to Ford, Dodge, Saturn, Nissan, Subaru, Honda, etc. Although generic, the specific repair steps may vary depending on make/model/engine.
This particular code indicates a high condition within the Turbo/Supercharger Inlet Pressure Sensor (TCIP) circuit. The turbo/supercharger are responsible for increasing "volumetric efficiency" (amount of air) within the combustion chamber by creating pressure within the intake system.
Generally speaking Turbochargers are exhaust driven and Superchargers are belt driven. The inlet of the turbo/supercharger is where they get their filtered air from the air filter. The inlet sensor works with the ECM (Electronic Control Module) or PCM (Powertrain Control Module) in order to monitor and regulate intake pressure.
The "(Downstream of throttle valve)" indicates what specific inlet sensor has the malfunction and it’s location. The pressure sensor may also incorporate a temperature sensor into it.
This trouble code is closely related to P012A, P012B, P012C, and P012E.
What are some of the symptoms of the code?
Symptoms of a P012D engine code may include:
What are some of the common causes of the code?
Causes for this code may be:
What are some of the troubleshooting steps?
Be sure to check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) for your vehicle. Getting access to a known fix can save you time and money during diagnosis.
2013 Ford F150 EcoBoost P012B / P012D Bulletin 14-0082
One known bulletin, for example, is Ford TSB 14-0082 which applies to 2013 Ford F-150 pickups with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine. If you have a P012B and/or P012D code with that vehicle, here is a PDF copy of the full bulletin. The fix is to replace the sensor & connector with updated parts, wire part number BU2Z-14S411-ATA and sensor part number CV2Z-9F479-A. Summary below:
Some 2013 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engines may exhibit a MIL illuminated with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P012B (turbocharger/supercharger inlet pressure sensor circuit range/performance) and/or P012D (turbocharger/ supercharger inlet pressure sensor circuit high) stored in powertrain control module (PCM) memory.
Tools
Whenever you are working with electrical systems, some of the basic tools that are a good idea to have are:
Safety Tips
Basic Step #1
Visually inspect the TCIP and surroundings. Given the nature of these codes, it is highly likely there is some sort of physical problem causing this issue. That being said, check the harness thoroughly because the harness’ for these sensors typically run along areas where extremely high temperatures are present. In order to locate which sensor’s circuit is malfunctioning refer to "Downstream of Throttle valve". Downstream meaning after the throttle valve or the side closer towards the intake manifold. The throttle valve is typically mounted to the intake manifold itself. Once you have located the TCIP, follow the wires coming out of it and inspect for any frayed/chafed/cut wires that may be causing an issue. Depending on the location of the sensor on your make and model, you may have enough access to the sensors connector. If so, you can disconnect it and inspect the pins for corrosion.
NOTE: Green color is a good sign that there is corrosion present. Visually inspect all ground straps and look for corroded or loose ground connections. A problem within the general electrical system can and will cause drivability issues, poor mileage among other unrelated problems.
Basic Step #2
Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, there may be a use for the circuit. Fuse boxes can be located just about anywhere in the car but a few good places to start are: under the dash, behind the glove box, under the hood, under a seat etc. Locate fuse and make sure it fits within the slot tightly and that it is not blown.
Basic Tip #3
Check your filter! Visually inspect air filter for signs of clogging or dirtiness. A clogged filter may cause a low pressure condition. So, if the air filter is clogged or showing any signs of damage (i.e. : water intrusion), it should be replaced. This is a cost efficient way of ruling this out because most times, air filters are inexpensive and easy to replace.
NOTE: Check to see if your air filter is cleanable. If so, you may be able to clean your filter instead of replacing the entire assembly.
Basic Step #4
If everything checks out at this point, and you still cannot find a malfunction, I would verify the circuit itself. This may include disconnect the ECM or PCM electrical connector so make sure your battery is connected. Basic electrical tests should be performed on the circuit. (i.e. check for continuity, check for short to ground, power etc..). Any kind of open or short will indicate a problem that will need to be repaired. Good luck!
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"Delete Error Code Permanently, Disable DTC Error Code Function for p012d in the ECU"
In extreme cases, we even have the option to permanently remove the specific DTC p012d 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 p012d.
