Code
P0241
Generic
P — Powertrain
Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Sensor B Circuit Low
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Faulty boost/charge pressure sensor (sensor B)
- Short to ground on the sensor B signal wire
- Open or high-resistance wiring/connectors in the sensor B circuit
- Corroded or damaged connector pins at sensor or ECU
- Failed sensor reference voltage (5V) or sensor ground
- Intermittent wiring fault (chafed harness, water intrusion)
Symptoms
- Check Engine MIL illuminated
- Reduced engine power or limp mode (reduced boost)
- Poor acceleration or hesitation under boost
- Surging or inconsistent boost control
- Lower fuel economy
- Possible black smoke under heavy load if fueling rich to compensate
What to check
- Read and record freeze frame and live data with a scan tool; compare sensor B to sensor A (if present)
- Visually inspect sensor connector, wiring harness, and nearby components for damage, corrosion, or water
- Backprobe the sensor B connector to measure signal voltage with key ON and engine running
- Check for proper reference voltage (typically ~5 V) at the sensor connector
- Check sensor ground continuity to engine/ECU ground
- Measure continuity and resistance of signal wire to ECU pin; check for short to ground
Signal parameters
- Typical sensor output (MAP/boost) signal range: about 0.5–4.5 V (varies by manufacturer)
- Low-fault condition: signal near 0 V or below manufacturer threshold (often
- Reference supply: ~5.0 V from ECU (verify exact spec for vehicle)
- Ground: good chassis/engine ground continuity
- Resistance: signal wire should show continuity to ECU pin; no short to ground (near 0 Ω) or high open-circuit
Diagnostic algorithm
- Retrieve codes and review freeze frame data; confirm P0241 is active and note conditions.
- Compare live boost/pressure readings from sensor B to sensor A (if present) and to expected values at idle and boost.
- Perform a visual inspection of sensor B, connector, and wiring for obvious damage, corrosion, or water ingress.
- With ignition ON (engine OFF), backprobe the sensor connector: verify reference voltage (~5 V) and ground circuit. If missing, investigate ECU power/ground circuits.
- With engine running, measure sensor B signal voltage. If signal is near 0 V or well below expected, check for short to ground on the signal wire (disconnect sensor and measure wire to ground).
- If a short to ground is found, isolate and repair wiring (replace harness, repair splice, protect from rubbing).
- If wiring checks good, bench-test or substitute a known-good sensor B and re-check live data for normal signal range.
- If a replacement sensor cures the fault, clear codes and road test to confirm. If fault returns, proceed to inspect ECU connector and perform continuity/voltage checks at ECU.
- If wiring and sensor are good but fault persists, consider ECU diagnostic procedures or repair/reprogram as per manufacturer guidance.
- After repairs, clear codes and verify proper operation under varied load conditions.
Likely causes
- Damaged or corroded connector at boost sensor B
- Sensor B internal failure (shorted output transistor)
- Signal wire contacting chassis ground or other grounded component
- Poor sensor ground or missing 5V reference from ECU
- Wiring harness damaged in areas that move or rub
Fault status
Status
Stored when the PCM/ECM detects a lower-than-expected voltage from the Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Sensor B circuit (signal below defined threshold). This can indicate a short to ground, failed sensor, open circuit, or loss of reference/ground. 'B' designates the secondary boost pressure sensor/circuit.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 0.5-2 hours (varies by vehicle complexity and accessibility)
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