The boost pressure sensor is a key component in the turbocharged engines of most modern vehicles. By the way, many types of sensors are installed in the engines of vehicles.
These different sensors monitor the performance of different parts of the engine and transmit data related to the performance of these parts to the engine control module of the vehicle.
In this post, we will discuss the boost pressure sensor in detail. What is a boost pressure sensor? Boost pressure sensor location, symptoms, causes, and replacement cost.
What Is A Boost Pressure Sensor?
The boost pressure sensor sends a signal to the ECM by measuring the pressure of the compressed air entering the engine’s intake manifold from the turbocharger or supercharger. The boost pressure sensor is an important component used in turbocharged and supercharged engines.
In turbocharged engines, the turbocharger uses the exhaust gases to drive a turbine, which in turn compresses the intake air before entering the engine, resulting in improved engine performance. The boost pressure sensor monitors this compressed air pressure and provides real time data to the Engine Control Unit.
How Does Boost Pressure Sensor Work?
The boost pressure sensor is located on the inlet manifold of the engine or in the intercooler. The function of the boost pressure sensor is to measure the pressure and temperature of the air drawn by the turbocharger from the engine inlet manifold and transmit a signal to the ECM.
Thereby, the ECM sends the correct ratio of air and fuel to the fuel injectors for the fuel mixture required by the vehicle’s engine and controls the power pulse of the fuel injectors. Due to this, the engine provides ample power with the right amount of fuel consumption.
Boost Pressure Sensor Location
In modern vehicles, the boost pressure sensor is often located on the air intake manifold of the engine. But in some vehicles, the boost pressure sensor is located on the air intercooler.
Types Of Boost Pressure Sensor
Generally, there are two types of boost pressure sensors.
- 3 Wire/Pin Boost Pressure Sensor
- 4 Wire/Pin Boost Pressure Sensor
Symptoms Of A Bad Boost Pressure Sensor
These are the symptoms of a bad or failing boost pressure sensor:
- Check engine light illuminated
- Engine vibration and jerks
- Engine misfire
- Black smoke from the exhaust pipe
- RPM needle not going above 2500 or 3000, even with full accelerator pedal depression
- Engine low power performance
- Reduced engine pick up during acceleration
- Engine misfiring during acceleration
- Scanner receiving trouble code P0105, P0106, P0107, P0108, P0109.
Causes of A Bad Boost Pressure Sensor
These are the Causes of a bad or failing boost pressure sensor:
- Damaged boost pressure sensor
- Damaged or broken boost pressure sensor wiring
- Engine control module error
- Air intake manifold leak
- Intercooler or hose pipe leaking
Boost Pressure Sensor Trouble Codes Meaning
When the boost pressure sensor is bad or failing, the OBD digital scanner may display different trouble codes.
- P0105 – Manifold Absolute Pressure/Barometric Pressure Circuit
- P0106 – Manifold Absolute Pressure/Barometric Pressure Circuit Range Performance
- P0107 – Manifold Absolute Pressure/Barometric Pressure Circuit Low Input
- P0108 – Manifold Absolute Pressure/Barometric Pressure Circuit High
- P0109 – Manifold Absolute Pressure/Barometric Pressure Circuit Intermittent
Boost Pressure Sensor Replacement Cost
In general, the replacement cost of a typical vehicle’s boost pressure sensor can range from $180 to $210, including mechanic labor costs. However, the location and rate of the mechanics can affect this cost.
Expect a boost pressure sensor to cost an average of $100 to $120, and you can expect to pay an average of $80 to $90 for the labor cost of a mechanic replacing it.
However, the replacement cost of an engine boost pressure sensor in vehicles depends on the make and model of the vehicle and the cost of the mechanic.
Banty is the owner of Autorepairszone.com & is also a vehicle mechanic by profession. We have almost 12 years of experience in the field of automotive repair, and we strive to provide you with accurate information about vehicle malfunctions and repairs based on our experience.