Diagnostic Trouble Code
P012B
Turbo/Supercharger Inlet Pressure Sensor Range
Technical Description P012B
Turbocharger/Supercharger Inlet Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/Performance (Downstream of throttle valve)
What Does This Mean P012B?
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 range or performance malfunction 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, P012C, P012D, and P012E.
This particular code indicates a range or performance malfunction 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, P012C, P012D, and P012E.
Symptoms P012B
1
Vehicle enters limp mode (Fail safe mode)
2
Engine noises
3
Poor performance
4
Engine misfiring
5
Stalling
6
Poor fuel mileage
Possible Causes P012B
1
Defective Turbo/supercharger inlet pressure sensor
2
Broken or damaged wiring harness
3
Problem within general electrical system
4
ECM issue
5
Pin/connector problem. (i.e. corrosion, overheating etc.)
6
Clogged or damaged air filter
Solutions & Repair Steps P012B
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.
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.
Whenever you are working with electrical systems, some of the basic tools that are a good idea to have are:
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Whenever you are working with electrical systems, some of the basic tools that are a good idea to have are:
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.
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.
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.
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!