Failed boost pressure sensor; Signal wire shorted to the 5 V reference or battery voltage; Open ground circuit at the sensor; Corroded or oil-soaked connector.

How much does it cost to fix P0238?

Usually 60–400 € at an independent workshop in Europe, depending on which part is at fault.

P0238 Turbocharger/supercharger boost sensor A circuit high

What P0238 means

The voltage from the boost pressure sensor is higher than the engine computer considers possible, as if boost were extremely high. It stops using the sensor and usually limits power to protect the engine.

P0238 is a generic SAE J2012 code: it means the same on every make. The exact cause still depends on the car, so read the freeze-frame data before replacing parts.

At a glance

Severity: Medium
Typical repair cost: 60–400 €
Workshop time: 0.3–2 h
Repair difficulty: Medium
DIY possible: Yes
Check engine light: Yes
Affects emissions test: Yes
Limp mode possible: Yes

Parts and labour at an independent workshop in Europe. Main dealers charge more; the cause decides the bill, not the code.

Symptoms

Check engine light on
Reduced power or limp mode
Poor acceleration

Common causes

Failed boost pressure sensor
Signal wire shorted to the 5 V reference or battery voltage
Open ground circuit at the sensor
Corroded or oil-soaked connector

Can I keep driving with P0238?

You can drive, but have it checked within one to two weeks. Expect reduced power if the engine computer switches to limp mode.

What to check first

Inspect the connector for corrosion and oil.
Check the sensor ground circuit.
Unplug the sensor and check whether the signal voltage drops; if not, the wiring is shorted.
Replace the sensor if the wiring is good.

Related codes

Data: TORKO fault-code catalogue, built on OBDex (CC0-1.0) and reviewed against workshop practice. Informational only — it does not replace a diagnosis by a mechanic.
Updated: 2026-10-24