P006E

Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control A Supply Voltage Circuit Low

P006E is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control A Supply Voltage Circuit Low. It is logged by the engine control unit when the turbo/boost monitor detects that a specific fault threshold has been exceeded — typically resulting in the malfunction-indicator lamp (MIL / check-engine light) being illuminated.

Code
P006E
Group
Powertrain
System
Turbo/Boost
Severity
Warning (MIL on, possible limp mode)
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What P006E means

Code P006E is set when the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or Engine Control Module (ECM) detects that the supply voltage to the turbocharger or supercharger boost control solenoid circuit 'A' has fallen below the minimum calibrated threshold. The boost control solenoid is an electronically operated valve that regulates the actuating pressure or vacuum applied to the wastegate actuator or the variable-geometry vane mechanism on the turbocharger, controlling the amount of boost pressure the engine receives. The PCM supplies a controlled voltage or a pulse-width-modulated signal to the solenoid and simultaneously monitors the voltage level on the supply circuit. A low-voltage condition means the PCM measured a voltage that is insufficient to properly operate the solenoid, which may be caused by a wiring fault drawing the circuit low, excessive resistance in the supply path due to connector corrosion, a failed solenoid with an internal short to ground, or in rare cases a fault within the PCM's own driver stage. Because the PCM cannot reliably regulate boost under this condition, it typically enters a protective strategy that limits boost pressure or activates limp mode to prevent engine damage from uncontrolled boost. Extended operation with P006E active risks insufficient boost for performance needs as well as potential turbocharger wear from incorrect vane actuation.

Common causes

Most-frequently reported root causes when P006E is logged.

  • 1
    Defective boost control solenoid 'A' with an internal short to ground pulling the supply voltage low
  • 2
    Corroded, damaged, or high-resistance connector pins at the boost control solenoid reducing supply voltage
  • 3
    Open or partially broken supply voltage wire between the PCM and the boost control solenoid
  • 4
    Chafed wiring harness shorting the supply circuit to chassis ground near the turbocharger or exhaust
  • 5
    Excessive soot or carbon deposits in the turbocharger vane mechanism loading the solenoid and causing abnormal current draw
  • 6
    Failed PCM boost-control output driver stage producing insufficient output voltage
  • 7
    Exhaust gas leak near the boost solenoid causing heat damage to the wiring or solenoid body

Symptoms drivers notice

Malfunction Indicator Lamp illuminated, often alongside turbocharger performance or underboost codes
Significant reduction in engine power output, particularly at higher engine speeds where boost is expected
Activation of limp or fail-safe mode limiting vehicle speed and preventing high-load driving
Poor throttle response and sluggish acceleration, especially when merging or overtaking
Erratic or absent boost pressure indicated by boost gauge (if fitted)
Possible rough idle if the boost solenoid failure affects idle air management on some applications

How to diagnose P006E

A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.

  1. 1
    Connect an OBD-II scanner, retrieve all stored and pending codes, and record freeze frame data to identify conditions at fault set; note any companion underboost (P0299) or vane control codes
  2. 2
    Visually inspect the boost control solenoid 'A' and its wiring harness for heat damage, chafing against exhaust components, or melted insulation; check connector pins for corrosion, pushed-back terminals, or damage
  3. 3
    With the ignition on and the solenoid connector unplugged, measure supply voltage at the harness connector — it should equal battery voltage or a 5 V reference depending on the circuit type; a reading significantly below specification confirms a supply-side fault
  4. 4
    Measure solenoid coil resistance across its terminals using a digital multimeter; an unusually low reading (near 0 Ohms) indicates an internal short that would pull the circuit voltage low; compare against the manufacturer specification (typically 10–30 Ohms)
  5. 5
    Verify ground circuit continuity from the solenoid ground pin back to the PCM; resistance should be under 1 Ohm; high resistance on the ground path can artificially reduce the supply voltage margin
  6. 6
    Inspect the turbocharger variable vane mechanism for soot binding or mechanical seizure that could overload the solenoid and cause excessive current draw on the supply circuit
  7. 7
    Clear stored codes and perform a monitored test drive under boost load; if P006E returns, perform pin-level voltage testing at the PCM connector and check for applicable Technical Service Bulletins before authorising PCM replacement

Related powertrain codes

Frequently asked questions

Will P006E always put the car in limp mode?

Not always, but it is common. Many PCMs will reduce commanded boost to a safe default level rather than allow uncontrolled boost when the solenoid circuit voltage is untrustworthy. On some vehicles this results in noticeable power loss without a full limp mode, while on others the PCM aggressively limits engine output to protect the turbocharger and engine internals.

Is the boost control solenoid easy to replace?

On most vehicles the solenoid is mounted externally on the turbocharger or intake manifold and is accessible without major disassembly. It is typically a low-cost component. Always verify connector and wiring condition before replacement, since installing a new solenoid into a circuit with corroded connectors or a chafed wire will not fix the low-voltage condition.

Can carbon buildup cause P006E on a diesel engine?

Yes. On variable-geometry turbochargers common to diesel engines, soot and oil deposits can bind the vane actuator mechanism. This mechanical resistance forces the solenoid to draw higher current to overcome it, which can pull the supply voltage below the PCM's minimum threshold and trigger P006E. In these cases, turbocharger cleaning or rebuild may be needed alongside any electrical repairs.

Could a weak car battery cause P006E?

Yes, indirectly. A discharged or failing battery produces low system voltage across the entire electrical system, which can cause the boost control solenoid supply circuit to drop below the PCM's calibrated minimum and trigger a low-voltage fault. If P006E appears alongside other low-voltage codes or after a battery replacement, test the charging system before pursuing solenoid or wiring repairs.

Disabling P006E in software

RaceTune can permanently disable P006E — and any other OBD-II diagnostic trouble code — on every ECU family we support. The monitor is disabled inside the ECU itself, so the fault stops being logged: the warning light stays off and the engine never enters limp mode for this code. The change is tied to your exact software version.

Permanent
The monitor is disabled in the ECU itself — not just cleared. It cannot return.
Tailored to your file
Each patch is matched to your specific software version — never a one-size-fits-all file.
Reversible
The original file is always preserved. Reflash the stock to return the ECU to factory state.

Software modifications affect emissions compliance and are not road-legal in many jurisdictions. RaceTune service files are intended for motorsport, off-road, and export use.

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