P0049 code meaning
Turbocharger/Supercharger A Turbine Overspeed
Powertrain system Generic code P00xx codes Check engine light
What P0049 means
The control module has detected that turbocharger A runs above its permitted maximum speed. Engines equipped for it measure turbine speed with a dedicated sensor on the shaft; while the fault is active some systems continue with an estimated speed and reduce power. Real overspeed arises when too much exhaust energy reaches the turbine, for example because the wastegate or the turbine vanes stick closed, or because the turbocharger has to compensate for a charge-air leak or high altitude. Since a damaged turbocharger can fail completely, the cause should be found before driving on. Turbocharger B has its own code.
P0049 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1 to 5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0049
- Check engine light on
- Reduced power or limp mode
- Whistling from the turbocharger
- Risk of turbocharger damage
Common causes of P0049
- PossibleWastegate or turbine vanes stuck closed, boost control fails
- PossibleTurbocharger speed sensor or its wiring faulty
- Less likelyCharge-air leak forcing the turbocharger to higher speed
- Less likelyEngine control module or software
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
TurbochargerTurbocharger speed sensorWastegateTurbocharger vanes or wastegate
What each part of P0049 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 0 | Area: fuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls. |
| 49 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0049 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0049
What does P0049 mean?
P0049 means "Turbocharger/Supercharger A Turbine Overspeed". The control module has detected that turbocharger A runs above its permitted maximum speed. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0049?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0049 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0049 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0049 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0049 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0049 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.