P005E code meaning
Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control B Supply Voltage Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P00xx codes Check engine light
What P005E means
"Boost control B" is the electrically driven actuator the engine control module uses to set boost pressure: depending on the engine a pulse-width modulated solenoid or vacuum converter at the wastegate, the control valve of variable turbine vanes, or an electric actuator with position feedback. B is the second actuator, for example on the high-pressure turbocharger of a two-stage system or on the second turbocharger; it does not denote cylinder bank 2. This code concerns the supply voltage that the control module switches to the actuator (high side): it is too low, for example because of a short to ground or an open circuit. Without control the actuator usually falls back to its rest position, which on most engines means low boost; depending on the design too much boost is also possible.
P005E at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P005E
- Check engine light on
- Loss of power or reduced power mode
- Weak acceleration, noticeable turbo lag
- Overboost possible in rare cases
Common causes of P005E
- Most likelySupply wire shorted to ground or interrupted
- PossibleFuse or relay of the supply faulty
- PossibleInternal short in the actuator
- Less likelyHigh-side driver in the engine control module faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Boost control actuator bBoost control actuator wiringEngine control module
What each part of P005E 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. |
| 5E | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P005E 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 P005E
What does P005E mean?
P005E means "Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control B Supply Voltage Circuit Low". "Boost control B" is the electrically driven actuator the engine control module uses to set boost pressure: depending on the engine a pulse-width modulated solenoid or vacuum converter at the wastegate, the control valve of variable turbine vanes, or an electric actuator with position feedback. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P005E?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P005E the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P005E fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P005E 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 P005E to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P005E 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.