P00C5 code meaning
Turbocharger/Supercharger B Turbine Overspeed
Powertrain system Generic code P00xx codes Check engine light
What P00C5 means
The control module has detected that turbocharger B runs above its permitted maximum speed. Speed is measured by a dedicated sensor per turbocharger where fitted, or estimated from a model of pressure ratio and air mass. Turbocharger B is the second turbocharger in series systems or the one on bank 2 in parallel systems. Typical causes are sticking boost control of this turbocharger or a charge-air leak; find the cause before driving on, as overspeed can destroy the turbocharger. No manufacturer description naming this exact code was found; the explanation follows its documented counterpart.
P00C5 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1 to 6 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P00C5
- Check engine light on
- Limp mode with reduced power
- Whistling from the turbocharger
Common causes of P00C5
- Most likelyBoost control of turbocharger B sticking (wastegate or vanes)
- PossibleLeak on the pressure side making the turbocharger work harder
- PossibleSpeed sensor or its wiring delivering wrong values
- Less likelyOperation at high altitude or software
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Turbocharger bTurbocharger speed sensorTurbocharger vanes or wastegate
What each part of P00C5 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. |
| C5 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P00C5 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 P00C5
What does P00C5 mean?
P00C5 means "Turbocharger/Supercharger B Turbine Overspeed". The control module has detected that turbocharger B 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 P00C5?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P00C5 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P00C5 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P00C5 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 P00C5 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P00C5 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.