P2590 code meaning
Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor B Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
Powertrain system Generic code P25xx codes Check engine light
What P2590 means
P2590 is set when the position signal of the second boost actuator flickers, jumps or drops out for short moments instead of being steadily wrong. Unlike its sensor A counterpart P2566, this code is defined as intermittent/erratic, so an unsteady signal without full dropouts falls under it as well. No manufacturer documents P2590 publicly. For sensor A, VW bulletins 21-15-04 and 21-15-06 on 2009-2014 2.0 L TDI models group P2566 with the other position codes, locate sensor G581 in the vacuum diaphragm and start the repair at hoses, diaphragm and actuator travel. Typical are loose terminals or a sensor track worn by vibration. Steady faults on sensor B are P2586, P2588 and P2589.
P2590 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2590
- Power surging or dropping intermittently
- Warning lamp that may come and go
- Jumping position value for actuator B in live data
Common causes of P2590
- Most likelyLoose terminal or intermittent contact in the sensor B connector
- PossibleSensor track worn by vibration, giving a noisy signal
- PossibleChafed harness that shorts or opens briefly
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Turbo actuator position sensor bSensor wiring
What each part of P2590 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 5 | Area: vehicle speed, idle control and auxiliary inputs. |
| 90 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2590 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 P2590
What does P2590 mean?
P2590 means "Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor B Circuit Intermittent/Erratic". P2590 is set when the position signal of the second boost actuator flickers, jumps or drops out for short moments instead of being steadily wrong. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2590?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2590 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2590 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2590 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 P2590 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2590 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.