Error Code P024E: What It Means & What To Do?

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If you facing issues with your vehicle like poor acceleration, lack of power, engine misfiring, poor fuel mileage and lack of boost from turbocharger then don't ignore it, it indicates that your vehicle might have OBD Code P024E error.

PCM regulate and observe the Charge Air Cooler Bypass Control Valve which regulates air flow through the charge air cooler. P024E Charge Air Cooler Bypass Position Sensor A Circuit Low code is set when there is a low electrical value within the position sensor or its circuit.

OBD-II Code P024E, Powertrain Control Module (PCM) failure is defined as a Charge Air Cooler Bypass Position Sensor “A” Circuit Low. Is is considered generic because it applies to all makes and models of vehicles equipped with a charge air cooler, although specific repair steps may be different depending on your car model. In forced induction systems, they use a Charge Air Cooler or an Intercooler (IC) to help in cooling the charge air the engine uses. These Intercoolers cools air to make more efficient air/fuel mixture for better performance. The Bypass Valve is used to let the air bypass the intercooler to be dumped into the atmosphere. ECM uses it to adjust valve according to current engine needs.

The ECM illuminates the check engine light with P024E and associated codes when it monitors any problem with intercoolers bypass control circuit or system. P024E Charge Air Cooler Bypass Position Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance code is set when there is an out of operational range condition within the position sensor or its circuit.

What causes the problem of Charge Air Cooler Bypass Position Sensor “A” Circuit Low?

• Faulty Charge Air Cooler Bypass Position Sensor “A”
• Shorted harness of Charge Air Cooler Bypass Position Sensor ‘A’
• Frayed Fuse/ relay
• Damaged Pin/ Connector
• Problematic ECM
• Poor electrical connection
• Some aftermarket accessories and performance modifications
• Faulty IMRC actuator relay (if equipped)

1. Damaged Wiring Harness - Damaged or Broken Wiring Harness could be an obstruction in bypass valve operational range of motion. So, it should be replaced for the proper functioning of your vehicle and to avoid this error code.
2. Defective Position Sensor - If the Charge Air Cooler Bypass Position Sensor is malfunctioned then this code will automatically set. Make sure it should be working properly. If found faulty replace it at earliest.
3. Engine Control Module - The ECM/ PCM, it’s a crucial part of the vehicle’s on-board computer, which usually resides in either the engine compartment or under one of your front seats, it provides the brain for the engine of the vehicle and makes sure the timing and emissions control system work properly. So, if it founds faulty should be repaired or replaced as required.
4. Charge Air Cooler - A charge air cooler is used to cool engine air after it has passed through a turbocharger, but before it enters the engine. The idea is to return the air to a lower temperature, for the optimum power for the combustion process within the engine. Make sure this is working fine to avoid major problems.
5. Bypass Control Circuit - Always have a check on bypass control circuit to avoid major problems with your costly vehicles else you will end up spending a lot. If this discovered inoperative, repair or replace as required.

Below are the common symptoms for the code P024E. If you experience below mentioned symptoms please bring your vehicle to a reputable repair facility. Keep in mind; problems don’t get better over time unless rectified.

• Poor acceleration
• Faulty O2 sensor
• Diminished engine performance
• Invading of vehicle into “limp mode”
• Misfiring of engine
• Check engine light ON 

This trouble code is considered generic because it applies to all makes and models of vehicles, although specific repair steps may be different depending on your car model. Keep the below mentioned points in mind while fixing this code but it’s always good to have a qualified technician to look after your vehicle when this error code arises.

• Look for missing ground strap or a rusty ground where the fuel tank is grounded to the frame.
• Check for damage to the wiring harness connector.
• If the DPF is not cleared the ECU will revert to the “Limp Home Mode” until the situation is corrected.
• Clear the codes and test-drive the vehicle to see if the code is reset.

Diagnosing this code requires the engine to be in good running shape, without unmetered air entering the engine. If other codes that relates to misfiring condition, lean running or air entering the engine is present, then you must first fix those error codes before P024E.

Troubleshooting steps may differ depending upon manufacturer. A good starting point is always a technical service. Several tools may be required to successfully diagnose this code.

• First of all, try to locate your charge air cooler bypass control valve. Once it is located, inspect for any physical damage.
• Inspect if there are any obstructions in the valve’s range of motion by simply removing it completely and clean it completely before reinstalling.
• Observe the wires and harness for the bypass valve closely which are involved within the circuit. Those should not have nicks, cuts or signs of corrosion. Make sure to disconnect battery before performing any electrical repairs.
• Inspect carefully the mechanical operation of the valve itself, if you find the valve sticking and there is nothing obstructing it, it means the valve it defective. In this case, you can try replacing it. Make sure the manufacturer also recommends a new valve in this case.
• Verify the integrity of the circuit by performing numerous basic electrical tests. If everything checks out, there may be some input tests you could do involving the connector at the valve to verify the ECM functionality with the valve.
• There is a test drive recommended after you've completed any repairs to see if the condition is fixed. Before you take a test drive after a repair, always erase the P Code(s) first. This will turn the check engine light off and then you will know if the check engine light returns, you've got further diagnostics to complete.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P024E Code

There are some tips and advices which one should keep in mind while fixing this error code to avoid inviting any further problems. Usually, people make mistakes like they forget to switch off the engine before troubleshooting. So, please let the engine cool first and disconnect the battery before performing any electrical repair. Please wear Personal protective equipment and always verify and record the integrity of your battery and charging system before further troubleshooting.