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Error Code P2579: What It Means & What To Do?

OBD Code P2579 - Turbocharger Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance

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The trouble code P2579 can be explicated as Turbocharger Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance. If the engine control module would detect a variation in the voltage coming from the turbocharger speed sensor circuit delivered performance that is outside the parameters set by the automobile manufacturer, then it would store the P2579 fault code. This would give rise to the flashing up of the check engine light.

Learn More About OBD Error Code P2579

This diagnostic fault code is a generic powertrain code, which means that it would apply to the OBD-II equipped vehicles. The specific repair steps can vary as it depends upon the vehicle make and model. The engine control module, powertrain control module or the transmission control module monitors this circuit depending upon the particular automobile.


What causes this problem with the Turbocharger Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance?


  • The turbocharger speed sensor might be flawed
  • Turbocharger speed sensor harness is not shut or tiny
  • There might be poor electrical connection in the turbocharger speed sensor circuit

Replace/Repair These Parts To Fix OBD Code P2579

  1. Turbocharger - When the boost is running, a faulty turbo could make a loud whining noise. The noise generally sounds like a siren, and it tends to get louder as the issue aggravates. If you notice an uncommon noise paired with some of the above symptoms, your turbo might be failing. Visit us to purchase top notch turbocharger online.
  2. Engine Control Module - Want to know the most common reason behind the failure in the engine control module? Corrosion or damage because of moisture can cause ECM failure. Corrosion might enter the ECM through the wiring harness and moisture can enter by a failure in the seals in the ECM itself.
  3. Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve - Are you facing some engine performance issues? If there are some flaws in the EGR valve, then it would disrupt the automobile’s air fuel ratio which would ultimately cause engine performance problems like decrease in power, reduction in fuel efficiency as well as issues related to acceleration. Replace it as soon as possible.
  4. Exhaust System Parts - Malfunctioning exhaust system parts may lead to a noisy engine exhaust. A significant decrease in the fuel efficiency, power and acceleration are likely to be observed first as soon as there is a fault in the exhaust system parts. So it is important to change them. Log on to Parts Avatar now for supreme quality auto parts.
  5. Powertrain Control Module - The PCM makes the engine and transmission work in tandem. Any issue with the powertrain control module will cause major problems with the efficient running of the vehicle.
  6. Electronic Control Unit - If your vehicle fails to start for no apparent reason, this is also a good indicator that there can be some issues with the ECU. If you check the car battery, starter and other common electrical components, and the vehicle still does not start, a quirky electronic control unit should be the next logical thing to consider.
  7. Oxygen Sensor - If the fuel to air ratio is not correct, the engine may work in lean or rich conditions. This not only hampers the performance output, but also affects the fuel economy, exhaust emissions and acceleration. Thus, a faulty oxygen sensor must be replaced as if it important for keeping in checks the oxygen levels entering/exiting the engine.
  8. Diagnostic Tool - In order to fix these errors, you need few diagnostic tools to get your car problems pointed out easily. Our diagnostic tools collection will come handy to do so and resolve all your vehicle problems. Visit today!

Symptoms Of OBD Error Code P2579

It is vital to know the symptoms of an issue as only then you would be able to solve the problem. So that’s why we have listed out some major symptoms of OBD Code P2579 here:


Common Symptoms


  • Check engine light might come into signal
  • Issues related to engine stalling or misfiring
  • The engine performance might start declining
  • The automobile might not start at all

How To Correct P2579 Turbocharger Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance

The repairs which you will have to do to correct this fault code are simply straightforward; you can surely pinpoint the necessary repairs on the basis of your diagnosis. Have a look at some common fixes:


  • Repair or replace the quirky powertrain control module
  • Carefully adjust the faults in the turbocharger speed sensor
  • The turbocharger speed sensor harness should be restored to working order
  • Recondition the non-functioning turbocharger speed sensor circuit 

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Easy Diagnosis Of Engine Error OBD Code P2579

Here are some steps which you should follow in order to diagnose this fault code:


  • This is a general type of error code which is diagnosed with the help of a scanner.
  • A proper diagnosis of this code should start with a basic overview of the turbocharger system.
  • You must know that turbo charging is a form of forced air induction.
  • Forced air induction is a means of introducing excessive amounts of air into an engine so that gains in horsepower can be promoted.
  • Where a naturally aspirated engine utilizes vacuum created by downward piston movement to draw a controlled fuel/air mixture into the engine's combustion chambers, the forced air induction engine has air as well as fuel forced into the combustion chambers by outlining an alternately driven device.
  • Turbochargers are simply engine driven air compressors, which are designed to fulfill this task.
  • Turbochargers utilize the pressure from engine exhaust to propel impellers in a two chambered housing.
  • The two chambers are totally separate one from another. Engine exhaust pressure turns the impeller in chamber "A", which in turn spins turbine in chamber "B".
  • The impeller in chamber "B" would gather fresh air through the turbocharger intake system (and inter-coolers) and would then force the cooler, denser air into the car engine.
  • The cooler that the air temperature can become prior to entering the forced air induction device, the denser it will be when it reaches the combustion chamber.
  • Denser air allows fuel to atomize more efficiently and promotes increase horsepower.
  • Obviously, as engine RPM levels rise, forced air induction devices spin faster as well.
  • The typical turbocharger doesn't even begin to "spool up" until the engine reaches 1,700 to 2,500 RPMs and can operate at speeds of 250,000 RPMs under full boost pressure.
  • Turbocharger speed or RPM levels are monitored using one or more speed sensors placed in the turbocharger housing.
  • As the metal impeller and rotor spin which is inside the housing, specially designed notches pass across the electromagnetic turbo speed sensor.
  • The notches will provide a relief pattern in system voltage and these patterns are seen by the powertrain control module as waveform patterns.
  • The PCM would then recognize these waveform patterns as turbocharger speed or RPM.
  • The turbocharger impeller and rotor speeds are typically inspected independently of one another.
  • The independent readings are then utilized in comparison in order for the PCM to detect potential issues inside the turbo system.
  • Extreme RPMs are needed in order for the device to produce air pressure that is greater than that of the atmosphere. These elevated air pressure levels are called as "boost pressure".
  • As the boost pressure would rise, then the engine stress would also be elevated.
  • Every engine manufacturer would provide maximum recommended boost pressure specifications which are programmed into the PCM.
  • These specifications are calculated with the purpose of avoiding catastrophic engine failure because of a lot of boost pressure or reduced engine performance due to insufficient boost pressure in engines that are equipped with factory forced air induction devices.
  • When the limits of these specifications are breached (high or low) a code is stored in the PCM and there would be an illumination in the service engine soon lamp.
  • When the code is set and the service engine illuminated, then the issue in the boost should be investigated immediately.
  • Some special tools would be required to effectively diagnose this error code. You will require an OBD-II scanner, a boost pressure gauge, a hand-held vacuum pump, a vacuum gauge, and a dial indicator set.
  • Confirm that the engine is in proper working order with no misfires and no engine knocks.
  • After that you should check all turbo hose clamps for tightness and examine turbo intake and inter-cooler hoses for leaks or cracks. Just keep in mind that all air intake hoses are tight and in decent shape.
  • If all hoses are tight and in good order and there are no disconnected, torn, or cracked vacuum lines, then firmly grasp the turbo and attempt to "rock" it back and forth on the intake flange.
  • If the housing moves at all; tighten the bolts/nuts as needed to manufacturer's torque specifications.
  • Place a boost gauge so that it may be observed while actuating the throttle.
  • With the engine running in park or neutral, quickly rev the engine to approximately 5,000 RPMs and release the throttle suddenly. Carefully observe the boost gauge as boost pressure elevates and see if it exceeds 19-pounds. If it does, then it would mean that you have a waste-gate malfunction.
  • If boost fails to rise sufficiently (typically 14-pounds), then you have an issue in the turbocharger or exhaust. A scanner or code reader, a digital volt ohmmeter, and access to a manufacturer's wiring schematic will be needed to successfully diagnose this code.
  • Start your diagnosis with a visual inspection of all wiring and connectors. Repair or replace damaged, disconnected, shorted, or corroded wiring, connectors, and components as necessary.
  • Always retest the system after repairs are completed to ensure success. If all system wiring, connectors, and components appear to be in normal working order, connect the scanner to the diagnostic connector and record all stored codes as well as freeze frame data.
  • This will help to decide whether or not the malfunction is intermittent. Once the codes have been cleared, tests drive the vehicle to see if the code returns.
  • If the code has failed to return immediately, you may have an intermittent condition. Intermittent conditions can be quite challenging to diagnose and in extreme cases they should be allowed to worsen before a correct diagnosis can be made.
  • Waste-gate Malfunction: Remove the actuator arm from the waste-gate assembly.
  • Using the vacuum pump, manually engage the actuator valve and observe the waste-gate to make sure that it opens and closes fully.
  • Any fluctuation from fully closed would cause a dramatic drop in boost pressure. If the waste-gate door will not open fully, it could result in low boost pressure. Turbocharger Malfunction: After allowing the engine to cool down, remove the turbo outlet hose and look inside.
  • Look for oil standing inside of the housing. See if any fins are missing or defective on the impeller and check for signs that the impeller has been striking or rubbing the inside of the housing. Spin the blades by hand and feel for loose or roaring bearings.
  • Any of these conditions would indicate a defective turbocharger. Install the dial indicator so that it contacts the nose of the turbine outlet shaft and measure end play.
  • Readings that exceed .003 should be considered excessive. If the turbocharger and waste-gate is in good working order, find a constant supply of vacuum from the intake manifold and install a vacuum gauge (in-line).
  • With the key on and the engine running (KOER), between 16 and 22-inches of vacuum should be produced by an engine in proper working order. If vacuum is less than 16-inches a bad catalytic converter may be the culprit.
  • If you still haven't found an obvious problem, then check the electrical circuitry and connectors of the turbocharger boost sensor.
  • Confirm voltage and resistance values by utilizing manufacturer's specifications and the faults should be repaired as per the requirement.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P2579 Code


  • Flaws in the powertrain control module
  • There can be some issues in the turbocharger speed sensor
  • Failure in the car wiring

Other Diagnostic Codes Related To OBD Code P2579

P2578 - Turbocharger Speed Sensor Circuit