P0236 on Ford
Turbocharger Boost Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance
P0236 on Ford vehicles indicates turbocharger boost sensor a circuit range/performance. Au7o has documented this code across 2 Ford models — most commonly on Bronco Sport, Transit. This code indicates a range or performance problem with turbocharger (or supercharger) boost pressure sensor 'A', the sensor that tells the engine computer how much boost the forced-induction system is producing. The computer compares the sensor's reading against expected values for the current engine load and conditions, and sets this code when the signal is implausible or doesn't track properly. It usually means the boost reading is unreliable rather than completely missing, which can cause reduced power, poor throttle response, or limp mode. The fault can lie in the sensor itself, its wiring, or in actual boost-related problems like leaks. Typical repair costs on Ford range from $80 to $4,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0236
- •Faulty boost (MAP/charge) pressure sensor
- •Boost leak from a cracked or loose intercooler hose or pipe
- •Wiring or connector fault at the boost sensor
- •Clogged or kinked sensor reference hose
- •Failing turbocharger or wastegate not producing correct boost
- •Intake or vacuum leak affecting pressure readings
- •Carbon or oil contamination on the sensor element
P0236 on Ford by Model
Ford Bronco Sport(1 issue)
- 1.5L EcoBoost Turbocharger Wastegate Actuator Seizure Causing P0299 and Limp Mode2021-2024
Owners of 1.5L three-cylinder Bronco Sports report turbocharger failures that begin with a seized or binding wastegate actuator rod (in some cases a missing actuator e-clip). Because the actuator can no longer regulate boost, the vehicle throws P0299 (underboost) and drops into limp mode. In more advanced cases the turbine wheel itself lets go and forum members have found turbine debris downstream in the catalytic converter, which turns a turbo job into a turbo-plus-cat job. Failures are commonly reported in the 60,000-80,000 mile window - just past the 60k/5-year powertrain warranty - so owners frequently pay out of pocket. A handful of threads describe the P0299 code returning shortly after a turbo replacement, suggesting oil supply and post-repair oil-feed cleaning matter to the fix.
Ford Transit(2 issues)
- 3.5L EcoBoost Twin Turbocharger Failure2015-2024
The Ford Transit 350/350 HD with the 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V6 experiences turbocharger failures from inadequate lubrication, carbon buildup in the turbo housings, wastegate actuator failure, and turbo bearing wear. OMS AutoParts and Autodoc document common Transit turbo problems including loss of power, turbo lag, unusual whistling/whining/grinding noises, and excessive smoke. The commercial use of Transit vans (frequent stop-and-go, high idle hours, heavy loads) accelerates turbo wear beyond what passenger vehicle applications typically experience. FordTransitUSAForum.com documents a case of turbo and manifold failure at 38,000 miles on a 3.5L EcoBoost Transit 350. RepairPal estimates turbocharger assembly replacement between $1,650 and $2,210 depending on the Transit model variant.
- Turbocharger Boost Pressure Sensor / MAP Sensor Failure (2.0L EcoBlue)2020-2023
The 2.0L EcoBlue diesel Transit has a documented pattern of boost pressure sensor and manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor failures, causing incorrect boost readings fed to the ECM. When the sensor fails or reads out of range, the ECM defaults to a conservative fueling map, reducing power significantly and triggering a check engine light. This issue is noted in multiple European market TSBs and has been replicated in North American Transit owners' forums with the same engine.
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View P0236 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0236 mean on Ford?▼
P0236 stands for "Turbocharger Boost Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance." This code indicates a range or performance problem with turbocharger (or supercharger) boost pressure sensor 'A', the sensor that tells the engine computer how much boost the forced-induction system is producing. The computer compares the sensor's reading against expected values for the current engine load and conditions, and sets this code when the signal is implausible or doesn't track properly. It usually means the boost reading is unreliable rather than completely missing, which can cause reduced power, poor throttle response, or limp mode. The fault can lie in the sensor itself, its wiring, or in actual boost-related problems like leaks. On Ford specifically, this code is documented across 2 models.
What causes P0236 on Ford vehicles?▼
Common causes on Ford: Faulty boost (MAP/charge) pressure sensor, Boost leak from a cracked or loose intercooler hose or pipe, Wiring or connector fault at the boost sensor, Clogged or kinked sensor reference hose, Failing turbocharger or wastegate not producing correct boost. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0236 on a Ford?▼
Repair costs on Ford range from $80 to $4,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Ford models have P0236 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0236 on 2 Ford models: Bronco Sport, Transit.