P0299 on GMC
Turbo/Supercharger Underboost Condition
P0299 on GMC vehicles indicates turbo/supercharger underboost condition. Au7o has documented this code across 3 GMC models — most commonly on Sierra 2500HD, Sierra 3500HD, Terrain. P0299 means the engine computer detected an underboost condition — the turbocharger or supercharger is producing less boost pressure than the PCM expects for the given conditions. The computer compares the manifold/boost pressure sensor reading to a target based on engine load, and when actual boost falls short, it sets this code. The most common real-world cause is a leak somewhere in the intake/charge-air path. You'll typically feel reduced power or sluggish acceleration, and the engine may go into a reduced-power mode. Typical repair costs on GMC range from $150 to $3,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0299
- •Boost/intake leak (cracked or loose charge-air hose or intercooler)
- •Faulty or sticking turbo wastegate or actuator
- •Stuck or clogged variable-geometry turbo vanes (VGT)
- •Faulty boost pressure or MAP sensor
- •Leaking or disconnected vacuum/boost control lines
- •Restricted air intake or clogged air filter
- •Failed boost control solenoid
- •Worn or failing turbocharger
P0299 on GMC by Model
GMC Sierra 2500HD(1 issue)
- Variable-Geometry Turbo Unison Ring Seizing and Vane Position Sensor Failure (P003A / P2563)2006-2016
The Garrett variable-geometry turbocharger used on the LBZ, LMM and LML Duramax controls boost by pivoting vanes on a unison ring inside the turbine housing. Soot and carbon bake onto the ring over time and it begins to bind, so the actuator can no longer move the vanes to the commanded position. The ECM sees the mismatch and sets P003A (turbocharger position performance) and/or P2563 (turbocharger vane position sensor performance), usually together, and puts the truck in a reduced-power state. Trucks that idle a lot or run short trips soot the ring up fastest. Duramax forum and Diesel Place threads on these two codes run for hundreds of pages across 2006-2016 Sierra 2500HD trucks.
GMC Sierra 3500HD(1 issue)
- Turbocharger VGT Vane Sticking and Boost Control Failure (Duramax LML/L5P)2011-2022
The variable geometry turbocharger (Garrett GT3788VA on LML, and similar VGT on L5P) used on 6.6L Duramax engines develops carbon buildup on the variable vanes, causing them to stick and resulting in loss of boost control. Owners report surging, lack of power under load, black smoke, and check engine lights. This is a widely documented issue in Duramax owner communities and referenced in multiple TSBs including 16-NA-026.
GMC Terrain(3 issues)
- 1.5L Turbo PCV System Failure and Coolant/Oil Intrusion2018-2025
The 2018+ Terrain with the 1.5L turbocharged engine (LFV/LYX) experiences PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) diaphragm failure inside the valve cover. The integrated PCV diaphragm tears, causing excessive crankcase pressure that forces oil into the intake manifold and intercooler. Symptoms include oily residue around the air intake and intercooler outlet pipe. In severe cases, excessive crankcase pressure also causes coolant intrusion into the combustion chamber. GM issued TSB PIT5697 for this issue. This is the same problem affecting the Chevrolet Equinox 1.5T of the same era.
- Charge Air Cooler Moisture Freeze-Up - Misfire, Underboost and Reduced Engine Power in Cold Weather2018-2024
On the second-generation Terrain (2018+) with the turbocharged 1.5L LYX or 2.0L LTG engine, the air-to-air charge air cooler (intercooler) accumulates condensate from humid or rainy driving plus PCV-borne moisture. In cold ambient temperatures that water freezes inside the CAC core, restricting charge airflow. GM documents this in service bulletin 18-NA-020, originally issued for 2018-2022 and later expanded through the 2024 model year. Owners on the Terrain/Equinox forum describe ice and standing water inside the charge tube. This is a distinct failure from the CAC outlet duct popping off the throttle body and from the 1.5L PCV coolant/oil intrusion problem - here the cooler itself is obstructed by ice or contamination, not disconnected.
- Charge Air Cooler Outlet Duct Disconnecting at the Throttle Body - Sudden Power Loss and Stall2018-2022
On 1.5L LYX-equipped Terrains the charge air cooler outlet tube can separate from the throttle body inlet. The retaining clip design does not hold the duct under boost pressure and heat cycling, so the tube pops off, dumping boost and unmetered air. GM issued Service Update N192266090 covering the charge air cooler duct disconnect at the throttle body on 2019 Malibu, Equinox and Terrain 1.5L vehicles, and the condition is further covered by field bulletins PIP5651 and 22-NA-224 across the 2018-2022 range. This is separate from the frozen-CAC condition: the cooler is fine, the connection has come apart. It is also distinct from the throttle body / TPS electrical failure already documented, because the fault is mechanical air-path separation.
Looking for P0299 on a different make?
View P0299 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0299 mean on GMC?▼
P0299 stands for "Turbo/Supercharger Underboost Condition." P0299 means the engine computer detected an underboost condition — the turbocharger or supercharger is producing less boost pressure than the PCM expects for the given conditions. The computer compares the manifold/boost pressure sensor reading to a target based on engine load, and when actual boost falls short, it sets this code. The most common real-world cause is a leak somewhere in the intake/charge-air path. You'll typically feel reduced power or sluggish acceleration, and the engine may go into a reduced-power mode. On GMC specifically, this code is documented across 3 models.
What causes P0299 on GMC vehicles?▼
Common causes on GMC: Boost/intake leak (cracked or loose charge-air hose or intercooler), Faulty or sticking turbo wastegate or actuator, Stuck or clogged variable-geometry turbo vanes (VGT), Faulty boost pressure or MAP sensor, Leaking or disconnected vacuum/boost control lines. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0299 on a GMC?▼
Repair costs on GMC range from $150 to $3,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which GMC models have P0299 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0299 on 3 GMC models: Sierra 2500HD, Sierra 3500HD, Terrain.