Turbocharger boost sensor: replacement and selection

When and why a turbocharger boost sensor needs replacement

The turbocharger boost sensor has no operational lifetime limit specified. It is replaced after short circuit in electric coil, and if IC chip contacts are oxidized.

An electric coil of the turbo boost sensor can break down due to voltage fluctuation in the car mains. Defects of a microcircuit are mostly caused by ingress of condensed water, which forms in the intake manifold pipe due to temperature variations. Also the cause of part breakdown is presence of oil and soot admixtures in the intake. They are constantly present in crankcase gases, but if piston rings are damaged their concentration increases significantly.

Defect of the sensor can be signaled by “Check Engine” indicator on the dashboard. Moreover, if this part is broken the engine power gets lower. Often, fuel consumption increases as well.

You need to visit a service station for part replacement as it can be mounted in hard-to-reach areas (this depends on car design). During replacement of the sensor a new gasket needs to be installed – typically it is in a kit with the part. As defect of the boost pressure sensor is noted in the ECU error log in a memory device; after defect removal one needs to make sure that error information is cleared.

How to select turbocharger boost sensor

The housing of the component can be made of plastics or metal. Standard and combined sensors are produced. The latter perform auxiliary function of measuring the boost air temperature. However, these devices are usually more expensive.

High-quality and durable boost pressure sensors are offered by many car part manufacturers. Among those are Bosch, Metzger, Hella, Vemo, Febi Bilstein.

The sensor should be selected in accordance to the car make, model and production year, as well as to the engine type (gasoline or diesel) and displacement. Items differ by size, shape, operational pressure range and quantity of contacts for connection (according to car technical specifications).