AutoCodes – Ford – P138E Ford

P138E Ford Code - Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor 'A' Minimum/Maximum Stop Performance

Quick Answer

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors the Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor 'A'. Common causes include Faulty Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor 'A', Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor 'A' harness is open or shorted, Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor 'A' circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P138E Ford indicates Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor 'A' Minimum/Maximum Stop Performance.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor 'A', Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor 'A' harness is open or shorted, Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor 'A' circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 7,263

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Sep 24, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P138E Ford Description

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors the Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor 'A'. The PCM sets the OBDII code when the Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor 'A' is not to factory specifications.

OBDII Code P138E Ford - Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor 'A' Minimum/Maximum Stop Performance - AutoCodes.com — P138E Ford Code - Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor 'A' Minimum/Maximum Stop Performance

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P138E Ford?

Faulty Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor 'A'
Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor 'A' harness is open or shorted
Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor 'A' circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P138E Ford?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P138E Ford code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P138E Ford Code

1. What does the OBDII code P138E mean on a Ford vehicle?

P138E indicates an issue with the Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor 'A,' specifically a performance problem with its minimum or maximum stop positions.

2. What are the common symptoms of the P138E code?

Common symptoms include reduced engine power, poor acceleration, turbo lag, check engine light illumination, and decreased fuel efficiency.

3. What causes the P138E code to appear on a Ford?

Possible causes include a faulty turbocharger boost control position sensor, damaged or corroded wiring, carbon buildup in the turbocharger, or an issue with the turbo actuator.

4. Can I drive my vehicle with the P138E code active?

Driving with the P138E code is not recommended as it may lead to reduced performance, potential engine damage, or further complications with the turbocharger system.

5. How do I diagnose the P138E code?

Diagnose the code by using an OBDII scanner to confirm the fault, inspecting the turbocharger boost control position sensor and its wiring, and checking for mechanical issues like actuator or turbocharger binding.

6. What repairs are commonly needed for the P138E code?

Repairs may include replacing the turbocharger boost control position sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, cleaning the turbocharger, or recalibrating the turbo actuator.

7. How much does it cost to fix the P138E code on a Ford?

Costs can vary depending on the issue but typically range from $150 to $500 for sensor replacement or wiring repairs. Turbocharger or actuator repairs may cost significantly more.

8. Can a faulty turbo actuator trigger the P138E code?

Yes, a malfunctioning turbo actuator can cause the turbocharger boost control position sensor to report performance issues, triggering the P138E code.

9. Does the P138E code always mean the sensor is bad?

No, the sensor may not be faulty. The issue could lie in the wiring, actuator, or even mechanical components within the turbocharger system.

10. How can I prevent the P138E code from occurring?

Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the turbocharger, ensuring proper lubrication, and inspecting wiring and connectors, can help prevent issues that trigger the P138E code.