P0299 is one of the frequent fault codes on Ford F150 EcoBoost engines with the turbocharger/supercharger installed. A sensor sends the air pressure to ECU to observe the boosting operation. If it is below certain limits, ECU considers it a turbocharger malfunction and puts the truck into limp mode.
P0299 error code on Ford F150 is due to loss of boost pressure by the turbocharger. In addition, it can be due to malfunctioning of the turbocharger, leakage in the air intake system, faulty EGR system, faulty boost sensor, and low engine oil. Its symptoms are check engine light, loss of power and acceleration, and noisy or rough engine operation. Ford F150 2.7 and 3.5-liter EcoBoost engines with turbochargers are prone to this fault.
This article will guide Ford owners regarding the P0299 error code on their pickup trucks. We will discuss its causes, symptoms, effects, and steps to resolve it. We will also briefly discuss the time and money required to troubleshoot this fault code.
What does the P0299 trouble code on Ford F150 mean?
P0299 diagnostic trouble code (DTC) on Ford f150 with EcoBoost engines is due to malfunctioning of the turbocharger or any associated components. When you get this code on an OBD-II tool, it means there is an under boost or low output from the turbo or supercharger.
Besides the check engine light, you can observe a few symptoms associated with the fault. Moreover, it does not necessarily indicate the faulty turbocharger, but there can be a few other reasons causing the engine to lose pressure at the intake manifold.
What are the indications of the P0299 diagnostic trouble code on the Ford F150?
Your Ford F150 will not directly display the P0299 error code on the dashboard, but the first indication you will observe will be a check engine light (CEL).
When you diagnose it with the OBD-II tool, it will display the P0299 DTC, and you will come to know that it is a malfunction associated with a lack of boost on the engine.
Another significant observation will be the lack of power besides pressing the accelerator due to the loss of boost pressure. Moreover, ECU will put the engine also to limp mode to prevent further damage.
You will also hear the noisy operation of the turbocharger or supercharger, ensuring that fault is associated with them. Finally, you can observe it in exhaust smoke for unburned gasoline or a change in its color.
What are the causes of the P0299 code on the Ford F150?
There can be several reasons causing the under boost condition resulting in P0299 DTC on Ford F150. Mostly it is due to the fault in the turbocharger/supercharger or its associated components.
First and the leading cause can be a faulty turbo or supercharger, resulting in a lack of boost pressure. Next, you should check for any leakage in air intake components, including hosepipes, an intercooler, or an intake manifold.
An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system is there in the latest models of Ford F150 to reduce emissions. Any malfunctioning in the EGR valves can also result in the symptoms of the P0299 code.
Another critical component that can cause the fault code is a faulty boost sensor. It measures air pressure and feeds it to the ECU to maintain the correct air-fuel mixture. With time, dirt buildup on the sensor results in inaccurate measurements causing the engine to throw a P0299 error code.
Low oil pressure can also affect the boosting operation of the turbocharger/supercharger on your pickup truck. Therefore, before concluding the faulty turbo or supercharger, you should give a good visual inspection of all these components to sort out the primary cause of the fault.
What are the consequences of the P0299 fault code?
There can be consequences related to engine performance loss and damage to the engine if you keep driving your Ford F150 with P0299 DTC. ECU will put the truck in limp mode to operate with limited power.
If the fault is due to a leak in the air intake system, you will observe a loss of acceleration. If malfunctioning is due to low engine oil or its poor condition, it will have consequences of damage to the turbocharger and its noisy operation because it operates at higher speeds and has to deal with excess heat and air pressure.
Moreover, a faulty boost sensor also results in a lower air pressure reading. Therefore, ECU takes it as malfunctioning of the boosting device and reduces the engine power to protect it from damage.
Therefore, you will face a loss of power and acceleration on your Ecoboost engine. Moreover, if you keep on driving despite the presence of all the indications and a faulty turbocharger, it can result in severe damage to the engine resulting in higher maintenance costs.
How to troubleshoot the P0299 diagnostic trouble code on Ford F150?
The first step to troubleshooting the fault on the Ford F150 is connecting the OBD-II tool and reading the DTC. In the case of the P0299 code, you should visually inspect all the components associated with turbo/superchargers that can result in an under boost.
You should observe the intercooler, charger cooler, and air intake pipes for any symptoms of leaks or the presence of oil moisture on them. Next, you should check the clamps on the ends of all lines to tighten them if they get loose.
Check the air filter as its clogging can also result in loss of air pressure. Clean the boost pressure and MAP sensor to ensure their proper working. Next, inspect the wastegate control solenoid and all its lines for leaks.
Next, check for blow-off valves for any leaks from its diaphragm. You should also check the engine’s EGR system, oil condition, and level. Lastly, check the turbocharger for any malfunction. After inspecting all system components, clear the fault codes and test drive the pickup truck.
You can also use a gauge to take air pressure readings to ensure proper functioning. Mostly the fault is due to air leak from any loose clamp or leakage in any pipes in the air intake system. Therefore, you can easily resolve it without needing costly repairs for the turbocharger itself.
How much time and money does it take to resolve the P0299 code?
Time and cost to repair the under boost condition on Ford F150 resulting in P0299 fault code can vary according to the faulty component and extent of the fault.
Usually, troubleshooting the error takes 3-7 hours, including using the OBD-II tool to scan it, visual inspection, and cleaning of all parts.
You have to spend additional time if it requires the replacement of any faulty component, especially a turbocharger or supercharger.
Repair costs can be as low as $200 if the mechanic resolves the fault by simply cleaning and tightening all clamps on pipes.
However, it can go as high as $1500-$3000 if it requires the replacement of a turbo or supercharger to resolve the fault.
Which Ford F150 engines can face the P0299 fault code?
Ford F150 with EcoBoost engine options can deliver higher power and torque ratings due to the twin turbocharger installed on them.
The 3.5-liter EcoBoost has been available on Ford F150 pickup trucks since 2011, while 2.7-liter EcoBoost has been an option since 2015.
Earlier models of 3.5-liter have frequent turbocharger failures, while the situation improved in later models.
However, you will still observe P0299 fault codes on both engines due to loss of air pressure due to any of the discussed reasons.
Related Articles: