P0299 Chevy Trax - Understanding the Code and Fixing the Vehicle

P0299 in a Chevy Trax is a code that is triggered when the car's Engine Control Module (ECM) detects an underboost condition in the car's turbocharger. This means that there's a problem in the car preventing the turbocharger from reaching its target boost level. This could be the result of a minor problem, or it could be a more serious issue that requires a mechanic's intervention.

P0299 code highlights

• Level of urgency:Medium
• Possible culprits:Turbocharger issues, fallen off or cracked pipes, air leak problems
• Price for repair:$150 - $800
• If neglected:Loss of power, harsh work, poor efficiency
• DIY repairs:Impossible
• Can you drive?Carefully

What is the P0299 Code?

The P0299 code is a generic powertrain code that indicates a problem with the turbocharger boost system has been detected. Usually, this implies an underboost condition and is associated with symptoms like reduced power, decreased fuel economy, and in some cases, a rough idle or engine misfiring.

Symptoms of P0299

When your car is experiencing the underboost conditions that lead to a P0299 code, there are certain symptoms that you will notice. Here are some signs that your car may be struggling with the P0299 issue.

• Loss of Power: The main symptom of P0299 is a loss of power or a reduction in engine performance. This is because the turbocharger is incapable of producing the required pressure. This reduces the amount of air the turbocharger can compress, which also decreases the amount of fuel fed into the engine. As a result, the car will feel slower and less responsive than it normally does when the turbocharger is fully functioning.
• Engine Noise: If the problem is caused by a mechanical issue with the turbocharger, such as a failed valve or actuator, then the engine might produce odd noises when accelerating. Depending on the cause of the problem, these noises could be hissing, rattling, or whining sounds.
• Limp Mode: In some cases, the car can detect the turbocharger failure as a potentially harmful situation to the car, causing it to go into limp mode. In limp mode, your car's performance is greatly reduced, allowing you to drive home safely while preventing further damage to the engine.
• Check Engine Light: P0299 will cause the check engine light to come on, while the code will be stored.

What is an Underboost Condition?

A turbocharger works by using the pressure of the engine's exhaust gases to drive a turbine that compresses the intake air. This compressed air carries more oxygen to the cylinders, allowing the engine to burn fuel more completely and efficiently.

This allows the engine to get more power out of the same amount of fuel, effectively increasing fuel efficiency and power output. Put simply, this "boosts" the engine's performance.

An underboost condition is caused when the turbocharger can't generate the necessary pressure required to reach the target boost level.

What Causes the P0299 Code in a Chevy Trax?

There are several potential causes of the P0299 code in a Chevy Trax. The problem is generally caused by any problem that will prevent the turbocharger from generating the required boost pressure, or any issue that prevents the ECM from reading the required boost pressure.

Here are some of the common causes of P0299 in a Chevy Trax.

1) Leaking or Cracked Hoses

The most common cause of P0299 is a leak in the turbocharger's piping. This could be in the form of a leak in the intake hose, or between different components of the turbo system like the hoses running from the intercooler or throttle body.

These hoses can break down over time as a result of age, wear, or heat. When this happens, the turbocharger won't be able to build up sufficient pressure, which will greatly reduce its effectiveness.

2) Faulty Boost Pressure Sensor

The boost pressure sensor is a component that measures the air pressure at the intake. This lets the engine know the pressure of the air leaving the turbocharger. If the sensor fails, the engine won't be able to monitor the turbocharger's effectiveness, causing the P0299 error to come up.

3) Faulty Wastegate Actuator

Another common cause of the P0299 code is a malfunctioning actuator. The wastegate is a valve that controls the flow of exhaust into the turbocharger. The wastegate can wear down after some time, which can break down the seal that it forms. When this happens, exhaust gases will leak from the turbocharger, slowing down the turbine and preventing the turbo from building the required boost.

4) Faulty Turbocharger

A turbocharger consists of a turbine and other moving parts that rotate at extreme speeds, sometimes as high as 25,000 RPM. This can cause great stress on the moving parts of the turbo system, such as the turbine shaft seals, which can eventually fail and start to leak.

This will cause the turbocharger to fail and leak oil while producing a whining sound. When this happens, the turbocharger will fail to produce the required boost level, causing the check engine light to come on.

5) Cracked Turbocharger Housing

The housing of the turbocharger is typically built strong to withstand the stresses that the turbo goes through. However, it can eventually fail as a result of heat, temperature extremes, and age. If a crack develops in the turbocharger housing, it won't be able to generate sufficient pressure. You might also hear a hissing sound when accelerating.

How to Fix P0299?

Fixing a turbocharger is a difficult job, even if you're familiar with the cause of the problem. Depending on the cause of the problem, your best option is usually to bring the car to an experienced mechanic to have them repair the turbocharger.

The first step to fixing the P0299 problem is finding out whether the problem is caused by an underboost condition. Depending on the type of scan tool you have, you might be able to monitor the turbocharger pressure directly through your scanner. If your scan tool doesn't have this feature, then you will need to use a boost pressure tester.

If the reading from the pressure gauge is normal, then you might need to replace the boost pressure sensor. However, if the pressure gauge reading is low, then there is a leak in the system that you will need to identify.

Looks for cracks or leaks in the turbocharger pipes and hoses. If you find any leaks they will need to be replaced. Turbocharger pipes are available online at affordable prices.

If there is a crack in the body of the turbocharger, it will need to be replaced. It is possible to have that servo charger housing repaired, but this is not advised. This is because the turbocharger experiences extreme conditions and stress during normal operation and it is likely the repaired turbocharger housing will crack once again.

Finding the cause of the boost leak can be very tricky. If you don't have experience repairing turbochargers, or you can't find the source of the leak, then you should contact an experienced mechanic to examine and repair the turbocharger for you.

How to Prevent P0299

Once you solve the cause of your P0299 problem, the next step is to make sure that this problem doesn't come back again. Preventing leaks from developing in your turbocharger seems like a tall order, but it is doable. How can you prevent P0299 from reoccurring in your Chevy Trax?

Turbochargers are designed to last a very long time with little hands-on maintenance. However, there is some general maintenance that should be done to keep your turbocharger in good working order.

• Turbochargers generate a lot of heat during their operation and rely on engine oil to cool them down. Make sure your car always has sufficient and clean oil. This prevents the turbocharger from overheating, which can cause cracks in the turbocharger housing or pipes.
• Make sure to replace your engine's air filter on time. A dirty or damaged air filter could allow foreign objects to get into the turbo system. This can cause foreign object damage, where debris could collide with the housing or turbine blades at high speed. This can cause cracks and leaks to develop in the system or can result in a faulty turbocharger, resulting in an underboost condition that will trigger p0299.

Conclusion

Experiencing the P0299 problem in your Chevy Trax will take the wind out of your sails with reduced power, reduced fuel efficiency, or even engine misfiring. The problem is typically a result of an underboost condition in the turbocharger. This means the pressure in the turbocharger is too low to generate the required boost level.

This problem is caused by a leak somewhere turbocharger system. This could be the result of cracks in the turbocharger housing, leaking pipes or hoses, or a faulty wastegate actuator. It can also be caused by a faulty boost pressure sensor. Fixing the problem will require detecting the cause of the leak and replacing the affected part.