P226C means the boost control actuator of turbocharger A does move, but too slowly, so boost lags behind changes in demand. Ford's 2023 diesel summary runs an intrusive check on the 3.0 L and 1.5 L at idle, once in each drive cycle: the variable vanes travel from closed to open, and within 7 s manifold pressure must change by at least 6.5 kPa at sea level (3.5 kPa at 8,000 ft). Mitsubishi's 2022 Eclipse Cross 1.5 turbo sets it when the wastegate angle stays more than 20 % off target for 5 s and then limits torque. FCA changed P226C on the 2014 Ram 6.7 L Cummins so that the MIL needs two trips instead of one; FCA case S2018000009 (Jeep) blames varnish in the VGT housing, Nissan NTB20-071 (Titan XD 5.0 diesel) a binding turbine control valve. P226F is the B side.
Medium severity. Can I keep driving?Drive without demanding power and go to a repair shop soon. If you see a lot of blue smoke or hear a metallic noise, shut off the engine.
Symptoms
- Hesitant pull from low engine speed, turbo lag
- MIL on, sometimes with a torque limit
- More smoke on acceleration with diesel engines
Most likely causes
- Variable vanes or turbine control valve sluggish from soot, varnish or corrosion
- Worn electric or pneumatic boost actuator, or a weak control solenoid
- Damaged wiring or connector between actuator and control module
- Control module software that needs an update (cold-weather false sets)
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
Good to know
- Repair difficulty: hard
- It can trigger limp mode.
- It affects emissions.
What each character of P226C means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 2: Generic code: same on every make
- 2: Fuel injection
- 6C: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P226C?
Drive without demanding power and go to a repair shop soon. If you see a lot of blue smoke or hear a metallic noise, shut off the engine.
What causes code P226C?
The most common causes are: variable vanes or turbine control valve sluggish from soot, varnish or corrosion; worn electric or pneumatic boost actuator, or a weak control solenoid; damaged wiring or connector between actuator and control module.
Related codes
- P226FTurbocharger Boost Control B Slow Response
- P00AFTurbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control A Module Performance
- P2563Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance
- P0299Turbocharger/Supercharger A Underboost Condition
- P2263Turbocharger/Supercharger A Boost System Performance
- P0045Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control A Circuit/Open
Sources
- fordservicecontent.com: obd summary diesel 2023
- mitsubishitechinfo.com: M113151410001100USA
- static.nhtsa.gov: MC 10139778 9999
- static.nhtsa.gov: MC 10180217 9999
Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.