MAP / Boost Sensor High
The MAXXFORCE-P0238 (MaxxForce) diesel fault code means: MAP / Boost Sensor High. This is a serious severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Yes, but fix soon
- DIY difficulty
- intermediate
- Estimated cost
- $120-$450
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Common Symptoms
- CEL
- Limp mode
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Shorted boost sensor wiring Likely
Frequently Asked Questions
What is P0238 on a MaxxForce 13 (12.4L)?
P0238 on a MaxxForce 13 (12.4L) (2008-2014) indicates: MAP / Boost Sensor High. This is a known fault code on the MaxxForce engine family and typically points to the causes listed above.
Can I drive with P0238 on my MaxxForce?
Yes, you can generally drive with this code, but diagnose soon to prevent secondary damage.
How much does it cost to fix MaxxForce P0238?
Repair cost is typically $120-$450 depending on the underlying cause and shop rate. Many MaxxForce faults (especially EGR cooler, head bolt, and VGT repairs) are major expenses that drove fleet owners to repower with Cummins or retire these trucks early.
What actually makes the computer set this boost code?
California's heavy-duty OBD regulation sets the underboost trip point where a decrease from commanded or expected boost would push NMHC, CO or NOx past 2.0 times the applicable standards, or PM past the standard plus 0.02 g/bhp-hr (Title 13 CCR 1971.1, section (e)(4.2.1)). As with EGR, it must also flag the system reaching its control limits without achieving commanded boost — worth knowing before condemning a turbo that is physically moving. This threshold comes from the heavy-duty OBD regulation, which covers 2010 and later heavy-duty engines. If your engine is in a pickup at or under 14,000 lb GVWR it is certified under the separate medium-duty rule instead, so treat this as the design intent rather than your engine's exact limit.
Mechanics Guide Step-by-step diagnosis
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
Inspect harness for chafe.
Replace sensor.
Sources 2
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
- California Code of Regulations, Title 13 section 1971.1 (Heavy-Duty OBD)malfunction criteria, section (e)
- SAE J2012Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (defines P0238 as a generic OBD-II code)
P0238 on Other Platforms
The same code ID appears across other engines, vehicles, and equipment. Diagnostic flow varies by platform — see the matching breakdown:
Commonly Affected Vehicles
- International ProStar MaxxForce 13
- International LoneStar MaxxForce 13
- International TranStar 8600 MaxxForce 13
- International PayStar 5900 MaxxForce 13
- International 9900i MaxxForce 13
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