POWERSTROKE-P0299-60 serious Power Stroke ›

Turbocharger Underboost Condition

The POWERSTROKE-P0299-60 (Power Stroke) diesel fault code means: Turbocharger Underboost Condition. This is a serious severity code.

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Keep driving?
Short distances only
DIY difficulty
advanced
Estimated cost
$50-$2,000
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Common Symptoms

  • Black smoke
  • Loss of power
  • Limp mode on hills
  • Whistling or chuffing from turbo

Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)

  • Stuck VGT vanes from soot buildup Very Likely
  • Leaking turbo up-pipes or bellowed section Likely
  • Intercooler boot blown off (common at connection point) Likely
  • Failed turbo actuator Likely

Common Fixes by Vehicle

What techs usually find when diagnosing POWERSTROKE-P0299-60 on specific platforms — tap a platform for the fix and the exact part:

2003-2007 Ford F-250/F-350 6.0L Power Stroke Advanced DIY

Turbocharger underboost on 6.0L - almost always the VGT unison ring stuck with soot. Remove the turbo, clean the unison ring and vanes with a wire brush and Seafoam, lube with nickel anti-seize, and reinstall. If the actuator is bad, replace with Ford updated part.

Labor: 4.0-6.0 hrs
Common fix part VGT Unison Ring / Cleaning Kit View on Amazon→ Compare fitment at PartsGeek→

Frequently Asked Questions

What is P0299 on a 6.0L Power Stroke?

P0299 on a 6.0L Power Stroke (2003-2007) indicates: Turbocharger Underboost Condition. This is a known diagnostic trouble code on this engine family and typically points to the causes listed above.

Can I drive with P0299 on my Power Stroke?

Only drive short distances to get to a repair facility. Continued operation may cause further damage.

How much does it cost to fix P0299?

Repair cost is typically $50-$2,000 depending on the underlying cause and whether you DIY or use a shop. Diagnostic time alone runs $100-$180 at most independent diesel shops.

Mechanics Guide Step-by-step diagnosis

Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure

  1. Smoke-test the entire intake from turbo to intake manifold.

  2. Inspect intercooler boots at the hot and cold side -- a popped boot causes instant P0299.

  3. Monitor MAP vs commanded boost on scan tool.

  4. If vanes stuck, clean and actuate per 6.0L TSB.

Commonly Affected Vehicles

  • 2003-2007 Ford F-250 Super Duty 6.0L Power Stroke
  • 2003-2007 Ford F-350 Super Duty 6.0L Power Stroke
  • 2003-2007 Ford F-450/F-550 Super Duty 6.0L Power Stroke
  • 2003-2010 Ford E-350/E-450 6.0L Power Stroke
  • 2003-2005 Ford Excursion 6.0L Power Stroke

Related Codes

P2263P0045

Explore More

More Power Stroke codes → Diesel home All diesel codes Heavy-duty Guides

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