P2564 — Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor Circuit Low — LLY / LBZ / LMM Duramax
Diagnostic reference for LLY/LBZ/LMM Duramax 2004.5–2010 with code P2564.
What it means
The ECM sees the turbo boost control (vane) position sensor signal voltage below its valid range. On LLY/LBZ/LMM the Garrett GT3788VA vanes are moved hydraulically by engine oil pressure metered by the ECM-controlled VGT control solenoid, and a vane position sensor reports position back to the ECM. Circuit low usually means a failed vane position sensor, an open or shorted signal/reference wire, or a connector fault at the turbo.1
Most likely causes
- Failed vane position sensor (internal short/open) pulling signal low — The vane position sensor mounts on the Garrett GT3788VA turbo and is serviceable separately. An internal failure can bias the signal voltage below the ECM’s valid range.1
- Open or short-to-ground in the vane position sensor signal or reference circuit — Wiring damage, chafing near the turbo, or corrosion at the turbo connector can pull the signal low or open the reference, causing a circuit-low reading.1
- Connector fault / poor terminal contact at the turbo vane position sensor — Heat and oil exposure at the turbo can degrade the sensor connector, leading to intermittent or persistent low voltage.1
- ECM driver/reference supply issue affecting the sensor circuit — A low reference voltage or internal ECM fault can make the sensor appear low; verify supply/reference before condemning the sensor.1
How to diagnose
- Verify code and freeze frame; confirm P2564 is present and note engine oil temperature and run time.
- Inspect turbo vane position sensor connector at the Garrett GT3788VA for oil contamination, heat damage, bent terminals, and secure lock. Repair connector as needed.
- With key on engine off, check sensor reference voltage and ground at the sensor harness per service data; look for short to ground on signal wire.
- Monitor vane position sensor voltage with a scan tool while commanding VGT; a stuck low voltage indicates sensor or wiring fault.
- If voltage is present and within spec, perform a wiggle test on the harness from turbo to ECM while watching sensor PID for dropouts.
- If wiring and connector are good, replace the vane position sensor and clear codes; verify sensor voltage returns to normal range.
Parts and tools you may need
- Digital multimeter
- Scan tool with live data and bi-directional VGT control
- Terminal cleaning kit
- Replacement vane position sensor (Garrett GT3788VA)
- Dielectric grease
Tools you’ll need
- OBD-II scan tool — Reads P2564 and live vane position sensor voltage/PID to confirm a stuck-low signal during VGT commands.
- digital multimeter — Checks sensor reference voltage, ground integrity, and signal wire for short-to-ground at the turbo connector with key on engine off.
- inspection mirror — Lets you see the Garrett GT3788VA vane position sensor connector for oil contamination and heat damage in the tight turbo area.
- terminal release tool set — Safely opens and reseats the turbo sensor connector to repair bent terminals or poor contact causing a low signal.
Rough cost and difficulty
| Likely repair | Parts | Shop labor | Who usually does it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shop diagnosis | — | 1–2 hrs | Shop |
| Wiring or connector repair | $10–$100 | 1–4 hrs | DIY with tools and a manual |
| ECM/PCM replacement (programmed) | $600–$2,000 | 1–3 hrs | Shop |
Typical US independent-shop figures; labor runs about $120–$180 per hour (dealers charge more). Confirm the diagnosis before buying parts.
When to see a pro
If wiring tests normal but the sensor voltage remains low, or if the VGT actuator requires removal, have a qualified diesel technician perform the repair. Do not attempt turbo or VGT actuator service without proper training and safety equipment.
Check for recalls
Recalls are tied to your truck’s VIN, so check yours directly: enter the VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup. Open safety recalls are repaired free at a dealer.
Sources
Repair videos: P2564 on the LLY-LMM Duramax
Third-party videos, not ours — picked for this engine. Confirm anything against the factory service information for your truck.
Spotted an error, or something missing? Tell us
Run a LLY / LBZ / LMM Duramax? This goes straight to the editor — it is not published.