Fuel and air

P0244 — Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid A Range/Performance

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P0244 means

The PCM compares target boost with actual boost and monitors the wastegate solenoid circuit. The solenoid controls vacuum or pressure to the wastegate actuator, which limits boost. P0244 sets when the solenoid response or the boost it controls falls outside the allowed range.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine light on
  • Sluggish acceleration and low power
  • Boost lower or higher than target
  • Surging or fluctuating boost
  • Limp mode or engine derate
  • Unusual turbo whistle or noise
  • Possible companion codes such as P0299 or P0234

Possible causes

  1. Failed wastegate solenoid
  2. Damaged wiring or corroded connector at the solenoid
  3. Cracked or leaking vacuum and boost hoses
  4. Sticking wastegate actuator or flap
  5. Stuck VGT vanes on variable geometry turbos
  6. Boost leak downstream of the turbo
  7. PCM software fault (uncommon)

How to diagnose

  1. Read all codes and freeze frame data, noting any P0299 or P0234
  2. Inspect vacuum hoses and boost piping for cracks, loose clamps and oil residue
  3. Check the solenoid connector and harness for corrosion, opens, and shorts to ground or power
  4. Measure solenoid coil resistance and compare with spec
  5. Compare commanded and actual boost in live data
  6. Command the solenoid with a scan tool and listen for it to actuate
  7. Check the actuator rod moves smoothly through its full range
  8. Pressure test the intake tract for leaks

Common fixes

  • Replace the wastegate solenoid
  • Repair wiring and replace damaged connectors
  • Fix leaks by replacing hoses, pipes or clamps
  • Repair or replace the wastegate actuator, flap or turbocharger
  • Reflash or replace the PCM only after everything else is ruled out

Questions and answers

Can I drive with a P0244 code?

Only briefly and carefully until it can be repaired. Power is often limited, and incorrect boost can damage the engine or turbo, so don't put it off.

What most often causes P0244?

Usually a failed wastegate solenoid, a poor connection at its plug, or a leak in the vacuum or boost hoses. Start with the hoses and wiring.

Can I just clear the code?

Clearing it only turns the light off for a while. If the cause remains the code will return, and wrong boost keeps stressing the engine.

This is general information about the code. The meaning can differ between makes and models: a scan tool and the repair manual for your car will show the exact cause.