Fuel and air

P0245 — Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid A Circuit Low

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P0245 means

The engine control unit regulates boost by using a solenoid to control the wastegate actuator, which bleeds exhaust flow away from the turbine. P0245 sets when the voltage in the solenoid A control circuit is lower than expected. Typical causes are a short to ground, a failed solenoid or damaged wiring. Boost can then no longer be controlled accurately.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Reduced power and low boost
  • Sluggish acceleration
  • Limp mode
  • Unusual turbo whine or lag
  • Inconsistent boost when accelerating

Possible causes

  1. Failed wastegate solenoid A
  2. Damaged or corroded wiring or connectors in the solenoid circuit
  3. Control circuit shorted to ground
  4. Poor power or ground supply to the solenoid
  5. Cracked or disconnected vacuum lines to the actuator
  6. Faulty ECM output driver (rare)

How to diagnose

  1. Scan for codes and freeze frame data and look for other boost-related codes
  2. Inspect the solenoid wiring and connector for chafing, oil, corrosion or heat damage
  3. Check vacuum hoses and lines for cracks, kinks and loose fittings
  4. Compare commanded and actual boost in live data
  5. Measure the solenoid coil resistance and compare it to specification
  6. Check for power, a control signal and no short to ground at the connector
  7. Check the wastegate actuator moves freely through its full range
  8. If wiring and solenoid test good, test the ECM and its output driver

Common fixes

  • Replace wastegate solenoid A
  • Repair or replace damaged wiring and connectors
  • Restore the solenoid's power and ground supply
  • Replace damaged vacuum hoses or the wastegate actuator
  • Replace or reprogram the ECM if it is confirmed faulty

Questions and answers

What does code P0245 mean?

The ECM detected a low voltage signal in the wastegate solenoid A control circuit. Boost can no longer be regulated properly, so engine power drops.

Can I drive with P0245?

Only briefly and carefully, for example to a shop. Power is limited, and a misbehaving wastegate can cause overboost that is hard on the turbo.

What most often causes P0245?

Usually damaged wiring or a connector at the solenoid, or a failed solenoid itself. Inspect the wiring and hoses first, then test the solenoid.

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.