Fuel and air

P0246 — Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid A Circuit High

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P0246 means

The engine control unit regulates boost pressure with a wastegate solenoid that controls the vacuum or pressure sent to the wastegate actuator. P0246 sets when the voltage in the solenoid A circuit is higher than expected, for example from a short to power, a broken wire or a failed output driver in the control unit. Boost can then no longer be controlled properly.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine light on
  • Reduced power and sluggish acceleration
  • No boost or inconsistent boost
  • Limp mode or overboost protection
  • Whistling or hissing near the turbo
  • Worse fuel economy

Possible causes

  1. Failed wastegate (boost control) solenoid A
  2. Damaged wiring or connector: short to power, open circuit, corrosion
  3. Wire broken near the turbo from heat and vibration
  4. Faulty output driver in the ECU
  5. Mechanical problem with the wastegate actuator or turbocharger
  6. Leaking or disconnected vacuum hoses and lines

How to diagnose

  1. Read all codes and freeze frame data, then clear the code and see if it returns
  2. Inspect the solenoid wiring and connector for chafing, melting and corrosion
  3. Compare specified and actual boost pressure in live data
  4. Measure solenoid coil resistance and compare with the manufacturer spec
  5. Check supply voltage and control signal at the connector; test wires for opens and shorts to power
  6. Inspect vacuum hoses and lines for cracks and leaks
  7. Check wastegate actuator movement over its full range and make sure the flap isn't stuck
  8. If the solenoid and wiring are good, test the ECU

Common fixes

  • Replace wastegate solenoid A
  • Repair or replace damaged wiring and connectors
  • Replace the wastegate actuator or repair the turbocharger
  • Replace cracked vacuum hoses and lines
  • Reprogram or replace the ECU if a driver fault is confirmed

Questions and answers

What does P0246 mean?

The ECU detected a high voltage signal in the wastegate solenoid A circuit. The most common culprits are the solenoid itself or its wiring.

Can I drive with P0246?

Briefly and carefully, such as to a repair shop. Power is usually reduced, and faulty boost control can harm the turbo and engine.

How do I fix P0246?

Start with the solenoid wiring and connector, then test the solenoid and vacuum lines. If those are fine, check the wastegate actuator and the ECU.

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.