Fuel and air

P2573 — Turbocharger Wastegate Position Sensor Circuit High

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P2573 means

The engine control unit tracks wastegate position using a sensor on the turbo actuator. P2573 sets when that signal voltage stays above the expected range. Typical causes are an open signal circuit, a short to power, or a failed sensor or actuator. Without a reliable reading, the ECU cannot control boost accurately.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine light on
  • Reduced power and weak acceleration
  • Boost limited or not working
  • Hesitation or surging under load
  • Worse fuel economy
  • Unusual turbo whistle or inconsistent turbo behavior

Possible causes

  1. Open or poorly connected signal wire at the sensor connector
  2. Signal wire shorted to power
  3. Failed wastegate position sensor
  4. Failed or stuck electric wastegate actuator
  5. Corroded or damaged connector terminals
  6. Rarely, a faulty ECU

How to diagnose

  1. Scan all codes and freeze frame data, then clear them and see if P2573 returns
  2. Inspect the wastegate actuator harness and connector for chafing, heat damage and corrosion
  3. Compare commanded and actual wastegate position in live data
  4. Check the 5 V reference and ground at the sensor connector with a multimeter
  5. Test the signal wire for an open or a short to power back to the ECU
  6. Check that the wastegate moves freely and command the actuator with a scan tool
  7. If wiring is good, replace the actuator or sensor and perform any required relearn

Common fixes

  • Repair or replace damaged wiring
  • Clean or replace the connector and terminals
  • Replace the wastegate actuator assembly with its sensor
  • Replace the position sensor if sold separately
  • Perform actuator calibration or relearn with a scan tool after replacement

Questions and answers

What does P2573 mean?

The ECU is getting a too-high signal from the wastegate position sensor. It is usually an open or shorted circuit, or a bad actuator.

Can I drive with P2573?

Yes, carefully and for a short time. Power is likely limited, and a stuck wastegate can cause boost problems.

How do I fix P2573?

Check the actuator wiring and connector, then the sensor supply and signal. If the circuit is good, the wastegate actuator is usually replaced.

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.