P0246 Code: Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid A High

What the P0246 code means

The wastegate sends part of the exhaust gas around the turbine so the turbo does not build too much pressure. On modern engines the computer controls it with a solenoid that regulates vacuum or pressure on the actuator, or with an electric actuator.

The P0246 code is stored when the voltage in the control circuit is higher than expected, normally from an open circuit or a short to voltage. The computer watches the voltage at its own control transistor, called the driver. With the driver off it expects supply voltage, and with the driver on it expects the voltage to fall to almost zero. Any other combination tells it the circuit is open or shorted.

If the solenoid does not work, the result depends on the design. On many engines the wastegate stays open because of its spring and the turbo barely builds boost, which means a lack of power and possibly a P0299. On others it stays closed and the turbo can overboost, which can set a P0234 and make the computer cut power. Either way, the turbo is left without fine control.

Always check the wiring and the power supply before you replace the part. They are the most common cause and the cheapest to fix.

P0246 code symptoms

• Check engine light on.
• Loss of power from lack of boost, or overboost.
• Turbo whistle or lack of push.
• A P0234 code (overboost) or P0299 code (underboost) may also be stored.
• Limp mode.

Likely causes of the P0246 code

1. Connector unplugged or broken. This is the most frequent cause, especially after another repair.
2. Component coil or motor open, with infinite resistance.
3. Control wire cut between the component and the computer.
4. Short to 12 volts. The control wire touches another wire carrying voltage, and the driver cannot pull it to ground.

How to diagnose the P0246 code step by step

1. Command the component with the scan tool and check whether it responds with a click, a hum, movement or pressure.
2. Check the fuse and the relay. Measure voltage on both sides of the fuse, and swap the relay with an identical one to test it.
3. Measure the supply voltage at the connector. You should see battery voltage with the key on, or during the command.
4. Measure the component resistance and compare it with the manual. Also check the insulation to ground, which should read infinite.
5. Check the control wire. Continuity back to the computer should be under 1 ohm, and the wire should not be shorted to ground or to 12 volts.
6. Check the vacuum hoses on the solenoid and on the actuator.
7. Use a vacuum pump to confirm that the actuator moves the rod and holds vacuum.

How to fix the P0246 code

• Repair the connector, the wiring or the power supply.
• Replace the wastegate solenoid if it does not respond when power and control are both correct.
• Clear the codes and confirm the repair with a road test.

Technical reference data

• Control solenoid: 12 volts with PWM control from the computer. Approximate resistance is 10 to 30 ohms.
• The actuator should move the rod smoothly through its whole travel.
• These are reference values only. Check the manufacturer data for your engine.

Brand-specific notes

Many diesels with a variable geometry turbo have no wastegate. The equivalent control is done with the vane actuator, and it has its own codes.

P0246 on Ford

On turbo gasoline engines such as the Ford EcoBoost, the electric wastegate actuator tends to fail from wear in the linkage.

P0246 on Volkswagen

On turbo gasoline engines such as the Volkswagen TSI, the electric wastegate actuator tends to fail from wear in the linkage.

Frequently asked questions about P0246