P0246: Turbo wastegate solenoid A: high signal
The ECU sees a voltage that is too high on the turbo wastegate solenoid circuit, usually an open circuit, a loose plug or the solenoid itself.
| Code | P0246 |
|---|---|
| System | Engine and transmission |
| Group | P02xx, Fuel and injectors |
| Type | Generic: it means the same on every make |
| Can you keep driving? | With care |
What P0246 means
The wastegate lets some exhaust gas bypass the turbo so boost does not rise too far, and a solenoid controlled by the ECU decides how far it opens. Which solenoid counts as A is defined by each manufacturer. It has measured a voltage on the circuit that is higher than expected, which usually means a broken wire, a loose connector or a burnt out coil.
Most common causes
- Solenoid connector unplugged or loose
- Control wire broken by chafing or heat
- Solenoid coil open (burnt out)
- Control wire touching a live wire
- Faulty engine ECU, which is rare
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on
- Loss of power or limp mode
- Turbo pulls weakly, or sometimes too hard
- Uneven response when accelerating
Can you drive with P0246?
With care You can drive gently, but boost is no longer properly controlled and the engine will often limit power. Get it checked soon.
Open the bonnetthe in-depth explanation
How to check it
With the engine off, check that the solenoid connector is firmly in place and its small vacuum hoses are not split. Many readers can show the duty cycle the ECU is requesting alongside actual boost pressure.
How to read and clear P0246 with Final OBD
Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see P0246 with its description and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
If the engine stores it over standard OBD, with FREE you read this code with its explanation for nothing and clear it. With PRO you also read the faults of every control unit and clear them in all of them.
Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before an inspection. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in inspections and OBD.
Similar codes
- P0242 The turbocharger boost sensor B gives a higher signal than normal
- P0243 Turbo wastegate solenoid A: circuit fault
- P0244 The turbocharger wastegate solenoid A gives readings outside the normal range
- P0245 Turbo wastegate solenoid A: low signal
- P0247 The turbocharger wastegate solenoid B has an electrical fault
- P0248 The turbocharger wastegate solenoid B gives readings outside the normal range
- P0249 The turbocharger wastegate solenoid B gives a lower signal than normal
- P024A The intercooler bypass control A gives readings outside the normal range
- P0200 Injector circuit malfunction
- P0201 Injector circuit malfunction, cylinder 1
- P0202 Injector circuit malfunction, cylinder 2
- P0203 Injector circuit malfunction, cylinder 3
What does code P0246 mean?
The wastegate lets some exhaust gas bypass the turbo so boost does not rise too far, and a solenoid controlled by the ECU decides how far it opens. Which solenoid counts as A is defined by each manufacturer. It has measured a voltage on the circuit that is higher than expected, which usually means a broken wire, a loose connector or a burnt out coil.
Can you drive with P0246?
You can drive gently, but boost is no longer properly controlled and the engine will often limit power. Get it checked soon.
How do you clear P0246?
With an OBD2 scanner and an app like Final OBD, which clears it for free if it’s stored by the engine control unit. But clearing it only turns the light off: if the cause isn’t fixed, P0246 comes back.
Read it on your car
Final OBD reads and clears engine faults through standard OBD for free, each one explained in plain English. With PRO it also reads the faults of every control unit, each make’s own codes included, and clears them in all of them.
