Powertrain, generic · Fuel and air metering (injector circuit)

P0243 Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Actuator A

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

The wastegate lets exhaust bypass the turbine to limit boost; actuator A is either a pulse-width-modulated solenoid on a pneumatic wastegate can or an electric actuator with a position sensor. P0243 is the general circuit fault of actuator A. GM uses it for an open circuit: with the driver off, more than 200 kΩ between output and ground in 10 of 20 samples sets it with the warning light in the first trip (older modules: two trips). Ford uses P0243 on its electric wastegates as the collective code for open and short circuits (0.4 s), together with P2ABD for driver overcurrent or overheating. Boost control is then switched off and only the spring-set base boost remains – less power, but no risk of overboost.

Likely causes

Connector at the wastegate valve or actuator loose, corroded or with spread contacts
Valve coil or electric actuator winding open
Supply voltage to the valve missing (ignition, relay, fuse)
Broken control wire between module and valve
Driver stage in the engine module faulty

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Clearly less power, boost only at base level
  • Sluggish acceleration, turbo lag
  • Reduced engine power message possible

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumDIY possible
Parts and labour€30–400
Time0.5–2.5 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

wastegate actuator awastegate solenoid valveactuator wiring

Related codes

P0244P0245P0246P0247P0299P2ABD

References: law.cornell.edu, gsi.ext.gm.com, gsi.ext.gm.com, saabwisonline.com.