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

P0245 Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Actuator A Low

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. P0245 means the control circuit of actuator A reads low – typically the ground-switched control wire shorted to ground, so the valve would be permanently energised. GM checks with the driver off for less than 0.5 Ω to ground, 10 of 20 samples, warning light in the first trip; Ford's driver chip reports it after 2–5 s, and on pneumatic wastegates Ford also includes the open circuit here. A shorted supply shared with the bypass valve can set it together with P0033/P0034. Boost control is then switched off and only the spring-set base boost remains – less power, but no risk of overboost.

Likely causes

Control wire to the wastegate valve chafed through to ground
Solenoid shorted internally
Shared supply shorted (e.g. by the bypass 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€30–300
Time0.5–2 h

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

Parts involved

wastegate actuator awastegate solenoid valveactuator wiring

Related codes

P0243P0246P0249P0033P0034P0299

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