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

P0246 Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Actuator A High

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. P0246 means the control circuit of actuator A reads high – the control wire is shorted to voltage, so the driver cannot switch the valve to ground. GM checks with the driver on for less than 0.5 Ω to battery voltage, 10 of 20 samples, warning light in the first trip; Ford's driver chip reports it after 2–5 s, and Ford's functional check of the wastegate control pressure (P1015/P1016) only runs when P0245/P0246 are clear. 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 touching voltage (damaged harness, neighbouring wire)
Solenoid shorted internally (very low resistance, driver overcurrent)
Moisture or corrosion in the connector
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

P0243P0245P0250P0244P0299

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