P0243🔧 Turbo/supercharger boost control (wastegate solenoid)Stop and fix promptly

P0243: Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid A (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Based on 2 cited source(s)

What P0243 means

On a turbocharged or supercharged engine, the powertrain control module (PCM) controls boost pressure through the wastegate/boost pressure control solenoid. RepairPal explains that the wastegate solenoid lets unneeded boost vent from the system, and that the PCM sets P0243 when it cannot control the solenoid. OBD-Codes.com says the PCM sets P0243 whenever there is an electrical problem in the solenoid A output circuit that it cannot otherwise identify, and that the code is considered an electrical circuit fault only, not a mechanical turbo fault. OBD-Codes.com notes it applies to vehicles including certain Audi, Ford, GM, Mercedes, Mitsubishi, VW and Volvo models, and that troubleshooting varies by manufacturer, wastegate type and wire colors. The sources disagree on the likely cause: RepairPal names the PCM failure in its definition and lists it first, while OBD-Codes.com says a failed PCM is highly unlikely and points to wiring and the solenoid. Related codes for the same solenoid are P0244 (range/performance), P0245 (low) and P0246 (high), per RepairPal's code list.

Severity: can I keep driving?

Stop and fix promptly

Get it checked soon and drive gently until you do. RepairPal rates P0243 Urgent, meaning immediate action is needed, and says the computer may disable the turbo or supercharger to prevent further damage. OBD-Codes.com lists lack of power as a symptom.

Common symptoms

Likely causes

Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.

  1. An open in the control (ground) circuit between the wastegate solenoid and the PCM (OBD-Codes.com; RepairPal lists a wiring issue)
  2. An open in the power supply circuit to the solenoid (OBD-Codes.com)
  3. A short to ground in the solenoid's power supply circuit (OBD-Codes.com)
  4. Corroded, burned or loose connector terminals at the solenoid (OBD-Codes.com)
  5. A faulty wastegate/boost pressure control solenoid (OBD-Codes.com, RepairPal)
  6. A failed PCM (RepairPal lists it first; OBD-Codes.com says this is highly unlikely)

Diagnostic steps you can do

⚠ Before you start

Work on a cool engine, parked on level ground with the parking brake set. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.

  1. Check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) for your vehicle first. OBD-Codes.com says the problem may be a known issue with a known fix.
  2. Find the wastegate/boost control solenoid and inspect its wiring and connector for rubbing, bare wires, burn spots or melted plastic. Pull the connector apart and look for burned or green, corroded terminals.
  3. Clean corroded terminals with electrical contact cleaner and a plastic brush, let them dry, and apply electrical grease. Then clear the code and see if it returns.
  4. If it comes back, unplug the solenoid and measure its resistance across the two terminals with a multimeter. It should be neither open nor shorted; check the spec in your service manual. OBD-Codes.com says to replace an open or shorted solenoid.
  5. With the ignition on, check for 12 volts on the solenoid's power supply wire. OBD-Codes.com says no voltage with the key on, or voltage with the key off, points to wiring from the PCM or relay, or possibly the PCM.
  6. If power is good, OBD-Codes.com describes using a test light connected to battery positive on the solenoid's ground wire while a scan tool cycles the solenoid. It should light each time; wiggle the harness to look for a flicker that shows an intermittent connection.

Typical fixes

Repair costs vary widely by vehicle, region, parts brand and shop, so we don't quote prices. Get a written estimate after diagnosis.

🛠 When to call a pro

  • The engine has very low power or goes into limp mode
  • You don't have a multimeter, test light, scan tool that can command the solenoid, or a service manual with the resistance spec
  • The solenoid and wiring test good and the code keeps returning
  • A PCM replacement is suggested, since it must be programmed to the vehicle

Where to buy

Plain search links. Always match parts to your exact year, make, model and engine.

OBD2 scanners on Amazon Parts at Advance Auto Parts catalog at RockAuto

FAQs

Can I drive with a P0243 code?

Only gently and not for long. RepairPal rates it Urgent and says the computer may shut off the turbo or supercharger to prevent damage, so expect low power until it's fixed.

Does P0243 mean my turbo is bad?

Not by itself. OBD-Codes.com says P0243 is an electrical circuit fault only, pointing to the wastegate solenoid and its wiring rather than the turbo itself.

Is P0243 a bad PCM?

The sources disagree. RepairPal lists a PCM failure first, while OBD-Codes.com says a failed PCM is highly unlikely and should only be considered after the solenoid has been replaced. Test the wiring and solenoid before suspecting the computer.

What is the difference between P0243, P0244, P0245 and P0246?

All four are wastegate solenoid A codes. P0243 is the general circuit code, P0244 is range/performance, P0245 is low and P0246 is high, per RepairPal's code list.

How much does it cost to fix P0243?

Neither source gives a repair cost. Cleaning a connector or fixing a wire is usually far cheaper than a solenoid or PCM, so get a diagnosis or written estimate before buying parts.

Sources

  1. OBD-Codes.com: P0243 Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid A Malfunction (Randy Worner, ASE Certified Master Technician)
  2. RepairPal: P0243 Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid "A" (rated Urgent)

Last reviewed 2026-10-26. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.