P0246🔧 Turbo/supercharger boost control (wastegate solenoid)Stop and fix promptly

P0246: Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid A High (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

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

What P0246 means

On a turbocharged or supercharged engine, the powertrain control module (PCM) controls boost pressure through the output circuit to the "A" wastegate/boost pressure control solenoid. OBD-Codes.com says that, depending on whether the PCM energizes the solenoid by supplying power or ground, the PCM sets P0246 when it notices there is already voltage applied to the circuit when there should not be, and that this is an electrical circuit fault only. It notes the code applies to vehicles including certain Audi, Ford, GM, Mercedes, Mitsubishi, VW and Volvo models, and that troubleshooting varies by manufacturer, type of boost control and wire colors. RepairPal defines P0246 as "Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid 'A' High" and says the PCM sets it when it cannot control the solenoid. The sources disagree on the likely cause: RepairPal lists a PCM failure first, while OBD-Codes.com says a failed PCM is highly unlikely and that the most common failure is connection issues. Related codes for the same solenoid are P0243 (circuit), P0244 (range/performance) and P0245 (low).

Severity: can I keep driving?

Stop and fix promptly

Get it checked soon and drive gently until you do. RepairPal rates P0246 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. Loose, corroded or damaged connections at the solenoid, which OBD-Codes.com calls the most common failure
  2. A short to power on the solenoid's control circuit between the solenoid and the PCM (OBD-Codes.com; RepairPal lists a wiring issue)
  3. An open in the control (ground) circuit or the power supply circuit between the solenoid and the PCM (OBD-Codes.com)
  4. A faulty wastegate/boost pressure control solenoid (OBD-Codes.com, RepairPal)
  5. 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 scraping, 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; if it doesn't, OBD-Codes.com says the connection was most likely the problem.
  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 P0246 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.

What is the difference between P0245 and P0246?

Both are electrical faults on wastegate solenoid A. Per OBD-Codes.com, P0245 means the PCM sees no voltage on the circuit when there should be, and P0246 means it sees voltage already applied when there shouldn't be, which often points to a wire shorted to power.

Is P0246 a bad PCM?

The sources disagree. RepairPal lists a PCM failure first, while OBD-Codes.com says a failed PCM is highly unlikely, though it can't be ruled out until the solenoid has been replaced. Check connections, wiring and the solenoid before suspecting the computer.

How much does it cost to fix P0246?

Neither source gives a repair cost. Cleaning a connector or repairing 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: P0246 Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid A High (Randy Worner, ASE Certified Master Technician)
  2. RepairPal: P0246 Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid "A" High (rated Urgent)

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