P0248🔧 Turbo/supercharger boost control (wastegate solenoid)Stop and fix promptly

P0248: Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid B Range/Performance (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

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

What P0248 means

On a turbocharged or supercharged engine, the powertrain control module (PCM) controls boost pressure through the output circuit to the "B" wastegate/boost pressure control solenoid. OBD-Codes.com says the PCM sets P0248 any time there is an issue with the total boost range or engine-related performance that cannot otherwise be attributed to other circuit failures, and that it can be an electrical circuit fault or an engine mechanical issue. It notes the code applies to turbocharged and supercharged engines including certain Ford, Mercedes and Subaru vehicles, and that troubleshooting varies by manufacturer, type of boost control and wire colors. RepairPal lists P0248 as "Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid 'B'" with the same description it uses for P0247: the wastegate solenoid lets unneeded boost vent from the system, and if the PCM cannot control the solenoid, it sets the code. 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 calls electrical or vacuum connection issues the most common failure. P0248 is the solenoid B version of P0244 (solenoid A); related codes for solenoid B are P0247 (circuit), P0249 (low) and P0250 (high).

Severity: can I keep driving?

Stop and fix promptly

Get it checked soon and drive gently until you do. RepairPal rates P0248 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 electrical or vacuum connections at the solenoid, which OBD-Codes.com calls the most common failure
  2. An open in the control (ground) circuit or the power supply circuit between wastegate solenoid B and the PCM (OBD-Codes.com; RepairPal lists a wiring issue)
  3. A short to ground or a short to power in the solenoid's power supply circuit (OBD-Codes.com)
  4. Missing vacuum, a vacuum leak or blockage, or a disconnected or sticking mechanical part on a vacuum-operated wastegate (OBD-Codes.com)
  5. A faulty wastegate/boost pressure control solenoid B (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 for the B circuit and inspect its wiring, connector and any vacuum hoses for scraping, rubbing, bare wires, burn spots, melted plastic, cracks or loose fittings. 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.
  7. Make sure all mechanical parts of the wastegate are attached and working, and on a vacuum-operated system confirm there is enough vacuum at the solenoid. If not, OBD-Codes.com says to find the blockage or leak.

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, wiring and vacuum supply 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 P0248 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 P0247 and P0248?

OBD-Codes.com describes P0247 as an electrical circuit fault only on solenoid B, while P0248 is a range/performance code that can be electrical or mechanical, including vacuum problems at the solenoid. RepairPal uses the same title and description for both.

Is P0248 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, vacuum, wiring and the solenoid before suspecting the computer.

How much does it cost to fix P0248?

Neither source gives a repair cost. Cleaning a connector, fixing a vacuum hose 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: P0248 Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid B Range/Performance (Randy Worner, ASE Certified Master Technician)
  2. RepairPal: P0248 Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid "B" (rated Urgent)

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