What Does P0246 Mean?
The turbocharger wastegate solenoid A control circuit voltage is higher than the ECM's expected range. This high circuit condition means the solenoid may not be grounding properly or there is a short to battery voltage in the circuit. The wastegate cannot be controlled accurately, and the driver may experience erratic boost, overboost, or limp mode.
Common Causes
30%
Open ground circuit for the wastegate solenoid A
25%
Short to battery voltage in the solenoid control wiring
25%
Failed wastegate solenoid A with open coil
15%
Disconnected or corroded solenoid connector
5%
ECM driver circuit open or stuck high
Diagnostic Steps
1
Inspect the wastegate solenoid A connector for secure attachment, corrosion, or heat damage — a disconnected connector will cause a high circuit reading as the signal floats to reference voltage.
2
Measure solenoid coil resistance — should be 10-40 ohms. An open-loop (OL/infinite) reading confirms an open coil and the solenoid must be replaced.
3
With the solenoid disconnected, check the control circuit wire for short to battery voltage — measure voltage from the ECM driver wire to ground. It should read near 0V when the ECM is not commanding the solenoid. Battery voltage indicates a wiring short.
4
Verify the ground path from the solenoid connector back to the ECM or chassis ground — resistance should be less than 1 ohm. An open ground will cause the circuit to read high.
5
If wiring and solenoid are good, use an oscilloscope to observe the ECM driver output at the ECM connector. The signal should toggle between near-ground and supply voltage as the ECM pulses the solenoid. A stuck-high signal at the ECM indicates an internal ECM fault.
Estimated Repair Cost
$80 - $500
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
The turbocharger wastegate solenoid A control circuit voltage is higher than the ECM's expected range. This high circuit condition means the solenoid may not be grounding properly or there is a short to battery voltage in the circuit. The wastegate cannot be controlled accurately, and the driver may...
The most common cause of P0246 (Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid A High) is: Open ground circuit for the wastegate solenoid A
Typical repair costs for P0246 range from $80 to $500, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Without proper wastegate control, boost pressure is unregulated. If the solenoid fails open (no vacuum to actuator), the wastegate spring will hold it closed by default, potentially allowing overboost which can damage the engine. Drive cautiously and monitor boost levels. If boost exceeds normal targets, stop driving immediately.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P0246 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Turbocharger / Supercharger System
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
Recommended Tools
OBD2 Scanner
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