AutoCodes – Generic – P0246

P0246 Code - Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid 'A' Circuit High

Quick Answer

This fault code is stored in the Engine Control Module (ECM) when a fault is detected with the wastegate control solenoid circuit. Common causes include Faulty Turbo Boost Control Solenoid Valve, Turbo Boost Control Solenoid Valve harness is open or shorted, Turbo Boost Control Solenoid Valve circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P0246 indicates Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid 'A' Circuit High.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Turbo Boost Control Solenoid Valve, Turbo Boost Control Solenoid Valve harness is open or shorted, Turbo Boost Control Solenoid Valve circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 26,615

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Aug 05, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0246 Description

This fault code is stored in the Engine Control Module (ECM) when a fault is detected with the wastegate control solenoid circuit. The purpose of the control system is to limit the boost pressure to allow for optimum performance without the risk of engine damage due to excessive boost pressure. The electrical circuit is monitored for open circuit, short circuit, and high resistance conditions.

OBDII Code P0246 - Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid 'A' Circuit High - AutoCodes.com — P0246 Code - Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid 'A' Circuit High

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0246?

Faulty Turbo Boost Control Solenoid Valve
Turbo Boost Control Solenoid Valve harness is open or shorted
Turbo Boost Control Solenoid Valve circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)
Faulty Wastegate

How to Fix the DTC P0246?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0246 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P0246 code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0246 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0246 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

P0246 Audi — Turbo/Super Charger Wastegate Solenoid 'A' High
P0246 Ford — Turbo/Super Charger Wastegate Solenoid 'A' High
P0246 Mazda — Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid High
P0246 Mercedes-Benz — Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid 'A' Circuit High
P0246 Subaru — Turbo/Super Charger Wastegate Solenoid 'A' High
P0246 Volkswagen — Turbo/Super Charger Wastegate Solenoid 'A' High

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0246 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0246?

- Common symptoms include reduced engine performance, poor acceleration, and possibly a Check Engine light on the dashboard.

2. What can cause OBDII code P0246 to trigger?

- The code P0246 is typically triggered by a malfunction in the wastegate solenoid 'A' circuit, which can be caused by a faulty wastegate solenoid, wiring issues, or a defective PCM.

3. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P0246?

- Diagnosis involves checking the wastegate solenoid 'A' circuit for any wiring issues, testing the solenoid for proper functioning, and also inspecting the PCM for any faults.

4. How serious is OBDII code P0246?

- While the code itself may not cause immediate harm, ignoring it can lead to reduced engine performance and potential long-term damage to the turbocharger or supercharger system.

5. Can I drive my vehicle with OBDII code P0246?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with code P0246 present, as it can lead to further damage and potentially unsafe driving conditions due to reduced engine power.

6. How can I repair OBDII code P0246?

- Repairing the code typically involves replacing the wastegate solenoid 'A', repairing any wiring issues, and clearing the code with a diagnostic tool.

7. Is it possible to reset OBDII code P0246 without fixing the underlying issue?

- While you can clear the code temporarily, it is crucial to address the root cause of the problem to prevent the code from reappearing and causing further issues.

8. Are there any preventive measures to avoid OBDII code P0246 in the future?

- Regular maintenance, such as checking the turbocharger system for proper functioning and inspecting wiring connections, can help prevent issues that trigger code P0246.

9. Can a DIY enthusiast repair OBDII code P0246, or is professional help necessary?

- Depending on your skill level and access to tools, DIY repair is possible for code P0246, but professional help may be needed for more complex diagnosis and repairs.

10. How long does it take to repair OBDII code P0246?

- The repair time for OBDII code P0246 can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it typically takes a few hours to diagnose and repair the problem.