P0244
Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid A Range/PerformanceP0244 is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid A Range/Performance. It is logged by the engine control unit when the turbo/boost monitor detects that a specific fault threshold has been exceeded — typically resulting in the malfunction-indicator lamp (MIL / check-engine light) being illuminated.
What P0244 means
P0244 is set when the ECM determines that Wastegate Solenoid A is electrically functional — the solenoid driver circuit passes its continuity and voltage checks — but the actual boost pressure does not reach the commanded target within the expected time and RPM window. Unlike P0243 (open circuit) or P0245/P0246 (low/high voltage faults), P0244 is a performance fault: the electrical side is intact, but the mechanical outcome is wrong. This makes it predominantly a mechanical or pneumatic diagnosis rather than an electrical one.
Two distinct failure modes produce opposite boost symptoms. A wastegate stuck open (most common) allows excess exhaust to bypass the turbine continuously, starving the compressor of drive energy and producing chronic under-boost — the engine feels flat above the turbo's natural spool point. A wastegate stuck closed traps all exhaust through the turbine, forcing the turbo to over-spool and producing a sharp boost spike followed by a boost cut as the ECM's overboost protection intervenes. Both conditions leave P0244 stored because commanded boost was not matched. The N75 solenoid on VW/Audi 1.8T/2.0T engines, the electric wastegate actuator rod on BMW N54/N55, and the pressure-controlled wastegate plumbing on Ford EcoBoost 2.0/2.3 platforms are the most frequently implicated hardware.
Vacuum or pressure line integrity is critical: a cracked, disconnected, or pinched control hose prevents the solenoid from transmitting its commanded signal to the wastegate actuator diaphragm, mimicking solenoid failure while the solenoid itself is healthy. Inspect the full pneumatic circuit from solenoid port to actuator before condemning parts.
Common causes
Most-frequently reported root causes when P0244 is logged.
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1
Wastegate actuator mechanically stuck open — diaphragm tear, seized rod, or spring fatigue — causing persistent under-boost.
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2
Wastegate actuator mechanically stuck closed — carbon seizure or bent/corroded rod — causing over-boost spikes and ECM boost cut.
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3
Cracked, disconnected, or kinked vacuum or pressure control hose between the wastegate solenoid and the actuator.
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4
Faulty wastegate solenoid (N75 or equivalent) — worn valve seat or cracked diaphragm that passes resistance tests but cannot fully actuate.
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5
Carbon or debris blocking the solenoid valve port, restricting pressure transmission to the actuator.
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6
Boost leak in the charge system (intercooler pipe, diverter valve, BOV) preventing commanded boost from being reached.
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7
Exhaust manifold or downpipe leak upstream of the turbine reducing exhaust energy and turbo spool speed.
Symptoms drivers notice
How to diagnose P0244
A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.
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1
Scan for all codes and note companions — P0234 (overboost) alongside P0244 points to a stuck-closed wastegate; P0299 (underboost) points to stuck open; electrical codes P0243/P0245/P0246 shift focus back to the solenoid circuit itself.
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2
With the engine off, physically inspect all vacuum or pressure hoses from the solenoid ports to the wastegate actuator for cracks, disconnection, oil saturation, or collapse under finger pressure.
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3
Disconnect the actuator hose at the wastegate and apply controlled workshop air pressure or vacuum (matching the system type) directly to the actuator nipple — the wastegate rod should move freely through its full travel; binding, no movement, or a leaking diaphragm confirms a mechanical actuator fault.
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4
Measure solenoid resistance across its terminals (typical range 20-35 ohms depending on manufacturer); an out-of-range reading confirms electrical solenoid failure even if circuit codes have not set.
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5
With the engine running and a scan tool capable of actuator tests, command the solenoid through its duty-cycle range and observe live boost pressure — boost that does not respond to solenoid commands despite good electrical readings confirms a pneumatic or mechanical fault downstream.
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6
Inspect the charge system for boost leaks using a smoke machine — a leak sufficient to prevent the target boost level will trigger P0244 even with a fully functional wastegate.
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7
Replace or rebuild the failed component (solenoid, actuator, or hose), clear all codes, and validate with repeated full-throttle boost cycles on a scan tool to confirm commanded and actual boost values match.
Related powertrain codes
- P003A — Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control A Position Exceeded Learning Limit
- P003B — Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control B Position Exceeded Learning Limit
- P0045 — Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control A Circuit/Open
- P0046 — Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control A Circuit Range/Performance
- P0047 — Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control A Circuit Low
- P0048 — Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control A Circuit High
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell whether the wastegate is stuck open or stuck closed from the symptoms?
Stuck open produces consistent under-boost — the engine feels weak above the turbo's natural spool point and power never builds to expected levels. Stuck closed produces an over-boost spike: boost rises sharply and then the ECM cuts power abruptly via overboost protection. Checking for a companion P0234 (overboost) vs P0299 (underboost) alongside P0244 also points in the right direction before any physical inspection.
The solenoid passed a resistance test — does that mean it is fine?
Not necessarily. A solenoid can have correct coil resistance but a cracked internal diaphragm or worn valve seat that prevents it from fully sealing or opening its pneumatic ports. A bench actuation test — applying 12 V directly to the solenoid and feeling or hearing the valve click and seal — provides better assurance than a resistance measurement alone.
On a VW/Audi 2.0T, is the N75 valve the first thing to replace?
The N75 is the most commonly replaced part for P0244 on these platforms and is inexpensive, so it is a reasonable first step after confirming all vacuum hoses are intact. However, wastegate actuator rod seizure is equally common on high-mileage examples, so verify the wastegate rod moves freely through its full range before concluding the N75 alone is at fault.
Can I drive safely with P0244?
It depends on the failure mode. Under-boost (stuck open) allows cautious driving at reduced performance. Over-boost with repeated boost spikes and ECM cuts is a risk to the engine — continued driving with a stuck-closed wastegate can lead to excessive cylinder pressure, detonation, and potential engine damage, so the vehicle should be diagnosed promptly.
Disabling P0244 in software
RaceTune can permanently disable P0244 — and any other OBD-II diagnostic trouble code — on every ECU family we support. The monitor is disabled inside the ECU itself, so the fault stops being logged: the warning light stays off and the engine never enters limp mode for this code. The change is tied to your exact software version.
ECUs with a P0244 disable in our catalogue
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- Bosch EDC17C56 verified 1 software version
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