P0245
Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid A LowP0245 is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid A Low. 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 P0245 means
P0245 is set when the powertrain control module (PCM) detects an abnormally low voltage on the turbocharger or supercharger wastegate solenoid "A" control circuit. The wastegate solenoid is a pulse-width-modulated (PWM) device used to regulate boost pressure by controlling how far the wastegate valve opens; when the PCM commands the solenoid and the return signal voltage drops below the expected threshold, it interprets the circuit as open or shorted to ground and stores this code.
The most common root cause is an open coil inside the solenoid itself, a broken wire in the harness, or a corroded connector that interrupts the supply path. On twin-turbocharger platforms such as the BMW N54/N63 and Audi 4.0T, "A" refers to the primary turbocharger wastegate; because each turbo has its own solenoid, a low-circuit fault on "A" does not necessarily implicate the secondary unit.
With the solenoid circuit faulted, the PCM typically defaults the wastegate to a fail-safe position — usually partially open — which prevents overboost but significantly curtails available boost pressure. The engine may enter limp mode, acceleration is noticeably reduced, and the MIL illuminates. Prompt attention is required to restore full turbo function and avoid secondary damage from persistent under-boost operating conditions.
Common causes
Most-frequently reported root causes when P0245 is logged.
-
1
Open coil inside the wastegate solenoid A (high resistance or complete break).
-
2
Broken, chafed, or severed wire in the solenoid control harness causing loss of ground or supply.
-
3
Corroded, loose, or pushed-back terminal in the solenoid connector.
-
4
Short to ground in the solenoid signal or supply wire draining the circuit low.
-
5
Failed PCM output driver channel no longer providing the PWM signal to the solenoid.
-
6
Damaged solenoid body from heat soak or physical contact with exhaust components.
-
7
Cracked or disconnected vacuum hose to a vacuum-operated solenoid variant reducing actuation pressure.
Symptoms drivers notice
How to diagnose P0245
A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.
-
1
Connect a scan tool, retrieve all stored codes and freeze-frame data, and note any companion boost pressure codes.
-
2
Visually inspect the wastegate solenoid A connector and harness for corrosion, broken pins, melted insulation, or chafing against hot surfaces.
-
3
Unplug the solenoid connector and measure solenoid coil resistance; compare against the manufacturer specification (typically 10–30 Ω for most Bosch/Pierburg solenoids).
-
4
With ignition on and solenoid unplugged, check for correct supply voltage (typically 12 V battery voltage or a 5 V reference) on the harness side.
-
5
Perform a continuity check from the solenoid connector pin back to the PCM to rule out an open or high-resistance wire.
-
6
Clear the DTC, road-test under boost conditions, and monitor boost pressure live data to confirm whether the fault is intermittent or permanent.
-
7
If all wiring and connectors test good, replace the wastegate solenoid A and retest before suspecting a PCM output driver fault.
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
Can I still drive with a P0245 code?
The vehicle may be drivable in limp mode, but sustained driving with a wastegate stuck open risks chronic under-boost and should be diagnosed promptly. Avoid extended motorway driving or towing until repaired.
Is P0245 the same fault on every car?
The SAE definition is universal, but physical location and solenoid design vary by platform. On the BMW N54 the solenoid is a small Pierburg unit on each turbo; on the Ford 3.5L EcoBoost it is mounted on the charge-air pipe. Always verify wiring diagrams for your specific vehicle.
Will clearing the code fix the problem?
Only if the fault was caused by a momentarily loose connector. If the solenoid or wiring has a permanent open or short, the code will return within one drive cycle as soon as the PCM activates the solenoid.
Could a vacuum leak cause P0245?
On vacuum-controlled wastegate solenoid variants, a cracked vacuum hose can cause erratic solenoid response that mimics an electrical fault. However, P0245 specifically indicates a circuit-low voltage condition; vacuum leaks more commonly trigger boost pressure range codes such as P0234 or P0299 alongside it.
Disabling P0245 in software
RaceTune can permanently disable P0245 — 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.
Software modifications affect emissions compliance and are not road-legal in many jurisdictions. RaceTune service files are intended for motorsport, off-road, and export use.
Got P0245 in your scan?
Upload your ECU file — we'll identify the exact software version and confirm whether a disable is available for your car.
Upload your file