P0246

Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid A High

P0246 is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid A High. 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.

Code
P0246
Group
Powertrain
System
Turbo/Boost
Severity
Warning (MIL on, possible limp mode)
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What P0246 means

P0246 is stored when the PCM detects an abnormally high voltage on the turbocharger or supercharger wastegate solenoid "A" control circuit. Unlike P0245 (circuit low), a high-circuit fault typically indicates a short to battery voltage (12 V) somewhere in the solenoid wiring, a failed solenoid with an internal short pulling the signal line high, or loss of the ground return path forcing the circuit to float high relative to the PCM's reference.

Because the PCM uses PWM to modulate the solenoid, a continuously high signal means the solenoid may be held fully energised, closing off wastegate venting and allowing boost pressure to build uncontrolled. This creates an overboost risk — a particularly serious concern on high-output platforms like the Audi 4.0T biturbo, BMW N63, and Ford 3.5L EcoBoost, where uncontrolled boost can cause detonation or mechanical damage. The PCM will usually detect the overboost condition and cut power or open the throttle body to protect the engine.

As with P0245, the fault is purely electrical and should be diagnosed with a DVOM before any parts are replaced. The solenoid coil resistance, harness continuity, and supply voltage should all be verified against manufacturer specifications. A failed PCM output driver — though rare — can also produce a high-side fault if the transistor saturates and locks the output high.

Common causes

Most-frequently reported root causes when P0246 is logged.

  • 1
    Short to battery voltage (12 V) in the solenoid supply or signal wire.
  • 2
    Internal solenoid short causing the winding to pull the control line high.
  • 3
    Loss of the solenoid circuit ground return, floating the signal above the PCM threshold.
  • 4
    Corroded or damaged connector forcing a high-resistance connection that reads as high voltage.
  • 5
    Failed PCM output driver transistor locked in the fully-on state.
  • 6
    Damaged wiring insulation contacting a 12 V power rail elsewhere in the engine bay.
  • 7
    Mechanically stuck wastegate actuator linkage feeding back an erroneous position signal on electronic actuator variants.

Symptoms drivers notice

MIL illuminated with P0246 stored.
Potential overboost condition (boost pressure above target) before the PCM intervenes.
PCM-triggered power reduction or limp mode to protect against overboost damage.
Rough idle or stalling if solenoid is held open causing boost bleed at idle.
Possible hissing or chatter from the solenoid if energised continuously.
Companion overboost code (P0234) may be stored alongside P0246.

How to diagnose P0246

A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.

  1. 1
    Connect a scan tool, record all DTCs and freeze-frame data, and check for any accompanying overboost or boost pressure codes.
  2. 2
    Visually inspect the solenoid A wiring harness for insulation damage, bare wires contacting 12 V rails, or melted connectors from heat.
  3. 3
    Unplug the solenoid connector and measure coil resistance; an abnormally low reading indicates an internal short in the solenoid.
  4. 4
    With ignition on and solenoid unplugged, measure voltage on the harness control wire; a reading near 12 V with the PCM commanding off indicates a short to power in the harness.
  5. 5
    Check the ground return circuit continuity from the solenoid connector back to chassis ground to rule out a floating ground.
  6. 6
    Reconnect the solenoid and use a scan tool to command the solenoid on/off while monitoring live voltage; voltage should cycle between near-0 V and near-12 V with PCM control.
  7. 7
    Replace the solenoid if it tests shorted internally, or repair the wiring if a short to power is found; suspect the PCM output driver only after harness and solenoid are verified good.

Vehicles where we've handled P0246

Platforms in our catalogue with confirmed P0246 coverage.

BMW 320D
2016

Related powertrain codes

Frequently asked questions

Is P0246 more dangerous than P0245?

Potentially, yes. P0245 (circuit low) typically results in under-boost. P0246 (circuit high) can allow the wastegate solenoid to stay fully energised, risking overboost — which can cause detonation, piston damage, or a blown charge-air hose. Treat P0246 with higher urgency, especially on high-output engines.

Why do P0245 and P0246 sometimes appear together?

An intermittent connector can cause the circuit voltage to bounce between low and high as the connection makes and breaks. If both codes appear together, start with a thorough inspection of the solenoid connector and harness before testing the solenoid or PCM.

Can a faulty MAP or boost pressure sensor trigger P0246?

No — P0246 is a wastegate solenoid circuit voltage fault monitored directly by the PCM's output driver, not a boost pressure input code. A faulty MAP sensor would produce P0105–P0108 range codes instead.

How does the PCM protect the engine when P0246 is active?

The PCM typically detects an overboost condition concurrently (P0234) and responds by retarding ignition timing, reducing fuelling, or commanding the electronic throttle body closed to reduce intake air until boost falls to a safe level. Limp mode caps maximum boost pressure for the remainder of the drive cycle.

Disabling P0246 in software

RaceTune can permanently disable P0246 — 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.

Permanent
The monitor is disabled in the ECU itself — not just cleared. It cannot return.
Tailored to your file
Each patch is matched to your specific software version — never a one-size-fits-all file.
Reversible
The original file is always preserved. Reflash the stock to return the ECU to factory state.

ECUs with a P0246 disable in our catalogue

Confirmed coverage from our recipe database — we support many more families. Upload your file and our identifier will match it automatically.

  • Bosch EDC17C50 verified 1 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.

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