P0250

Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid B High

P0250 is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid B 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
P0250
Group
Powertrain
System
Turbo/Boost
Severity
Warning (MIL on, possible limp mode)
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What P0250 means

P0250 is set when the Engine Control Module (ECM) detects a voltage level on the Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid "B" control circuit that is higher than expected — typically indicating a short to battery voltage in the solenoid winding, wiring, or connector. The wastegate solenoid regulates boost pressure by controlling how much exhaust gas bypasses the turbine wheel; when this solenoid cannot be properly commanded, boost pressure becomes uncontrolled.

Unlike the "A" circuit, the "B" designation refers to a second wastegate actuator or a secondary boost-control solenoid, often found on twin-scroll or compound turbocharger systems. The ECM monitors feedback voltage on the solenoid drive circuit and logs P0250 when it reads an abnormally high voltage even when the solenoid should be de-energised, or when the solenoid's resistance is so low (shorted windings) that it draws excessive current.

Vehicles most commonly affected include turbocharged petrol and diesel engines from Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen/Audi, Ford EcoBoost, and Dodge/Cummins platforms. Left unrepaired, the fault can result in over-boost or under-boost conditions, potential turbocharger damage, and engine management entering reduced-power mode to protect components.

Common causes

Most-frequently reported root causes when P0250 is logged.

  • 1
    Short to battery voltage in the wastegate solenoid "B" signal or control wire.
  • 2
    Shorted internal windings inside the solenoid itself (resistance below specification).
  • 3
    Corroded or damaged solenoid connector pins creating an unintended power path.
  • 4
    Chafed wiring harness contacting a 12 V source (e.g., melted insulation near exhaust manifold).
  • 5
    Failed ECM output driver stage holding the circuit high.
  • 6
    Faulty boost pressure control solenoid that has seized in a high-current draw state.
  • 7
    Water ingress into the solenoid body causing internal short circuit.

Symptoms drivers notice

MIL (check engine light) illuminated.
Engine enters reduced-power/limp mode with noticeably restricted acceleration.
Over-boost or uncontrolled boost pressure causing excessive exhaust smoke.
Audible wastegate rattle or continuous hiss from the turbocharger area.
Poor fuel economy due to improper boost regulation.

How to diagnose P0250

A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.

  1. 1
    Connect a scan tool and record freeze-frame data; note engine load and RPM when the code was set.
  2. 2
    Visually inspect the solenoid "B" wiring harness for chafing, melted insulation, or contact with hot surfaces near the turbocharger.
  3. 3
    Unplug the solenoid connector and measure resistance across the solenoid terminals — compare to manufacturer specification (typically 10–30 Ω); very low resistance indicates a shorted coil.
  4. 4
    With the connector unplugged, back-probe the signal wire at the ECM harness side and check for battery voltage present at rest — if voltage is present, there is a short to power in the wiring.
  5. 5
    Inspect the connector terminals for corrosion, pushed-back pins, or signs of arcing; clean or repair as needed.
  6. 6
    If wiring and connector test good, replace the wastegate solenoid and retest.
  7. 7
    Clear the code and perform a road test under boost conditions; if P0250 returns after solenoid replacement, suspect the ECM output driver circuit.

Related powertrain codes

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive with a P0250 code stored?

Short trips are possible but not advisable. The ECM may enter limp mode limiting boost, and uncontrolled boost levels risk turbocharger damage or detonation over time.

Is P0250 the same fault as P0247?

No. P0247 is Wastegate Solenoid "B" Low — a short to ground or open circuit — while P0250 is Wastegate Solenoid "B" High, indicating an abnormally high voltage or short to power.

How do I know if the solenoid itself is faulty vs. the wiring?

Disconnect the solenoid connector and measure coil resistance with a multimeter. A shorted solenoid will read near 0 Ω; an open solenoid will read infinite resistance. Normal values typically fall between 10–30 Ω depending on manufacturer.

Could a bad ECM cause P0250?

Yes, but it is rare. Only suspect ECM failure after confirming the solenoid coil resistance is in spec, there is no short to power in the wiring harness, and the connector is clean and fully seated.

Disabling P0250 in software

RaceTune can permanently disable P0250 — 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.

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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