P245C

Gas Recirculation Cooler Bypass Control Circuit Low

P245C is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: Gas Recirculation Cooler Bypass Control Circuit Low. It is logged by the engine control unit when the dpf monitor detects that a specific fault threshold has been exceeded — typically resulting in the malfunction-indicator lamp (MIL / check-engine light) being illuminated.

Code
P245C
Group
Powertrain
System
DPF
Severity
Warning (MIL on)
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What P245C means

P245C is the complement to P245A and is stored when the ECM detects a higher-than-expected voltage on the EGR cooler bypass valve control circuit. This typically indicates a short to battery voltage or a broken ground path in the circuit, causing the measured signal to exceed the calibrated upper threshold.

The EGR cooler bypass valve modulates exhaust gas temperature entering the intake. When the circuit voltage is out of range on the high side, the ECM cannot reliably control the valve position, so it logs this fault and illuminates the MIL. The valve may default to a fixed position, degrading EGR temperature control.

Diagnosis should begin with a visual inspection of the harness routing near heat sources, as insulation damage is a common cause of shorts to voltage. Confirm the fault is present before replacing any components by measuring actual circuit voltage with the valve connector disconnected.

Common causes

Most-frequently reported root causes when P245C is logged.

  • 1
    Short to battery voltage in the EGR cooler bypass valve control wire.
  • 2
    Damaged wiring insulation causing contact with a voltage source.
  • 3
    Failed bypass valve solenoid with internal short to the supply rail.
  • 4
    Corroded or improperly seated connector causing a voltage back-feed.
  • 5
    ECM internal fault producing an out-of-range output.
  • 6
    Incorrect aftermarket wiring or splice introducing unwanted voltage.

Symptoms drivers notice

MIL illuminated.
EGR cooler bypass valve stuck or non-responsive.
Possible elevated NOx emissions.
No significant power loss in most cases.
Potential for increased EGR inlet temperatures if bypass stays open.

How to diagnose P245C

A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.

  1. 1
    Read all DTCs with a scan tool and document freeze frame data.
  2. 2
    Inspect the bypass valve harness for insulation damage, especially near exhaust components.
  3. 3
    With the valve connector unplugged and ignition on, measure voltage on the control wire; it should not show battery voltage.
  4. 4
    Check the control circuit for a short to the supply wire using a wiring diagram.
  5. 5
    Measure solenoid resistance with the connector unplugged to rule out an internal short.
  6. 6
    Repair any identified wiring faults and retest.
  7. 7
    Clear codes and verify the repair with a drive cycle.

Vehicles where we've handled P245C

Platforms in our catalogue with confirmed P245C coverage.

VW TOURAN 20D
BMW 320D
2016

Related powertrain codes

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between P245A and P245C?

P245A is a circuit low fault (voltage below threshold, usually a short to ground) while P245C is a circuit high fault (voltage above threshold, usually a short to voltage).

Can P245C damage the ECM?

A sustained short to voltage on an output circuit can stress the ECM driver; repair the wiring promptly to avoid secondary damage.

Does P245C affect engine performance?

Direct driveability impact is usually minor, but long-term EGR temperature mismanagement can affect emissions and cooler longevity.

Should I replace the bypass valve first?

No; always diagnose the circuit electrically before replacing the valve, as the fault is more commonly in the wiring than the component itself.

Disabling P245C in software

RaceTune can permanently disable P245C — 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 P245C 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
  • Bosch EDC17C74 verified 1 software version
  • Bosch EDC17CP09 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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