Fault Code Description
P0246 = Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid B Circuit High.
Code type: Generic OBD-II Powertrain Code.
System: Turbocharger wastegate control.
Component: Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid B.
Fault condition: The ECM/PCM has detected a higher-than-expected electrical condition in the solenoid B control circuit.
The word High refers primarily to an electrical circuit condition. It does not automatically mean that turbocharger boost pressure is too high.
Common Causes of P0246
- Faulty turbocharger wastegate solenoid B.
- Short to battery voltage in the solenoid control circuit.
- Damaged or melted wiring.
- Open or high-resistance wiring.
- Corroded electrical connector.
- Loose or damaged terminals.
- Incorrect power supply to the solenoid.
- Damaged harness near the turbocharger or exhaust.
- Incorrectly installed wiring or previous repair.
- Wastegate control-system fault.
- ECM/PCM control-driver problem.
- Rarely, a turbocharger mechanical problem associated with the control system.
Symptoms of P0246
- Check Engine Light illuminated.
- Reduced engine power.
- Turbocharger boost may be reduced or inconsistent.
- Poor acceleration.
- Reduced engine performance under load.
- Turbocharger control may enter a failsafe strategy.
- Engine may enter limp mode on some vehicles.
- Additional turbocharger or boost-related codes may be stored.
- Fuel economy may decrease.
Is P0246 Serious?
P0246 should be diagnosed promptly.
The severity depends on the vehicle and the reason the control circuit is registering a high electrical condition. A wiring or solenoid problem may primarily affect turbocharger control, while incorrect boost control can potentially affect engine performance and drivability.
If the vehicle has severe power loss, unusual turbocharger noise, excessive smoke, overheating, or other major engine symptoms, avoid continued hard driving until the cause is identified.
Can I Drive With P0246?
Limited driving may be possible if the engine is operating normally and there are no severe symptoms. However, turbocharger control may not operate correctly, especially under acceleration or high engine load.
Avoid heavy acceleration or sustained high boost until the fault has been diagnosed. If the vehicle enters limp mode or develops serious engine symptoms, it should be inspected before continued driving.
Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid B Location
The exact location of Wastegate Solenoid B varies by vehicle and turbocharger design.
The solenoid may be mounted near the turbocharger, on the engine, on a bracket in the engine compartment, or integrated into a turbocharger control assembly.
Some vehicles use vacuum-operated wastegate systems, while others use electronically controlled actuators or different boost-control arrangements.
Component Responsible for P0246
The primary component associated with P0246 is the turbocharger wastegate solenoid B control circuit.
However, the code does not prove that the solenoid itself has failed.
The electrical path may include:
- Battery or ignition power supply.
- Fuse or protected circuit.
- Wastegate solenoid B.
- Control wiring.
- Electrical connector and terminals.
- ECM/PCM control driver.
The turbocharger wastegate actuator and mechanical linkage may also need to be inspected when electrical testing confirms that the solenoid circuit is functioning correctly but boost control remains abnormal.
How to Fix P0246
1. Confirm the Code
Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm P0246 and check for stored, pending, and manufacturer-specific codes.
Other boost-control, turbocharger, sensor, voltage, or communication codes may help identify the underlying problem.
2. Inspect the Wastegate Solenoid B
Locate the wastegate control component using the vehicle-specific service information.
Inspect the solenoid body, connector and surrounding wiring for physical damage, contamination, corrosion, loose terminals, or signs of excessive heat.
3. Inspect Wiring Near the Turbocharger
Turbocharger wiring is exposed to high temperatures and vibration. Inspect the harness for melted insulation, damaged wires, chafing, broken conductors and contact with hot exhaust components.
4. Check the Solenoid Power Supply
Using the manufacturer's wiring diagram, verify the power supply to the wastegate solenoid.
Do not assume that the solenoid should receive a constant battery voltage under every operating condition. The exact power and control strategy varies by vehicle.
5. Check the Control Circuit
Because P0246 indicates a high electrical condition, inspect the control wire for an unintended connection to battery voltage or another power source.
Check circuit continuity and resistance according to the manufacturer's diagnostic procedure.
6. Test the Wastegate Solenoid
Where specified by the manufacturer, measure solenoid resistance and compare the result with the correct specification for the exact vehicle.
Do not apply one universal resistance value to every turbocharger wastegate solenoid.
7. Check the Connector and Terminals
Inspect terminals for corrosion, spreading, poor contact, bent pins, water intrusion, or damaged locking mechanisms.
A poor electrical connection can produce abnormal circuit readings even when the solenoid itself is functional.
8. Test the ECM/PCM Control Driver
If the solenoid, power supply, wiring and connector are confirmed to be correct, test the ECM/PCM control circuit according to the manufacturer's procedure.
The ECM/PCM should not be replaced simply because P0246 is stored.
9. Inspect the Wastegate Mechanism
If the electrical circuit passes testing but turbocharger control remains abnormal, inspect the wastegate actuator, linkage and mechanical operation where applicable.
A mechanical restriction or actuator problem can affect boost control even when the electrical solenoid circuit is functioning correctly.
P0246 Diagnostic Signal Flow
↓
Wastegate Solenoid B Control Circuit
↓
Wastegate Solenoid B
↓
Wastegate Actuator / Control Mechanism
↓
Turbocharger Boost Control
The exact signal flow depends on the vehicle design. Some systems use an electronically controlled solenoid to regulate vacuum or pressure applied to a wastegate actuator, while other systems use different electronic boost-control strategies.
P0246 Electrical Diagnosis
A systematic electrical diagnosis is important because the word High identifies an electrical condition rather than automatically identifying a failed turbocharger.
1. Confirm P0246.
2. Check all related DTCs.
3. Identify Wastegate Solenoid B.
4. Inspect the connector and wiring.
5. Verify power supply.
6. Test the control circuit for an unwanted voltage source.
7. Test solenoid resistance where specified.
8. Perform voltage-drop testing when appropriate.
9. Verify ECM/PCM control.
10. Inspect the wastegate mechanism if electrical tests pass.
P0246 OBD Live Data
Depending on the vehicle and scan tool, useful live-data parameters may include:
- Commanded boost pressure.
- Actual boost pressure.
- Turbocharger pressure.
- Wastegate command.
- Wastegate position where supported.
- Engine RPM.
- Calculated engine load.
- Throttle position.
- Manifold absolute pressure (MAP).
- Intake air temperature.
Live Data can help determine whether the boost-control system responds as expected, but scanner data should be interpreted together with electrical testing and vehicle-specific specifications.
P0246 vs Related Turbocharger Codes
P0246 can be confused with other turbocharger and wastegate codes because several DTCs monitor similar systems. The important distinction is the specific circuit and fault condition.
Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid A Circuit.
Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid A Range/Performance.
Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid A Circuit Low.
Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid B Circuit High.
Always verify the exact definition for the vehicle because manufacturer-specific diagnostic strategies and component configurations can differ.
P0246 Common Repair Mistakes
Replacing the Turbocharger Immediately
P0246 is an electrical circuit code. A failed turbocharger is not automatically the cause.
Replacing the Solenoid Without Testing the Circuit
A short to voltage, damaged wiring, connector problem, or ECM driver fault can produce the same electrical condition.
Confusing Circuit High With High Boost
The word High in P0246 primarily describes the electrical circuit condition detected by the ECM/PCM. It does not automatically mean excessive turbocharger boost.
Ignoring Heat-Damaged Wiring
Wiring close to the turbocharger and exhaust system can suffer from heat damage. Inspect the harness carefully before replacing components.
Using the Wrong Solenoid Specification
Wastegate solenoids can differ in resistance, control method, connector configuration and operating characteristics.
Replacing the ECM/PCM Too Early
The ECM/PCM should only be considered after the solenoid, wiring, power supply, connector and control circuit have been properly tested.
P0246 Repair Cost
Approximately $50–$150+.
Approximately $50–$250+.
Approximately $100–$400+ depending on vehicle and part.
Can cost considerably more depending on the vehicle.
These are general estimates only. Actual repair cost depends on vehicle make, model, engine, labor rates, component accessibility, parts prices, and the actual cause of P0246.
OEM Diagnostic Considerations
OEM service information is especially important when diagnosing P0246 because turbocharger wastegate systems can differ significantly between manufacturers.
The manufacturer documentation may specify the exact solenoid terminals, control strategy, resistance range, expected voltage, actuator operation, test conditions, and ECM monitoring logic.
For this reason, avoid using a generic wiring diagram or universal voltage specification when testing the circuit.
Frequently Asked Questions About P0246
What does P0246 mean?
P0246 means Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid B Circuit High. The ECM/PCM has detected an abnormally high electrical condition in the control circuit.
Does P0246 mean the turbocharger is bad?
No. The fault may be caused by the wastegate solenoid, wiring, connector, power supply, control circuit, or ECM/PCM. The turbocharger should not automatically be replaced.
What causes P0246?
Common possibilities include a faulty wastegate solenoid, short to voltage, damaged wiring, connector problems, incorrect power supply, or an ECM/PCM control-driver fault.
Is P0246 a high boost code?
Not necessarily. The word High refers to the electrical condition detected in the solenoid control circuit. It does not automatically indicate high turbocharger boost pressure.
Can wiring cause P0246?
Yes. A short to battery voltage, damaged insulation, corrosion, high resistance, or a poor connector can cause an abnormal electrical condition.
Can I drive with P0246?
Limited driving may be possible if the engine operates normally, but avoid heavy acceleration or high-load operation until the turbocharger control fault is diagnosed.
How do I fix P0246?
Confirm the code, inspect Wastegate Solenoid B and its wiring, verify the power supply, test the control circuit, check the solenoid where applicable, and verify ECM/PCM control before replacing components.
Where is Wastegate Solenoid B located?
Its location varies by vehicle. It may be mounted near the turbocharger, on the engine, or integrated into another turbocharger control assembly. Use vehicle-specific service information to identify it correctly.
Can a bad ECM cause P0246?
Yes, but an ECM/PCM problem is generally considered only after the solenoid, wiring, connector, power supply, and control circuit have been tested.
What is the difference between P0245 and P0246?
P0245 is associated with a low electrical condition in Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid A, while P0246 is associated with a high electrical condition in Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid B.
Related OBD-II Codes
- P0243 – Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid A Circuit
- P0244 – Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid A Range/Performance
- P0245 – Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid A Circuit Low
- P0246 – Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid B Circuit High
These codes are related to turbocharger wastegate control, but they should not be treated as interchangeable. The exact component, circuit and diagnostic strategy should always be verified for the vehicle being repaired.
Final Takeaway
P0246 indicates a high electrical condition in the Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid B control circuit.
The most reliable diagnosis is to test the complete electrical circuit rather than automatically replacing the turbocharger or wastegate solenoid.
Inspect the solenoid, connector, wiring, power supply and control circuit, then verify ECM/PCM operation and the mechanical wastegate system when necessary.
Because turbocharger control systems vary significantly between vehicles, always use the correct OEM wiring diagram and diagnostic specifications for the exact make, model, engine and model year.