P0248 dtc means Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid B is detecting a high circuit condition. Learn the causes, symptoms, location, diagnosis, repair, cost, and related codes.
OEM Definition
P0248 — Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid B High
This code is generally set when the ECM/PCM detects an abnormally high electrical condition in the control circuit for Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid B.
The exact circuit design, voltage threshold, and diagnostic strategy can vary by manufacturer. The vehicle-specific OEM service information should always be used to confirm the exact definition and testing procedure.
Causes of P0248
- Short to voltage in the Wastegate Solenoid B control circuit
- Faulty Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid B
- Damaged or melted wiring
- Shorted control wire
- Corroded or damaged electrical connector
- Loose or pushed-out connector terminal
- Incorrect wiring repair
- Open or high-resistance ground or control circuit, depending on system design
- Water or oil contamination inside the connector
- Incorrectly installed aftermarket boost-control components
- Rarely, an ECM/PCM internal fault
Symptoms of P0248
- Check Engine Light or MIL illumination
- Reduced engine power
- Turbocharger boost problems
- Low or inconsistent boost
- Excessive boost in some operating conditions
- Poor acceleration
- Turbocharger hesitation
- Limp mode or reduced-power mode
- Poor fuel economy
- Additional turbocharger or boost-control codes
P0248 Severity
Severity: Medium to High
P0248 should be diagnosed promptly because the wastegate system controls turbocharger boost. An electrical fault can prevent the ECM/PCM from controlling the wastegate correctly, potentially resulting in insufficient or excessive boost.
Can You Drive With P0248?
A short and gentle drive may be possible if the vehicle operates normally and there are no severe symptoms. Avoid hard acceleration, high engine loads, towing, and sustained high boost until the problem is diagnosed.
If the vehicle enters limp mode, develops severe power loss, produces unusual turbocharger noises, or shows signs of excessive boost, stop driving and diagnose the fault as soon as possible.
Component Location
Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid B is normally located in the turbocharger boost-control system.
Depending on the vehicle, it may be mounted:
- Near the turbocharger
- Near the wastegate actuator
- On the engine
- Near vacuum or pressure-control hoses
- As part of an electronically controlled wastegate assembly
The exact location varies by vehicle. The letter B does not universally mean Bank 2 or the second turbocharger. Always identify the component using the vehicle-specific wiring diagram and service information.
Component Responsible for P0248
The primary component associated with P0248 is Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid B and its electrical control circuit.
The complete circuit may include the ECM/PCM, power supply, control wire, electrical connector, solenoid, wastegate actuator, and associated boost-control components.
How to Fix P0248
1. Scan the Vehicle
Use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve all stored and pending trouble codes. Record the freeze-frame information before clearing anything.
Pay particular attention to other turbocharger, boost-pressure, sensor, or electrical codes because they may help identify the root cause.
2. Identify Wastegate Solenoid B
Confirm the exact location and wiring of Wastegate Solenoid B for the specific vehicle. Do not assume that every manufacturer uses the same component designation.
3. Inspect the Wiring
Carefully inspect the wiring between the ECM/PCM and Wastegate Solenoid B.
- Look for damaged insulation.
- Check for wires melted by exhaust or turbocharger heat.
- Look for chafing against brackets or engine components.
- Check for corrosion.
- Inspect previous wiring repairs.
- Check for a short to battery voltage.
4. Inspect the Connector
Disconnect the solenoid connector and inspect the terminals for corrosion, moisture, bent pins, pushed-out terminals, or poor terminal tension.
A poor connection can create abnormal circuit readings and may cause an intermittent P0248.
5. Test the Solenoid
Test Wastegate Solenoid B according to the manufacturer's specified procedure.
Check the solenoid resistance against the OEM specification and determine whether the solenoid responds correctly when commanded by the appropriate diagnostic equipment.
Do not use a generic resistance value from another vehicle because solenoid specifications vary considerably.
6. Check for a Short to Voltage
Because P0248 indicates a high circuit condition, carefully test the control circuit for unwanted voltage.
Follow the OEM wiring diagram to determine whether the ECM/PCM switches the solenoid on the ground side or power side. This distinction is important when interpreting voltage measurements.
7. Check the Power and Control Circuits
Verify the correct power supply and control signals at the solenoid connector.
Check for:
- Correct supply voltage
- Continuity of the control wire
- Short to battery voltage
- Short to ground where applicable
- Excessive circuit resistance
- Voltage drop under load
8. Test the Wastegate Actuator
If the electrical circuit passes testing, inspect the wastegate actuator and linkage. The actuator should move correctly through its specified range.
On vacuum-controlled systems, inspect the vacuum supply and hoses. On electronic systems, use the appropriate scan-tool actuator test or manufacturer procedure.
9. Verify the Repair
After repairing the circuit or replacing the defective component, clear the DTC and perform the appropriate verification drive.
Confirm that P0248 does not return and that commanded wastegate operation and boost pressure are behaving normally.
P0248 Signal Flow
ECM/PCM → Wastegate Solenoid B Control Circuit → Wastegate Solenoid B → Wastegate Actuator → Wastegate → Turbocharger Boost Control
On many systems, the ECM/PCM controls the solenoid electronically and monitors the circuit for abnormal voltage or current. The exact electrical architecture varies by manufacturer.
Electrical Diagnosis
Because P0248 is a high circuit code, electrical testing should receive particular attention.
Control Circuit
Use the OEM wiring diagram to determine the solenoid's control strategy. Measure the control circuit under the conditions specified by the manufacturer.
Short to Voltage
Inspect the control wire for unintended contact with battery voltage or another powered circuit. A damaged harness can cause a persistent high circuit condition.
Solenoid Resistance
Measure the resistance of Wastegate Solenoid B and compare it with the manufacturer's specification.
An open circuit, shorted coil, or resistance outside the specified range can indicate a defective solenoid.
Voltage Drop
Where appropriate, perform voltage-drop testing under load rather than relying only on a continuity test. A circuit can show continuity with a multimeter while still having excessive resistance under operating conditions.
OBD2 Scanner and Live Data Diagnosis
A capable scan tool can provide valuable information when diagnosing P0248.
Depending on the vehicle, available parameters may include:
- Wastegate solenoid command
- Wastegate duty cycle
- Commanded wastegate position
- Actual wastegate position
- Boost pressure
- Desired boost pressure
- Engine load
- Turbocharger pressure sensor data
Some vehicles also support bidirectional actuator testing. This allows the technician to command the wastegate control system and observe its response.
If the solenoid command and electrical circuit are correct but the wastegate does not respond, continue the diagnosis toward the actuator, linkage, vacuum/pressure system, or turbocharger mechanism.
Common Repair Mistakes
- Replacing the turbocharger without testing the electrical circuit
- Replacing Wastegate Solenoid B without checking for a short to voltage
- Ignoring damaged wiring near the turbocharger
- Assuming "B" means Bank 2
- Using incorrect generic solenoid resistance specifications
- Ignoring corrosion inside the connector
- Failing to inspect previous wiring repairs
- Replacing parts before checking freeze-frame data
- Ignoring other stored DTCs
- Clearing the code without verifying the repair
Repair Cost for P0248
Approximately $80–$180
Approximately $50–$300+
Approximately $100–$400
Approximately $200–$800+
Approximately $800–$2,500+
These are general estimates rather than fixed prices. Actual costs depend on the vehicle, labor rate, parts availability, and the component that ultimately proves defective.
OEM Diagnostic Considerations
The exact monitoring strategy for P0248 varies between manufacturers.
Some vehicles monitor the electrical voltage or current of Wastegate Solenoid B directly, while others combine electrical monitoring with actuator-position and boost-pressure feedback.
Electronic wastegate systems may require a specific actuator initialization, calibration, or relearn procedure after replacement.
Always use the correct OEM wiring diagram, connector pinout, voltage specifications, resistance specifications, and diagnostic procedure for the exact year, make, model, engine, and turbocharger configuration.
Related P0248 Codes
- P0243 — Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid A Circuit
- P0244 — Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid A Range/Performance
- P0245 — Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid A Low
- P0246 — Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid A High
- P0247 — Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid B Low
- P0249 — Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid B Low
- P0250 — Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid B High
- P0234 — Turbocharger/Supercharger Overboost Condition
- P0299 — Turbocharger/Supercharger Underboost Condition
Note: Generic DTC descriptions can vary between manufacturers. Always prioritize the OEM service information for the specific vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0248 mean?
P0248 indicates a Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid B High circuit condition.
Is P0248 an electrical code?
Yes. P0248 primarily indicates an abnormal high electrical condition associated with the Wastegate Solenoid B control circuit. Mechanical wastegate problems may also be present, but the electrical circuit should be thoroughly tested first.
Can a bad wastegate solenoid cause P0248?
Yes. A defective solenoid can cause P0248, especially if its internal coil or electrical characteristics are outside the manufacturer's specification.
Can damaged wiring cause P0248?
Yes. A control wire shorted to battery voltage, damaged insulation, corrosion, or an incorrect wiring repair can produce a high circuit condition.
Does P0248 mean the turbocharger is bad?
No. P0248 does not automatically mean the turbocharger has failed. The solenoid, wiring, connector, actuator, and control circuit should be tested before replacing the turbocharger.
Can P0248 cause limp mode?
Yes. Some vehicles can reduce engine power or boost when the ECM/PCM detects a wastegate-control fault to protect the engine and turbocharger.
What should I check first for P0248?
Start with all stored DTCs and freeze-frame data, then identify Wastegate Solenoid B using the vehicle-specific documentation. Inspect the connector and wiring and specifically check the control circuit for an unintended high-voltage condition.
Final Takeaway
P0248 means Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid B High. The code points primarily toward an abnormal electrical condition in the Solenoid B control circuit.
The most important diagnostic areas are the solenoid, connector, wiring, control circuit, and ECM/PCM command. A short to voltage or damaged wiring is particularly important to investigate before replacing expensive turbocharger components.
Once the electrical system has been verified, inspect the wastegate actuator and mechanical boost-control system. Correct diagnosis of the exact vehicle-specific circuit is the key to repairing P0248 without unnecessary parts replacement.