P0244 code meaning
Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Actuator A Range/Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P02xx codes Check engine light
What P0244 means
The wastegate lets exhaust bypass the turbine to limit boost; actuator A is either a pulse-width-modulated solenoid on a pneumatic wastegate can or an electric actuator with a position sensor. P0244 means the actuator does not respond as commanded although its circuit is electrically sound, and manufacturers implement it differently. Subaru engines (Saab 9-2X) set it when manifold pressure exceeds an altitude-dependent limit – about 220 kPa absolute at sea level – for over 2 s, with the warning light at once. Stellantis documented it with a wastegate rod that had come off for want of a retaining clip. Older GM modules (Saab LDK, LLU) however use P0244 for an open solenoid circuit; newer GM and Ford systems do not use it and monitor function under P0234/P0299 or P25B3/P25B4.
P0244 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0244
- Check engine light on
- Lack of power or surging, too high boost
- Limp mode with reduced power
- Rattle or whistle at the turbo possible
Common causes of P0244
- Most likelyWastegate rod unhooked, retaining clip missing or linkage worn
- PossibleWastegate flap coked or sticking
- PossibleControl hose to the wastegate can leaking, off or swapped; diaphragm torn
- PossibleWastegate solenoid mechanically stuck
- Less likelyPosition sensor of the electric actuator not learned correctly
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Wastegate actuator aWastegate solenoid valveActuator wiringWastegate linkage
What each part of P0244 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 2 | Area: fuel and air metering (injector circuit). |
| 44 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0244 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0244
What does P0244 mean?
P0244 means "Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Actuator A Range/Performance". The wastegate lets exhaust bypass the turbine to limit boost; actuator A is either a pulse-width-modulated solenoid on a pneumatic wastegate can or an electric actuator with a position sensor. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0244?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0244 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0244 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0244 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0244 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0244 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.