P0246 code meaning
Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Actuator A High
Powertrain system Generic code P02xx codes Check engine light
What P0246 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. P0246 means the control circuit of actuator A reads high – the control wire is shorted to voltage, so the driver cannot switch the valve to ground. GM checks with the driver on for less than 0.5 Ω to battery voltage, 10 of 20 samples, warning light in the first trip; Ford's driver chip reports it after 2–5 s, and Ford's functional check of the wastegate control pressure (P1015/P1016) only runs when P0245/P0246 are clear. Boost control is then switched off and only the spring-set base boost remains – less power, but no risk of overboost.
P0246 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0246
- Check engine light on
- Clearly less power, boost only at base level
- Sluggish acceleration, turbo lag
- Reduced engine power message possible
Common causes of P0246
- Most likelyControl wire touching voltage (damaged harness, neighbouring wire)
- PossibleSolenoid shorted internally (very low resistance, driver overcurrent)
- PossibleMoisture or corrosion in the connector
- Less likelyDriver stage in the engine module faulty
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 wiring
What each part of P0246 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). |
| 46 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0246 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 P0246
What does P0246 mean?
P0246 means "Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Actuator A High". 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 P0246?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0246 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0246 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0246 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 P0246 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0246 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.