Wastegate actuator stuck, seized or with a mechanical linkage fault so it cannot open or move correctly; Damaged wiring, corroded or loose connector at the wastegate actuator, solenoid or position sensor, including short to power; Faulty electric wastegate actuator or its internal position sensor; Faulty boost control solenoid or leaking, split or blocked vacuum or pressure hoses (on pneumatic systems); Carbon build-up or heat damage in the turbo wastegate flap or linkage; Fault in the engine control unit driver circuit or an outdated calibration known for this fault on some models.

P0246

Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Actuator A High.

Generic
Powertrain
Generic code
Medium severity

How this code is built

P: SystemPowertrain
0: Defined bySAE, the same on every car
2: AreaFuel and air metering (injector circuit)
46: FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

P0246 means the engine control unit has detected a signal from the turbocharger or supercharger wastegate actuator 'A' circuit that is higher than expected. This is typically a high voltage or high signal reading, or a position or control value out of range, compared with what it commanded. The exact way it is detected varies with the engine and whether the actuator is vacuum-solenoid, electric motor or position-sensor controlled.

Symptoms

Engine warning light on
Car enters limp mode with reduced power
Boost pressure too high, or an overboost cut-in
Poor or inconsistent acceleration
Whistling, fluttering or unusual turbo noises
Possible hesitation or surging under load

Possible causes

Wastegate actuator stuck, seized or with a mechanical linkage fault so it cannot open or move correctlylikely
Damaged wiring, corroded or loose connector at the wastegate actuator, solenoid or position sensor, including short to powerlikely
Faulty electric wastegate actuator or its internal position sensorlikely
Faulty boost control solenoid or leaking, split or blocked vacuum or pressure hoses (on pneumatic systems)possible
Carbon build-up or heat damage in the turbo wastegate flap or linkagepossible
Fault in the engine control unit driver circuit or an outdated calibration known for this fault on some modelsrare

How to diagnose

Read all stored and pending codes and note the freeze frame data (engine load, rpm, boost) from when the fault set
Check for related codes such as boost pressure, overboost or underboost, and address any other circuit faults first
Visually inspect the wastegate actuator, linkage, wiring and connector for damage, heat damage, corrosion or looseness
Inspect vacuum or pressure hoses and the boost control solenoid for splits, perforations, blockages or incorrect routing (pneumatic systems)
Check that the actuator rod or linkage moves freely by hand or with a suitable pressure or vacuum source, following the manufacturer's procedure
Use live data to compare commanded and actual actuator position or boost pressure while operating the actuator through a bidirectional test if supported
Check supply voltage, earth and signal wires at the actuator connector against the manufacturer's wiring data for shorts or open circuits
Check for relevant technical service bulletins or calibration updates for the specific model and engine

How to fix

Repair or replace damaged wiring and clean or renew corroded connectors
Free off or replace a seized wastegate actuator or linkage, as the manufacturer permits
Replace the faulty electric actuator or position sensor, then carry out any required adaptation or learning procedure
Replace a faulty boost control solenoid and renew leaking or damaged hoses
Replace the turbocharger assembly if the wastegate flap or its mechanism is damaged beyond repair
Update the engine control unit calibration only if the manufacturer lists it as a fix for this fault

Can I keep driving?

Medium severity

The car can usually be driven gently for a short time, often in limp mode, but overboost can damage the engine or turbo. Book a repair soon and avoid heavy throttle until it is fixed.

Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.