P0243 Turbocharger wastegate solenoid A malfunction

P0243 – OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description

Turbocharger wastegate solenoid A malfunction

What does trouble code P0243 mean?

Code P0243 is a common diagnostic trouble code that often applies to turbocharged and supercharged engines, including Audi, Ford, GM, Mercedes, Mitsubishi, VW and Volvo vehicles. The powertrain control module (PCM) controls boost pressure by controlling the boost pressure control solenoid “A”. If electrical problems occur in this circuit that are otherwise difficult to identify, the PCM sets code P0243. This code indicates a malfunction in the turbocharger wastegate solenoid circuit.

Possible symptoms for code P0243

The P0243 engine code exhibits the following symptoms:

1. The engine light (or engine maintenance light) is on.
2. The Check Engine light comes on and the code is stored in memory.
3. Turbo engine boost may not be properly controlled, which may cause the engine to overload.
4. The engine may experience insufficient power during acceleration if the wastegate solenoid is unable to control the required boost pressure.

Possible reasons

Possible reasons for setting the P0243 code include:

1. Open in the control circuit between solenoid A and the PCM.
2. Open in the power supply between solenoid A and the PCM.
3. Short circuit to ground in the power supply circuit of solenoid A.
4. Bypass valve control solenoid A is faulty.

Possible problems that could result in this code include:

1. Faulty wastegate solenoid.
2. Damaged or broken solenoid wiring harness.
3. Poor electrical contact in the wastegate solenoid circuit.
4. Wastegate solenoid circuit is shorted or open.
5. Corrosion in the solenoid connector, which may cause the circuit to break.
6. The wiring in the solenoid circuit may be shorted to power or ground, or open due to a broken wire or connector.

How to diagnose trouble code P0243?

When diagnosing code P0243, follow this sequence of steps:

1. Check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) for your vehicle for known problems and solutions. This can save time and money.
2. Locate the wastegate/boost pressure control solenoid on your vehicle and visually inspect the connectors and wiring.
3. Check the connectors for scratches, chafing, exposed wires, burn marks, or corrosion.
4. Disconnect the connectors and carefully inspect the terminals inside the connectors. If the terminals appear burnt or have a green tint, clean the terminals using electrical contact cleaner and a plastic brush. Then apply electrical grease.
5. If you have a scan tool, clear the trouble codes from memory and see if P0243 comes back. If not, the problem is most likely related to the connections.
6. If the code returns, proceed to test the solenoid and related circuits. The wastegate/boost pressure control solenoid usually has 2 wires.
7. Disconnect the wiring harness leading to the solenoid and use a digital volt-ohm meter (DVOM) to check the solenoid resistance. Make sure the resistance is within specifications.
8. Check for 12 volts in the solenoid power circuit by connecting one meter lead to the solenoid terminal and the other to a good ground. Make sure the ignition is on.
9. Check for good grounding at the wastegate/boost pressure control solenoid. To do this, use a test lamp connected to the positive terminal of the battery and to the ground circuit.
10. Using a scan tool, activate the solenoid and verify that the warning light comes on. If not, this indicates a problem in the circuit.
11. Check the wiring from the solenoid to the ECM for shorts or opens.

If all of the above steps do not solve the problem, the solenoid or even the PCM may be faulty. In this case, it is recommended to contact a qualified automotive diagnostician.

Diagnostic errors

Here are a few simple steps to help avoid misdiagnosis:

1. Check the voltage at the wastegate solenoid power fuse. Make sure it receives enough voltage from the car battery.
2. Inspect the solenoid electrical connections for corrosion or oxidation on the pins.

What repairs will resolve the P0243 trouble code?

If an open circuit is found in the wastegate solenoid circuit, replace the solenoid. If the contacts in the solenoid harness connection are corroded, repair or replace the connection.

How serious is trouble code P0243?

Turbo intake pressure is controlled by the wastegate and wastegate solenoid on most vehicles with turbochargers. If the solenoid fails, the engine control module (ECM) cannot activate and control the turbo, often resulting in loss of power.

P0243 – information for specific car brands

Here are the P0243 codes and related vehicles:

1. P0243 – Wastegate Solenoid AUDI Turbo/Super Charger 'A'
2. P0243 – FORD Turbo/Super Charger Wastegate Solenoid 'A'
3. P0243 – Wastegate Solenoid MERCEDES-BENZ Turbo/Super Charger 'A'
4. P0243 – MITSUBISHI turbocharger wastegate electromagnetic circuit
5. P0243 – Wastegate Solenoid VOLKSWAGEN Turbo/Super Charger 'A'
6. P0243 – VOLVO turbocharger control valve

P0243 Fault Code explained | VAG |N75 valve | EML | loss of power | Project Passat PT4

Code P0243, caused by the ECM, indicates a malfunction in the wastegate solenoid circuit. The ECM detects an open or short circuit in this circuit. The most common fault that causes this code is a faulty wastegate solenoid.