P0246 Turbocharger wastegate solenoid “A” signal high

P0246 – OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description

Trouble code P0246 indicates the turbocharger wastegate solenoid “A” signal is too high.

What does the fault code mean P0246?

Trouble code P0246 indicates that the engine control module (ECM) has detected too high voltage in the turbocharger wastegate solenoid “A” circuit. This could indicate problems with the electrical connection, the solenoid itself, or the control signal, which could result in improper boost pressure adjustment and therefore ineffective turbocharging.

Possible reasons

Some possible reasons for the P0246 trouble code:

• Bypass valve solenoid malfunction: The solenoid itself may be defective due to wear, corrosion, or other damage, causing the boost pressure to be adjusted incorrectly.
• Problems with wiring and electrical connections: Breaks, corrosion or poor connections in the wiring can cause insufficient or incorrect control signals to be transmitted to the solenoid.
• Problems with the engine control module (ECM): Faults in the engine control module itself can cause the solenoid to operate erroneously and therefore cause the P0246 code to appear.
• Improper installation or adjustment of solenoid: Improper installation or adjustment of the solenoid may cause it to malfunction.
• Boost pressure problems: High or low boost pressure in the turbocharger system can also cause P0246.
• Mechanical problems with turbocharger: Incorrect operation of the turbocharger, for example due to wear or damage, can also cause this error.

It is necessary to conduct a thorough diagnosis to accurately determine the cause and eliminate the problem.

What are the symptoms of a fault code? P0246?

Symptoms when trouble code P0246 is present may include the following:

• Loss of power: One of the most common symptoms is loss of engine power due to improper operation of the turbocharger wastegate solenoid.
• Difficulty accelerating: If the solenoid is not working properly, the turbocharger may have difficulty accelerating, especially when trying to provide additional power.
• Changes in engine performance: Changes in engine performance may be noticed, such as rough idling, vibrations, or rough running.
• Check Engine Light Appears: The activation of the Check Engine Light on your dashboard may be the first sign of a problem.
• Increased fuel consumption: Improper operation of the wastegate solenoid can result in increased fuel consumption due to inefficient operation of the turbocharger.
• Unusual sounds or vibrations: In some cases, unusual sounds from the turbocharger or engine may be noticed, as well as vibration in the engine area.

These symptoms may occur to varying degrees depending on the specific problem and the characteristics of the vehicle. If you notice one or more of these symptoms, it is recommended that you contact a certified auto mechanic to diagnose and repair the problem.

How to diagnose a fault code P0246?

To diagnose DTC P0246, the following steps are recommended:

1. Reading the error code: Using the OBD-II diagnostic scanner, read the P0246 error code and any other error codes that may be related to the problem.
2. Visual inspection of the solenoid and its surroundings: Check the turbocharger wastegate solenoid for visible damage, corrosion or leaks. Also carefully inspect the electrical connections and wiring for damage.
3. Checking electrical connections: Check the solenoid electrical connections for oxidation, damaged or broken wires.
4. Measuring Solenoid Resistance: Using a multimeter, measure the resistance of the solenoid. Resistance must be within manufacturer specifications.
5. Checking the supply voltage: Check the supply voltage to the solenoid while the engine is running. The voltage must be stable and within the manufacturer's specifications.
6. Checking the control signal: Check if the solenoid receives control signal from the ECM while the engine is running.
7. ECM diagnostics: If necessary, perform additional diagnostics on the ECM to check its functionality and the correct solenoid control signal.
8. Checking boost pressure: Check the turbocharger boost pressure, as pressure problems can also cause P0246.
9. Checking the vacuum system: If the vehicle uses a vacuum turbo control system, the vacuum lines and mechanisms should also be checked for leaks or defects.

Diagnostic errors

When diagnosing DTC P0246, the following errors may occur:

• Insufficient solenoid diagnostics: The turbocharger wastegate solenoid itself is not sufficiently diagnosed, which may result in the problem being missed or misdiagnosed.
• Incorrect resistance or voltage measurement: Incorrect measurement of solenoid resistance or voltage may lead to incorrect conclusions about its condition.
• Skipping a visual inspection: A mechanic may skip a visual inspection of the solenoid and its surroundings, which may result in missing obvious problems such as damage or leaks.
• Incorrect ECM diagnosis: Incorrect diagnosis or insufficient testing of the Engine Control Module (ECM) may lead to incorrect conclusions about the cause of the error.
• Incorrect interpretation of scanner data: Incorrect interpretation of data received from the OBD-II scanner may lead to incorrect diagnosis and repair.
• Incorrect component replacement: Replacing the solenoid without prior diagnosis or based on incorrect findings may be unnecessary if the problem lies elsewhere.

To avoid these errors, it is important to carry out a thorough and systematic diagnosis under the guidance of a qualified technician and use the correct equipment.

How serious is the fault code? P0246?

Trouble code P0246 can be serious because it indicates problems with the turbocharger wastegate solenoid. A few aspects to consider when assessing the severity of this problem:

1. Loss of power: Improper operation of the solenoid can result in loss of engine power, which can impair vehicle performance and acceleration.
2. Increased fuel consumption: Ineffective solenoid operation can result in increased fuel consumption, which can be a financial burden for the owner.
3. Engine damage: Improperly regulating turbocharger boost pressure can adversely affect engine performance, causing wear or damage.
4. Increased risk of damage to the turbocharger: Improper operation of the solenoid can result in increased pressure in the turbocharger system, which can cause damage to the turbocharger.
5. Possibility of environmental problems: Improper operation of the turbocharging system can affect the vehicle's emissions and environmental performance.

So, trouble code P0246 should be taken seriously and the problem addressed promptly to avoid further damage and problems with the vehicle's performance.

What repair will help eliminate the code? P0246?

Depending on the diagnostic results, the following repairs may be required to resolve DTC P0246:

1. Bypass Valve Solenoid Replacement: If the solenoid is found to be faulty or damaged, it must be replaced with a new one.
2. Repair or replacement of electrical wiring: If breaks, corrosion or poor connections are found in the wiring, the affected sections of the wiring must be repaired or replaced.
3. Check and, if necessary, replace the ECM: In some cases, the problem may be due to a problem with the Engine Control Module (ECM) itself, and replacement may be necessary.
4. Checking and cleaning the intake system: Sometimes solenoid problems can be caused by a clogged or damaged intake system. Check for problems and make any necessary cleaning or repairs.
5. Checking the vacuum system: If the vehicle uses a vacuum turbo control system, the vacuum lines and mechanisms should also be checked for leaks or defects.
6. Checking the on-board electrical system: Check the vehicle electrical system for short circuits or wiring problems that could cause P0246.

Repairs should be performed by a qualified mechanic using the correct equipment and after thoroughly diagnosing the problem.

P0246 Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid A High🟢 Trouble Code Symptoms Causes Solutions

P0246 – Brand-specific information

Trouble code P0246 can have different meanings depending on the vehicle manufacturer. Several examples of decryptions for various brands:

1. BMW: P0246 – Turbo wastegate solenoid “A” – high voltage.
2. Ford: P0246 – Turbo wastegate solenoid “A” – high voltage.
3. Volkswagen/Audi: P0246 – Turbo wastegate solenoid “A” – high voltage.
4. Toyota: P0246 – Turbo wastegate solenoid “A” – high voltage.
5. Chevrolet / GMC: P0246 – Turbo wastegate solenoid “A” – high voltage.

These are just a few examples, and the meaning of the P0246 code may vary slightly depending on the specific model and year of the vehicle. It is important to take this information into account when diagnosing and repairing.