What P0246 means
P means powertrain (engine and transmission). The 0 marks a generic code defined by SAE, so the same number means the same thing across makes. The third character, 2, places it in the fuel and air metering, injector circuits subsystem; the last two digits identify the specific fault.
The wastegate solenoid controls how much exhaust bypasses the turbine and therefore how much boost the turbo makes. The engine computer pulses it and monitors its control circuit.
The letter "A" distinguishes between two or more of the same component on one vehicle. Which physical part is "A" is set by the manufacturer, so confirm it in the service information before replacing anything.
What “Circuit High” means here
"High" means the signal or control voltage rose above the maximum the module expects. For a controlled component such as a solenoid, relay or motor, "high" means the voltage on the control circuit is higher than expected for the commanded state — commonly an open circuit or a short to voltage, depending on how the circuit is switched.
What you may notice
Symptoms depend on the vehicle and on how the module responds to the fault. Any of these can accompany P0246:
- Loss of power
- Overboost or underboost codes stored alongside
Where to start diagnosing P0246
- Inspect the solenoid connector and its vacuum or pressure hoses.
- Measure solenoid resistance against specification.
- Use an actuator test, where available, to confirm the solenoid responds.
Clear the code only after recording freeze frame data: it shows the engine speed, load and temperature at the moment the fault set, which is often the best clue to reproducing it.
Live data to watch
These standard OBD2 values relate to P0246. Support varies by vehicle; a value your car does not report will simply be missing.
| Value | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Intake manifold absolute pressure (PID 0x0B) | Boost response. |
| Boost pressure control (PID 0x70) | Where supported, commanded duty and boost. |
Related codes
Codes from the same turbocharger wastegate solenoid family. If several are stored together, the shared part — wiring, a common reference voltage, or the component itself — is the place to start.
| Code | Definition |
|---|---|
| P0243 | Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid "A" |
| P0244 | Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid "A" Range/Performance |
| P0245 | Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid "A" Low |
| P0247 | Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid "B" |
| P0248 | Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid "B" Range/Performance |
| P0249 | Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid "B" Low |
| P0250 | Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid "B" High |
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0246 mean?
P0246 is the generic SAE J2012 code for "Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid "A" High". In plain terms, it means the engine computer has detected a "circuit high" fault on the turbocharger wastegate solenoid.
Can I keep driving with P0246?
Drive gently: boost control is compromised until it is fixed.
What should I check first for P0246?
Inspect the solenoid connector and its vacuum or pressure hoses.
Definition source: SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 generic DTC definitions. This is the generic meaning that applies across makes; a manufacturer can define a code more narrowly or add its own sub-codes, so confirm against the service information for your vehicle before replacing parts. Written by the OBDAssistant engineering team — see our editorial policy.