P0245: Turbocharger wastegate solenoid or regulating valve A: circuit low

Turbo wastegate solenoid A circuit low

Severity: Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected

The sources read (TroubleCodes.net and the Delaware DMV list) define the code but do not rate how urgent it is. Loss of boost power is possible, so have it checked.

Source: how we rate severity

P0245 in short

P0245 means the engine computer found a circuit low problem with turbocharger wastegate solenoid (regulating valve) A, the part that controls boost. TroubleCodes.net lists wiring, the solenoid or actuator, vacuum hoses and the boost sensor as common causes. Check the wiring and hoses first.

The wastegate lets exhaust bypass the turbo so boost stays within a safe limit. The computer controls it through solenoid A, and it sets this code when what it sees in that control does not fit what it commanded.

TroubleCodes.net names damaged wiring or connectors, a defective solenoid or actuator, a faulty boost sensor, leaking vacuum hoses and, rarely, the computer. On twin-turbo engines, solenoid A has to be located from the service manual. TroubleCodes.net adds that a damaged actuator linkage or turbocharger can also set the low code.

Most likely causes

These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.

  1. Cause 1: Damaged, corroded or disconnected wiring or connector

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists wiring first and it is the cheapest check.
    What would change this
    Rises if a harness fault is seen. Falls if it tests clean.
  2. Cause 2: Defective wastegate solenoid, actuator or wastegate

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    The solenoid and actuator are the parts the code is about, but they are replaced only after wiring and hoses are cleared.
    What would change this
    Rises if wiring is good and the solenoid or actuator does not respond when commanded.
  3. Cause 3: Leaking or disconnected vacuum hoses

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Listed by TroubleCodes.net for the wastegate control codes on vacuum-operated systems.
    What would change this
    Rises if a hose is split or off. Falls on electric actuators with no hoses.
    How to test the vacuum hoses and intake leaks
  4. Cause 4: Faulty boost pressure sensor

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    A wrong boost reading can make the computer judge the wastegate wrongly.
    What would change this
    Rises if the boost sensor reading is wrong with the engine off.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Step 1: Read all stored codes, including any boost sensor codes, and note which solenoid is A in the service manual.

    Low riskTool: scan tool

  2. Step 2: With the engine off and cool, look over the solenoid connector, wiring and vacuum hoses for damage, splits or loose fittings.

    Low riskTool: visual check

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Reduced power or poor boost

How to fix

  1. Step 1: With the engine off and cool, look over the wastegate solenoid wiring and any vacuum hoses for damage or a loose fitting.

  2. Step 2: Ask a shop to confirm which solenoid is A on your vehicle before replacing parts.

On your vehicle

Jeep

  • 2021–2023 · Wrangler

    Supported by vehicle data

    Jeep bulletin S2308000121 covers a check engine lamp with codes P0245 and P2AB8; the summary gives nothing more on 2021-2023 vehicles. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • S2308000121Status unverified

    Check engine lamp on with P0245 and P2AB8

    2021–2023wrangler · issued · NHTSA 10248862

    Jeep bulletin for the check engine lamp on with codes P0245 and P2AB8 on 2021-2023 Wrangler. The summary says nothing more. Only the NHTSA summary was read.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Ford

  • 2013–2016 · Escape

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford bulletin TSB150162 covers lack of power with the check engine light on and codes P0234, P0245, P0246 and/or P0299 on the 1.6L GTDI engine on 2013-2016 vehicles. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 2013–2016 · Fiesta

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford bulletin TSB150162 covers lack of power with the check engine light on and codes P0234, P0245, P0246 and/or P0299 on the 1.6L GTDI engine on 2013-2016 vehicles. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 2013–2016 · Fusion

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford bulletin TSB150162 covers lack of power with the check engine light on and codes P0234, P0245, P0246 and/or P0299 on the 1.6L GTDI engine on 2013-2016 vehicles. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • TSB150162Status unverified

    1.6L GTDI lack of power with MIL on and P0234, P0245, P0246 and/or P0299

    2013–2016escape, fiesta, fusion · issued · NHTSA 10204982

    Some 2013-2016 Escape, 2014-2016 Fiesta ST and 2013-2014 Fusion with the 1.6L GTDI engine may lack power with the check engine light on and codes P0234, P0245, P0246 and/or P0299. The cached summary is cut off there. Only the NHTSA summary was read.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

All Turbocharging, fuel pressure and EGR codes

Sources and review

  1. On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Codes (generic code title list) — Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
  2. P0245 trouble code page — TroubleCodes.net
  3. S2308000121: Check engine lamp on with P0245 and P2AB8 — Jeep
  4. TSB150162: 1.6L GTDI lack of power with MIL on and P0234, P0245, P0246 and/or P0299 — Ford
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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