What happens if I drive with P0243?

The car may enter limp mode and limit boost, which is the safe outcome. The unsafe outcome is uncontrolled overboost if the wastegate defaults closed. Do not risk it.

Is the boost control solenoid the same as the wastegate actuator?

No. The solenoid is the electronic valve that controls air pressure. The actuator is the mechanical device that opens and closes the wastegate flap. P0243 is about the solenoid.

Can I clean the solenoid instead of replacing it?

Sometimes blowing out a stuck solenoid with compressed air helps briefly, but if the coil is burned or the valve seat is worn, replacement is the correct fix.

Codes › P0243

P0243: The wastegate control solenoid for your turbocharger has failed

Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid A Malfunction

High severityCan you keep driving?

No, not safely. Without a working wastegate solenoid, boost control is unpredictable. The car may overbost or underbost. Pull over and have it towed if you cannot confirm the wastegate is defaulting to a safe position.

What it means

The wastegate solenoid, also called a boost control solenoid, is the electronic valve that controls air pressure to the wastegate actuator. The PCM adjusts this solenoid dozens of times per second under boost to hit the target pressure. P0243 means the PCM detected an electrical fault in the solenoid circuit, such as an open, short, or out-of-range resistance. Without working solenoid control, the wastegate defaults to its spring pressure, which usually means either full boost or no boost depending on the actuator design.

Common causes

Failed boost control solenoidThe solenoid coil burns out or the valve sticks. Most common cause.
Open or short in the solenoid wiring harnessThe harness near the turbo runs in a high-heat environment and cracks over time.
Corroded solenoid connectorOil and heat degrade the connector at the solenoid over time, breaking the circuit.
PCM output driver failureThe PCM drives the solenoid ground. A failed driver looks identical to a solenoid failure without testing.

What it costs

Boost control solenoid replacement$150 to $400 installed
Wiring or connector repair$100 to $300
PCM diagnosis and replacement$500 to $1,200

Symptoms

Check engine light on
Possible limp mode limiting boost
Either unusually low power (wastegate stuck open) or overboost risk (stuck closed)
Possible turbo surge or unusual turbo sounds

What to do next

Measure the solenoid resistance at the connector. Most boost control solenoids read between 15 and 30 ohms. An out-of-spec reading confirms a bad solenoid. If resistance is normal, check the harness for damage and confirm the PCM is supplying the correct ground signal. The solenoid is usually accessible and relatively affordable compared to turbocharger work.

Lewis shows live boost pressure and target boost so you can see whether the car is overboosting, underboosting, or losing boost control entirely. Download Lewis.

Related codes

FAQ

What happens if I drive with P0243?: The car may enter limp mode and limit boost, which is the safe outcome. The unsafe outcome is uncontrolled overboost if the wastegate defaults closed. Do not risk it.
Is the boost control solenoid the same as the wastegate actuator?: No. The solenoid is the electronic valve that controls air pressure. The actuator is the mechanical device that opens and closes the wastegate flap. P0243 is about the solenoid.
Can I clean the solenoid instead of replacing it?: Sometimes blowing out a stuck solenoid with compressed air helps briefly, but if the coil is burned or the valve seat is worn, replacement is the correct fix.