P0245: The wastegate solenoid circuit is reading abnormally low voltage
Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid A Low
The turbo wastegate solenoid signal is too low, so boost control is unreliable. Stop driving and have it towed for diagnosis.
Stop driving and get help if
- The check engine light is flashing
- The temperature gauge runs high, or you see steam (overheating)
- The car loses power, hesitates badly or stalls
- You smell burning or see smoke
- A brake warning light comes on, or the brakes feel different
Pull over as soon as you can, turn the engine off, and call a tow or roadside help.
What it means
P0245 is a more specific version of P0243. It means the PCM measured voltage on the wastegate solenoid circuit that is lower than expected, pointing to a short to ground or an open in the power supply side. The solenoid needs the correct voltage to modulate the wastegate properly. A low voltage reading usually means the power feed is broken or the solenoid is shorting internally. Without proper voltage, the solenoid cannot move the wastegate as commanded.
Common causes
- Short to ground in the solenoid power or signal wireDamaged insulation near the turbo allows the wire to contact the engine block or chassis.
- Failed solenoid with internal shortThe solenoid coil can short internally, pulling voltage low at the circuit.
- Open in the solenoid supply fuse or relaySome turbocharged vehicles use a dedicated relay for boost solenoid power. Check fuses first.
- Corroded connector pulling voltage downHigh resistance at the connector terminal creates a voltage drop that reads as a low-voltage fault.
What the fix could involve
From the cheaper fix to the bigger one. Prices depend on your car, your area and the shop, so ask for a written quote that names the part and the labor before you approve it.
- Fuse or relay replacement
- Wiring repair
- Boost control solenoid replacement
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Limp mode or reduced boost
- Possible no boost at all if the solenoid defaults open
- Sluggish acceleration
What to do next
Check the solenoid circuit fuse first. Then measure voltage at the solenoid connector with the ignition on. If voltage is absent, trace the supply wire back to the fuse or PCM. If voltage is present but low, check for a partial short to ground in the harness. If the solenoid itself shows low resistance (less than 5 ohms on a 15 to 30 ohm solenoid), the coil is shorted internally.
Lewis reads P0245 alongside any related boost codes, so you can see whether the solenoid fault is already causing an underboost code. Get Lewis on the App Store or Google Play.
Related codes
FAQ
- Is P0245 different from P0243?
- Yes. P0243 is a general solenoid malfunction. P0245 specifically reports a low-voltage condition on the circuit, pointing more directly to a short to ground or power supply problem.
- Can P0245 go away on its own?
- Unlikely. A wiring short or corroded connector does not self-repair. The code will return on every drive cycle until the circuit is fixed.
- My car still drives. Is the solenoid actually broken?
- The car likely entered limp mode, which holds boost at a low fixed level. That is why it still moves. The solenoid circuit still needs repair, so get it checked before you rely on the car.
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