Failed wastegate solenoid (open or shorted coil); Damaged, disconnected, or corroded wiring or connector at the solenoid; Vacuum or pressure hose leak between the solenoid and wastegate actuator; Sticking or seized wastegate actuator or linkage; Faulty PCM driver circuit (rare); Boost pressure sensor or mass airflow sensor providing incorrect feedback (less common)

DTC codes / P02xx · Fuel and air metering (injector circuits) / P0243

P0243Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid A Malfunction

Q: What does code P0243 mean?

Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid A Malfunction. P0243 indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an electrical fault in the circuit for turbocharger wastegate solenoid A, which controls boost pressure by bypassing exhaust gas around the turbine. The PCM monitors the solenoid's command and feedback circuits and sets this code when the voltage or current falls outside the expected range for the commanded state.

P0243 indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an electrical fault in the circuit for turbocharger wastegate solenoid A, which controls boost pressure by bypassing exhaust gas around the turbine. The PCM monitors the solenoid's command and feedback circuits and sets this code when the voltage or current falls outside the expected range for the commanded state.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaFuel and air metering (injector circuits)

Symptoms you may notice

Illumination of the check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms
Reduced engine power or limp mode due to overboost protection
Poor acceleration or sluggish throttle response
Audible hissing or whistling from the turbocharger area under boost
Decreased fuel economy because the engine may run rich or retarded timing
In some cases, a slight surge or hesitation during acceleration

Common causes, most likely first

Failed wastegate solenoid (open or shorted coil)
Damaged, disconnected, or corroded wiring or connector at the solenoid
Vacuum or pressure hose leak between the solenoid and wastegate actuator
Sticking or seized wastegate actuator or linkage
Faulty PCM driver circuit (rare)
Boost pressure sensor or mass airflow sensor providing incorrect feedback (less common)

How to diagnose and fix it

Inspect the wastegate solenoid connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, or loose pins
Test the solenoid's resistance with a multimeter and compare to the manufacturer's specification
Check all vacuum/pressure hoses for cracks, splits, or disconnections
Command the solenoid on and off with a scan tool and listen for an audible click
Verify that the wastegate actuator moves freely and is not stuck
If the solenoid fails electrical tests, replace it and clear the code
If the code persists after replacement, check the PCM driver circuit with a noid light or oscilloscope

What Most Technicians Miss on P0243

A stuck-open wastegate can cause low boost and set P0243 without any electrical fault in the solenoid, so always verify mechanical operation before replacing parts.
Corroded terminals inside the solenoid connector often mimic a failed solenoid; a wiggle test while monitoring solenoid command can reveal an intermittent connection.
Some vehicles use the wastegate solenoid to control vacuum to the actuator, and a leaking diaphragm inside the actuator itself can set this code by causing incorrect feedback.
The PCM may set P0243 as a result of a faulty boost pressure sensor reading, so check for related codes like P0236 or P0237 before condemning the solenoid.
After replacing the solenoid, a relearn or adaptation reset may be required on some vehicles to clear the code permanently.

Can I keep driving with P0243?

You can usually drive the vehicle with P0243, but avoid heavy acceleration or towing because the engine may enter limp mode or overboost protection, which can cause sudden power loss. Have the fault diagnosed soon to prevent potential turbocharger damage from uncontrolled boost.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.