01 What Happens Inside an Engine at High Speed • 02 How to Troubleshoot a Multimeter: A Step-by-Step Guide • 03 In-Depth Look at ABS: How Your Brakes Adapt to Prevent Whee… • 04 How safe are self-driving or autonomous driving cars? • 05 P0021 A camshaft postion - timing over-advanced or system p… • 06 Mastering DC Motors: A Comprehensive Guide to Types, Operat… • 07 Do All Four Brakes in a Car Engage When Braking? • 08 The One Mistake People Make When Skipping Gears in Manual T… • 09 Unleashing the Power of Variable Geometry Turbochargers: A … • 10 Are EVs Really Better for the Environment or Just Marketing? •

DTC codes / P02xx · Fuel and air metering (injector circuits) / P0248

P0248Turbo/Super Charger Wastegate Solenoid 'B' Range/Performance

P0248 indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an out-of-range or performance fault in the turbocharger or supercharger wastegate solenoid 'B' circuit, which controls boost pressure by regulating the wastegate actuator. The PCM monitors the solenoid's electrical response and the resulting boost level, and it sets this code when the commanded boost does not match the actual boost or when the solenoid's feedback signal falls outside the expected range.

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 a limp-home mode due to overboost protection
  • Poor acceleration or sluggish throttle response from inadequate boost
  • Audible hissing or whistling from the engine bay under acceleration
  • Rough idle or hesitation if the wastegate is stuck open
  • Increased fuel consumption or black smoke from overboost conditions

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Faulty wastegate solenoid 'B' (sticking, seized, or electrically failed)
  2. Damaged or disconnected vacuum/boost hoses to the wastegate actuator or solenoid
  3. Corroded or damaged electrical connectors and wiring at the solenoid
  4. Carbon buildup or mechanical binding in the wastegate linkage or actuator
  5. Failed wastegate actuator diaphragm or spring
  6. PCM software calibration issue or internal driver fault (rare)

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Inspect all vacuum and boost hoses for cracks, splits, or disconnections, and replace as needed
  2. Check the electrical connector and wiring at the wastegate solenoid for corrosion, damage, or loose pins
  3. Test the solenoid's resistance and function with a multimeter and a scan tool bidirectional control
  4. Verify that the wastegate actuator moves freely and that the linkage is not binding or carbon-fouled
  5. Compare commanded boost to actual boost using a scan tool to confirm a performance fault
  6. Replace the wastegate solenoid if it fails electrical or functional tests
  7. Clear the code and perform a road test to verify the repair and ensure the monitor runs to completion

Wastegate solenoid diagnostics you should not skip

  • A stuck-open wastegate often produces no driveability symptoms beyond the check engine light, leading owners to ignore a fault that can eventually cause overboost and engine damage.
  • Many technicians replace the solenoid without first checking the vacuum lines, which are a common source of leaks that mimic solenoid failure.
  • The code can be set by a mechanical wastegate actuator that is binding or misadjusted, not just by an electrical fault in the solenoid circuit.
  • On some vehicles, a dirty mass airflow sensor or a boost leak elsewhere can cause the PCM to command wastegate duty cycles that trigger this code.
  • Always check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the specific make and model, as some PCM calibrations have known issues that require a software update.

Can I keep driving with P0248?

You can usually drive the vehicle with this code, but avoid aggressive acceleration and heavy load until it is repaired, as a faulty wastegate can cause overboost that may damage the turbocharger or engine. If the vehicle enters limp mode or you hear abnormal noises, seek service promptly.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

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

Running on fumes Free guides aren't free to make. Top up the tank. Any amount, one time. Fuel the Garage