P0244

Universal

Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid A Range/Performance

Definition source: General OBD-II reference catalog
Definition verification: Not independently verified for display.
Time: Varies by diagnosis and vehicle | Diagnostic difficulty: Medium
Medium Severity

The engine computer has detected that Wastegate Solenoid A or the boost-control system is not responding as expected. The solenoid helps regulate turbocharger boost by controlling the wastegate actuator. Depending on the vehicle and the fault, the engine may have reduced power or altered boost, but the code does not by itself prove that the solenoid needs replacement.

Report an error with this code

⚠️ Before You Begin (Safety First)

If the vehicle loses substantial power, produces heavy smoke, makes unusual turbocharger noises, overheats, or displays an oil-pressure warning, stop driving when it is safe and arrange an inspection. Avoid hard acceleration until the fault is diagnosed.

Common Symptoms

  • There may be no noticeable symptoms if the detected mismatch is intermittent or has little effect on engine operation.
  • Reduced acceleration or engine power may occur if the computer limits boost to protect the engine or turbocharger.
  • Boost may be lower or higher than expected if the wastegate control system does not respond properly.
  • A warning light may appear when the engine computer detects the condition.

Common Causes

  • Wastegate Solenoid A may be sticking, responding inconsistently, or otherwise failing to control the actuator as expected.
  • A damaged, loose, or corroded electrical connector or wiring fault may disrupt the solenoid control circuit.
  • A split, disconnected, restricted, or leaking hose in the boost-control system may prevent the commanded response.
  • The wastegate actuator or related mechanical linkage may stick, leak, or fail to move as expected.
  • A boost leak or another issue affecting turbocharger response may contribute to the detected performance mismatch.

Diagnostic Steps

  1. Record the code and any freeze-frame information before clearing anything; this can help identify the conditions when the fault was detected.
  2. With the engine off and cool, visually inspect accessible solenoid wiring and connectors for looseness, corrosion, damaged insulation, or disconnected plugs.
  3. With the engine off and cool, inspect accessible boost-control hoses for disconnection, cracking, kinks, or obvious damage; do not disconnect or adjust parts just to test them.
  4. Check for other stored codes that may point to an electrical, boost-leak, or engine-performance issue, and note them for diagnosis.
  5. If the code returns or symptoms are present, have a qualified technician test solenoid operation, circuit integrity, and wastegate response using vehicle-specific procedures.

When to Call a Professional

A technician can review code and freeze-frame data, inspect the solenoid circuit and boost-control plumbing, and use scan-tool commands or suitable test equipment to compare the commanded solenoid response with wastegate and boost behavior. Test procedures and specifications vary by model, year, and engine.

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Commonly Asked Questions

Does P0244 prove that the wastegate solenoid is faulty?

No. It identifies a range or performance issue involving Wastegate Solenoid A control, but wiring, hoses, the actuator, or another boost-response problem can also contribute.

Can I keep driving with P0244?

A short, cautious trip may be possible if the vehicle runs normally and no serious warning signs are present. Avoid hard acceleration, and stop driving if there is major power loss, heavy smoke, unusual turbocharger noise, overheating, or an oil-pressure warning.

What does the wastegate solenoid do?

It helps control the wastegate actuator, which regulates turbocharger boost. The engine computer monitors whether the control system responds as expected.

Why can the code return after clearing it?

Clearing a code does not repair the cause. If the underlying control, electrical, hose, or mechanical issue remains and is detected again, the code may return.

Browse Available Code Guides

Previous and next available guides in database record order, across makes. Adjacent entries may share a code number and do not necessarily describe related faults.