P0248

Universal

Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid B 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 wastegate solenoid helps control turbocharger boost by regulating the wastegate actuator. This code means the system detected that solenoid B's operation or response was outside the expected range. It identifies a detected condition, not proof that the solenoid itself has failed. Depending on the vehicle and the cause, boost and engine performance may be affected.

Report an error with this code

⚠️ Before You Begin (Safety First)

If the vehicle drives normally, avoid hard acceleration and heavy loads until it is checked. Stop driving and arrange assistance if there is severe power loss, heavy smoke, unusual turbocharger noise, overheating, or other signs of a serious engine problem.

Common Symptoms

The check-engine light may be on, with no obvious change in how the vehicle drives.
Reduced power or sluggish acceleration may occur if boost is not controlled as expected.
The engine may feel unusually weak or perform inconsistently under load.
The vehicle may limit engine performance if its control system responds to the detected condition.
Some vehicles may show no noticeable symptoms beyond the stored code.

Common Causes

Wastegate solenoid B may not respond as expected because of an internal fault or sticking.
A loose, damaged, corroded, or otherwise faulty electrical connection or circuit may affect solenoid operation.
A damaged, disconnected, restricted, or leaking hose in the wastegate control system may interfere with actuator response, where the vehicle uses such hoses.
The wastegate actuator or mechanical linkage may be sticking, damaged, or unable to move as expected.
A boost-system leak or another issue affecting turbocharger control may contribute to the detected performance condition.

Diagnostic Steps

Check the owner's manual for the warning-light guidance for the vehicle. Avoid hard acceleration or heavy loads while the code remains unresolved.
With the engine off and cool, visually inspect accessible wiring and connectors around the turbocharger control system for looseness, damage, or corrosion. Do not touch hot turbocharger components.
If accessible without removing parts, look for disconnected, cracked, or visibly damaged hoses associated with wastegate control. Do not assume every vehicle uses the same hose arrangement.
Use a compatible scan tool to record the code and any related codes or available freeze-frame information before clearing anything; this can help preserve clues about when the condition occurred.
If the code returns or symptoms are present, have a technician test solenoid operation, its circuit, actuator movement, and the boost-control system using vehicle-specific service information.

When to Call a Professional

A technician can compare scan-tool data with commanded wastegate operation, check for related codes, inspect the solenoid circuit and its connections, and assess actuator movement and relevant hoses or boost-system leaks. The specific tests depend on the vehicle's design; the code alone does not establish which part needs replacement.

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Commonly Asked Questions

Does P0248 prove that wastegate solenoid B needs replacing?

No. It reports a range or performance condition involving the solenoid's operation. Wiring, connections, hoses, actuator movement, or other boost-control problems may also contribute.

Can I keep driving with P0248?

If the vehicle has no serious symptoms, cautious driving to arrange diagnosis may be reasonable. Avoid hard acceleration and heavy loads. Stop if you notice severe power loss, heavy smoke, unusual turbocharger noise, or overheating.

What does the wastegate solenoid do?

It helps regulate operation of the wastegate actuator, which controls turbocharger boost. The exact control arrangement varies by vehicle.

Why might there be no noticeable symptoms?

The detected deviation may be intermittent or may not strongly affect engine performance in the conditions you have experienced. A stored code can still warrant diagnosis, especially if it returns.

What information is needed to choose the right test or repair?

The model, year, engine, related codes, and scan data help determine the vehicle's system layout and appropriate procedures. The code by itself does not identify a specific failed part.

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.