P0243

Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Actuator A

Turbo / boost control Generic OBD-II High

What it means

P0243 means the engine computer has detected a fault in the turbocharger wastegate control solenoid (A) circuit. This solenoid regulates boost pressure, so a fault can cause low or excessive boost, reduced power and poorer fuel economy. The engine still runs, but performance suffers and a hard overboost may trigger limp mode.

High

Can I keep driving? You can drive it, but expect low power or turbo lag; an overboost fault may drop the engine into limp mode, so fix it soon.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

1,218

scans in the past year

Found in

0.2%

of scans

0.3%

of scans that found faults

Appears alongside · share of P0243 scans

P0683in 38.2% of scans

P0110in 23.7% of scans

P0100in 19.5% of scans

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Common symptoms

What you'll notice

Check-engine light on
Reduced power or turbo lag
Over-boost or under-boost
Poorer fuel economy

Common causes

Most likely first

Failed wastegate control solenoidLikely
Damaged wiring or a faulty connector in the circuitCommon
Corroded electrical connectionsCommon
Cracked or leaking vacuum/boost hose to the wastegate actuatorLess often
Failed ECM (rare)Less often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Inspect the wastegate solenoid connector and wiring for damage or corrosion.
Test the solenoid's resistance and operation, and check its vacuum/boost hoses for leaks.
Confirm the wastegate actuator moves freely and isn't seized.
Replace the wastegate control solenoid if it fails testing.
Only consider the ECM after the solenoid, wiring and hoses check out.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0243?+

For gentle driving, usually — but boost control is compromised, so power may be low and a hard overboost can trigger limp mode. Avoid heavy throttle until it's fixed.

Can I just clear P0243?+

It will return once the ECM commands the wastegate solenoid and sees the fault again. The solenoid or its wiring needs repair.

Read & clear P0243 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX