P0248 – Meaning, Symptoms, Causes & How to Fix It

P0248 is a turbocharger-related trouble code that can leave you wondering if it’s safe to keep driving or if you’re about to face an expensive repair. This code points to an electrical problem in the wastegate solenoid “B” control circuit, which affects how your turbo builds and controls boost. In this guide, you’ll learn what P0248 actually means, common symptoms, how serious it is, and the typical fixes a mechanic uses in the shop so you can make smart decisions about your car and your wallet.

What Does P0248 Mean?

P0248 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code that stands for “Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid B – Low.” In simple terms, your engine control unit (ECU) is seeing lower-than-expected voltage or signal on the control circuit for the turbo wastegate solenoid labeled “B.”

This solenoid controls how much boost pressure the turbocharger makes by opening and closing the wastegate. When the ECU detects a low signal, it assumes the circuit is shorted, has high resistance, or the solenoid itself is failing. That can lead to incorrect boost control, reduced power, and possible engine protection strategies like limp mode.

Quick Reference

Code: P0248
Meaning: Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid “B” – Low signal
System: Turbocharger / Boost control
Primary concern: Incorrect boost, reduced power, possible limp mode
Typical causes: Bad wastegate solenoid, wiring fault, connector issues, ECU driver fault

Real-World Example / Field Notes

In the shop, I usually see P0248 on turbocharged gas and diesel vehicles that come in with a complaint like “no power” or “feels like the turbo quit.” One example was a late-model diesel pickup that lost power while towing. The owner thought the turbo had failed. Scan data showed P0248 and low boost under load. A quick check with a multimeter found a corroded connector at the wastegate solenoid “B” – green crust inside the plug. Cleaning and re-pinning the connector, then clearing the code, brought all the power back with no turbo replacement needed.

Symptoms of P0248

Check engine light on: The MIL/SES light will usually illuminate and store P0248 as a current or pending code.
Low power or poor acceleration: You may feel sluggish performance, especially under boost or while climbing hills.
Limp mode operation: The ECU may limit boost and fuel to protect the engine, making the vehicle feel “stuck” at low power.
Irregular boost response: Boost may come in late, be weaker than normal, or feel inconsistent during acceleration.
Increased fuel consumption: With reduced boost and efficiency, you might notice worse MPG than usual.
Turbo noise changes: You may hear less turbo whistle or a different tone due to altered wastegate control.
Possible smoke on diesels: Some diesel engines may show black smoke under load if boost is not matching fueling.

Common Causes of P0248

Most Common Causes

Failed wastegate solenoid “B”: The solenoid coil can short internally or develop high resistance, causing a low signal.
Damaged wiring harness: Chafed, pinched, or melted wires between the ECU and the solenoid are very common on turbo engines due to heat and vibration.
Corroded or loose connector: Moisture intrusion at the solenoid plug or intermediate connectors can lower voltage and trigger the code.
Poor ground or power supply: Weak ground points or shared power feeds with other components can cause low-voltage conditions.

Less Common Causes

ECU driver failure: The internal transistor that controls the solenoid can fail, leaving the circuit stuck low or unable to drive current.
Aftermarket tuning or wiring modifications: Poorly installed boost controllers, piggyback ECUs, or deleted components can interfere with the factory circuit.
Incorrect or mismatched solenoid: Using the wrong replacement part with different resistance or pinout can confuse the ECU.
Internal harness corrosion: On older or rust-belt vehicles, hidden corrosion inside the insulation can increase resistance.

Diagnosis: Step-by-Step Guide

To properly diagnose P0248, you’ll want at least a quality scan tool, a digital multimeter (DMM), basic hand tools, and ideally a wiring diagram for your specific vehicle. If you’re comfortable with electrical testing, you can do the basics at home; otherwise, a professional technician can follow a similar process.

Confirm the code and check for companions. Connect a scan tool, read all stored and pending codes, and note any related turbo or boost codes (like P0243–P0249). Addressing multiple codes together often points directly to a wiring or power issue.
Check freeze-frame data. Look at engine load, RPM, and boost when P0248 set. This tells you if the fault occurs under heavy load, cruising, or at idle, which helps narrow down intermittent vs. constant problems.
Visual inspection of the solenoid and wiring. Locate wastegate solenoid “B” (often near the turbo or on the firewall). Inspect the connector, wiring loom, and nearby components for heat damage, rubbing, oil saturation, or broken clips.
Inspect and clean connectors. Unplug the solenoid and look for bent pins, corrosion, or moisture. Clean with electrical contact cleaner, dry thoroughly, and apply dielectric grease if appropriate before reconnecting.
Check solenoid coil resistance. With the solenoid unplugged and the ignition off, use a multimeter to measure resistance across the solenoid terminals. Compare to the service manual spec. An open circuit, very low resistance, or a reading far outside spec means the solenoid is faulty.
Verify power and ground at the connector. With the key on, back-probe the solenoid connector. You should see proper battery voltage on the power feed and a good ground or ECU-controlled signal on the other terminal, depending on design. Low or no voltage indicates a wiring or power supply problem.
Perform wiggle test on the harness. While monitoring voltage or using the scan tool to watch the solenoid command, gently move the wiring harness. If readings jump or the code sets, you likely have an intermittent wiring fault.
Check continuity to the ECU. If power and ground are questionable, disconnect the ECU connector (battery disconnected first) and check continuity and resistance from the solenoid connector to the ECU pins. High resistance or an open circuit points to a harness issue.
Use scan tool bi-directional control (if available). Many advanced scan tools can command the wastegate solenoid on/off. Listen or feel for the solenoid clicking. If the ECU commands it but there’s no action and wiring is good, suspect a bad solenoid.
Evaluate ECU if all else passes. Only after confirming the solenoid, wiring, power, and grounds are good should you consider an ECU fault. At this point, professional testing or ECU substitution may be needed.

Pro tip: On some vehicles, Mode $06 data will show turbo or wastegate-related test results before a hard code sets. Checking Mode $06 can help you catch a weak solenoid or marginal wiring early, especially if P0248 is intermittent.

Possible Fixes & Repair Costs

Repairs for P0248 focus on restoring proper voltage and control to the wastegate solenoid “B” circuit. Depending on the cause, the fix may be simple and inexpensive or more involved.

Replace wastegate solenoid “B”: Common fix. Parts typically run $50–$200, with labor $80–$200 depending on access.
Repair or replace damaged wiring: Splicing in new wire, repairing chafed sections, or replacing a short harness section usually costs $100–$350, depending on complexity.
Clean or replace connectors: Cleaning and re-pinning is relatively low-cost, often $50–$150 in labor plus any connector parts.
Restore power/ground circuits: Fixing bad grounds, corroded junctions, or blown fuses/relays can range from $75–$250.
ECU repair or replacement (rare): If the ECU driver is bad, you may be looking at $500–$1,500+ including programming.

Typical repair costs for P0248 usually fall in the $150–$500 range when it’s just a solenoid or wiring issue. Factors that affect cost include vehicle make, how buried the turbo components are, dealer vs. independent shop labor rates, and whether additional parts (hoses, brackets, heat shields) need to be removed or replaced.

Can I Still Drive With P0248?

You can usually drive short distances with P0248, but you may notice reduced power and poor acceleration. The ECU often limits boost to protect the engine, which can make highway merging, passing, or towing more difficult and potentially unsafe. If the vehicle goes into limp mode or you notice severe power loss, avoid heavy loads and high-speed driving. It’s best to diagnose and repair the issue soon to restore normal performance and prevent related problems.

What Happens If You Ignore P0248?

If you ignore P0248, you may get used to the reduced power and worse fuel economy, but long-term driving with incorrect boost control isn’t ideal. On some engines, chronic low or erratic boost can lead to excessive soot buildup, EGR issues, DPF problems on diesels, and extra strain on the turbocharger. You also risk the code masking new, more serious boost-related issues that could cause engine damage if not caught early.

Last updated: February 13, 2026

Key Takeaways

P0248 means the ECU sees a low signal on the turbo wastegate solenoid “B” control circuit.
Common causes are a bad solenoid, wiring damage, or corroded connectors near the turbo.
Symptoms include low power, limp mode, and inconsistent boost, but the engine usually still runs.
Most repairs involve replacing the solenoid or fixing wiring and typically cost $150–$500.
Driving with P0248 for a short time is usually possible, but you should repair it soon to avoid performance and potential long-term issues.

Vehicles Commonly Affected by P0248

P0248 is most common on turbocharged vehicles, both gasoline and diesel. You’ll often see it on:

Turbocharged diesel pickups from manufacturers like Ford, Chevrolet/GMC, and Ram.
European turbo cars and SUVs from VW, Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.
Turbocharged four-cylinder engines from Subaru, Ford EcoBoost, Hyundai, Kia, and Mazda.
Light commercial vans and work trucks with factory turbo-diesel engines.

The exact layout of the wastegate solenoid “B” and wiring will vary by manufacturer, but the diagnostic approach is similar across most modern turbocharged platforms.

FAQ

Can P0248 cause engine damage?

P0248 by itself usually doesn’t cause immediate engine damage because the ECU tends to reduce boost and protect the engine. However, if you ignore it long-term and other boost-related problems develop, you could see issues like excessive soot buildup, higher exhaust temperatures, or turbo wear. Fixing it promptly is the safest choice.

Is P0248 always a bad turbo?

No, P0248 is rarely caused by a failed turbocharger itself. It’s an electrical code for the wastegate solenoid “B” circuit. Most of the time the problem is the solenoid, wiring, or connector. The turbo only becomes a suspect if you also have mechanical boost issues or noise along with other related codes.

Can I clear P0248 and keep driving?

You can clear the code with a scan tool, and it may stay off for a while if the problem is intermittent. But if the underlying issue isn’t fixed, P0248 will usually return under similar driving conditions. Clearing the code is fine for testing, but don’t rely on that as a permanent solution.

How do I know if the wastegate solenoid “B” is bad?

The best way is to test it electrically. Measure the coil resistance and compare it to the factory spec, check for proper power and ground at the connector, and use a scan tool to command it on and off. If the wiring and ECU command are good but the solenoid doesn’t respond or is out of spec, it’s likely bad.

Can aftermarket tuning cause P0248?

Yes, poorly done tuning or add-on boost controllers can interfere with the factory wastegate control circuits. If wiring is altered, spliced incorrectly, or the ECU is commanding boost levels outside its normal range, you may see codes like P0248. If the code started after modifications, inspect that work first or temporarily return the vehicle to stock for diagnosis.

P0248 – Turbo/Super Charger Wastegate Solenoid “B” Range/Performance